Fragrant plants, the swish of flowing water, and the whisper of wind chimes carried by the gentle evening breezes enhance the mystery of summer twilight. Although white flowers in daylight are a pleasing picture creating a felling of coolness and refinement, the moonlit garden is enchanting with flower shapes standing out as if they were lights themselves. At evening time, settle yourself into a comfortable Adirondack, sip on a refreshing beverage, and enjoy your Moonlit Garden.
What plants will you be enjoying in your garden? What qualities make them special? What combination of lighting and garden accents will enhance the garden experience? While searching for the perfect combination of plants for your moonlit garden select those with light flower coloration of various heights and fragrances. Select silvery iridescent foliage, different textures, or night blooming flowers.
The poplar Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) is a half-hardy perennial whose lacey silver-gray leaves bask in the sunshine during the day and glimmer in the moonlight at night. Dusty Miller is a drought tolerant that demands full sun and a well-drained soil.
Try the heady fragrance of the waxy white, funnel shaped tuberoses (Polianthes tuberosa). These white tubular flowers are loosely arranged on spikes that can reach 3 or 4 feet in height. They have long, narrow, grass-like basal leaves. The tuberose is available with either single or double flowers. It is best located near patios, walks and decks, or in containers so it may be placed where its perfume may be enjoyed to the fullest.
In evenings and on cloudy days white, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers grace the vigorous Moonflower vine. Trumpets may be up to 6 inches across while the vine rambles up to 20 feet in length. To keep the Moonflower happy, be sure to give it plenty of sunshine.
You may modify the plant selection to include an all white theme, night-scented flowers, or night blooming flowers. Another way to vary this garden is to add plants with foliage in contrasting shades of white, blue, and gray. Your garden may also have flowers in pale pink, blue, or yellow, as these colors will reflect the glow of the moon at night. Don’t forget to include trees and shrubs with interesting shapes and exfoliating barks. These will look especially nice under lighting and during winter.
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Type | Fragrant | Drought Tolerance | Foliage Interest |
| Achillea millefolium | Common Yarrow | Perennial | Aromatic | Yes | Moderate |
| Azalea, Rhododendron | Rhododendron Varieties | Shrub | Yes | No | No |
| Cerastium tomentosum | Snow-In-Summer | Groundcover | No | Moderate | No |
| Chrysanthemum maximum | Shasta Daisy | Perennial | No | No | No |
| Cistus salvifolius | Sageleaf Rockrose | Groundcover | No | Yes | No |
| Clematis –white | Clematis spp | Vine | Yes | No | No |
| Gardenia ssp | Gardenia | Shrub | Yes | No | No |
| Hemerocallis spp | Selected Daylilies | Perennial | Yes | Moderate | No |
| Hosta | Hosta | Perennial | Yes | Moderate | Yes |
| Iberis sempervirens | Candytuft | Perennial | No | No | No |
| Impatiens | White Impatiens | Annual | No | No | No |
| Lamium Beaconsilver | Lamium | Groundcover | Slight | Moderate | Yes |
| Lilium | White, bicolor lilies | Bulb | Yes | Moderate | No |
| Mentha | Mint | Perennial | Yes | Moderate | Yes |
| Magnolia spp | Star Magnolia | Tree | Yes | No | No |
| Nicotiana-white | Nicotiana | Annual | Yes | Moderate | No |
| Rosa banksias ‘Alba Plena’ | Lady Bank’s Rose | Vine | Yes | No | No |
| Spiraea prunifolium | Bridalwreath | Shrub | No | No | No |
| Trachelospermum jasminoides | Star Jasmine | Vine | Yes | Moderate | No |
| Viburnum spp | Viburnum | Shrub | No | No | No |
| Yucca spp | Yucca | Perennial | Yes | Yes | No |