Humans have a long relationship with the heavens above us. In the evening an through the night, the moon and the stars shine over us like watchful beacons. Many gardeners are obsessed with using them as the light in the garden, thus the creation of moon or moonlight gardens. Experience teaches us that the moon is only full long enough to light the garden for a few days each month, but how much more special that would make it!
Creating a moonlight garden is only steps away, with careful planning. Do you have a place that would work for such an endeavor? I would like to build it where the tree canopy does not reach if possible, to let the light shine. While a moonlight garden does not have to be huge, you want to be able to incorporate several design elements including water, sound, rest, and color. But why create one at all?
Reasons for the Moonlight Garden
Personally, I would like to create this garden for two reasons. One, for the fragrance of the flowers that are night bloomers. Many of our night-blooming flowers have a deeper and better fragrance profile at night. Two, for the nightlife. Pollinators like moths fascinate me, and I would prefer to create a garden where they can have the reign of control. Sure, there are nocturnal bees, but the moths reign supreme in my garden.
Other reasons might include having nighttime socials in the garden, attraction of bats and fireflies, or just the introduction of whit flowering plants in the garden. I can see a myriad of reasons for the creation of a moonlight garden.
Design Elements
When you are designing your moonlight garden there are many elements besides plants to think of. Do not get me wrong, I think the plant choices are more important, but there are structural elements that go into gardens that are hard to put in after the plants. Such things as walkways or paths (paving), seating areas, gates, and water need to be thought of before the plants.
Pathways
How are you going to enter or go through your moonlight garden? If it is just a small area, you may not need a pathway, but only a small lawn area. Maybe the lawn is composed of native sedges instead of grass, or maybe it is made of silvery groundcover like field pussytoes. If it is a larger garden space, with more “rooms” or nooks, then you will need a way to connect them. Stepping stones would likely be my choice, but each garden is unique and you must align with the rest of your garden’s style. Paving choices may include:
- Stones
- Wood coins
- Stamped concrete
- Pavers
- Gravel paths
- Mulched paths
- Turf
- Boardwalks
Seating Areas
No matter how you get there, you are going to want somewhere to sit. Even if the garden is only for your enjoyment, it is important to add seating. Maybe you prefer a hammock between posts or trees. Or maybe you would like a swing? Benches should be placed at minimum of every 20 feet for the best experience in your moonlight garden. If you are going to have regular garden parties, then I would suggest a paved area with table seating for at least 6, or maybe a gazebo or pergola. Yes, a pergola with moonflower trailing over the top…
Moon Gates
Moon gates are circular openings in the fence or wall that symbolize rebirth, renewal, or good luck. They are a traditional part of Chinese gardens, but have been adopted by many other cultures around the world. Americans especially like the beauty of a circular gate in their gardens. There are many ways to create a moon gate, from a recycled trampoline base to a stacked stone opening. I think it would be a grand addition to the moonlight garden to have a moon gate, even if it does not lead anywhere.
Water in the Moonlight Garden
Water is another element that should be considered in the moonlight garden. One of the reasons to have moving water is for the sound. There is nothing quite like the sound of bubbling or moving water. It seems to just soothe the soul. I remember the peaceful feeling of listening to the waves on the beach in Hawaii, and would like to recreate that feeling in my own garden, with water sounds.
Water in the garden also provides a natural source for animals and insects alike. The closer water is to the garden, the more likely you are to have birds, bees, and other wildlife. Water can be obtained with a bubbling fountain or rock, a small stream, or a bamboo fountain.
Plants for the Moonlight Garden
Moon gardens became popular in the United States in the late 1800s, but have been around for centuries in other places. Plants in the garden are typically white flowering, or have strong fragrance. Silvery colored leaves are also popular for moonlight garden plants. There are number of popular plants for moon gardens. Here are my 25 plants for the moonlight garden.
1. Moonflower
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is native to Florida. This vine is annual in the Central Great Plains, but grows fast up a trellis, especially when the nights get hot. I planted it in 2024 and was impressed by the flowering potential of the plant in July and August. The flowers open in the evening and bloom all night long before closing in the morning. They are very fragrant, with a pleasing aroma. It needs a trellis, arbor, or pergola to climb on.
2. Common Milkweed
One of my favorite natives, common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), is a spreading perennial which can grow 4 to 6 feet tall. Even though the flowers are typically pink or pale pink, the fragrance is what makes it perfect for the moon garden. They are perhaps the most fragrant of our native prairie plants. And they attract butterflies and moths, day and night! As a host for the Monarch butterfly, how can you go wrong with it in your garden? Just be sure to give it room to grow, or plant it into a sunken container to keep it back.
3. Mockorange
There are several species of mockorange to choose from, so pick a fragrant one. With new cultivars coming from Proven Winners, there are more selections for every garden. This shrub has excellent fragrance, and white flowers. There are several sizes to choose, so pick the one that best suits your moon garden space.
4. Great Plains Yucca
Most gardeners do not like yucca because they are difficult to eradicate once established. But as long as you deadhead after flowering, you need not worry about them spreading all over. And besides, the yucca blooms white and is pollinated by a moth that also lays its eggs in the seedpods. Now that is a cool association. And did you know that yuccas are also fragrant? They do have sharp leaves, so keep them away from walkways or seating.
5. Hydrangea ‘Flowerfull’
A new addition from Bailey Nursery, this smooth hydrangea cultivar has large, pure white flowers on strong stems. Now, these are not likely to attract any pollinators or insects, but they will shine in the moonlight of the garden. Growing 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, they fit in as a backdrop to perennials and smaller plantings in the garden.
6. Flowering Tobacco
Sometimes known by its Genus name Nicotiana, this annual flower has incredible fragrance, and long, tubular flowers which sphinx moths and hummingbirds pollinate. And though they come in a variety of colors, white and pale green are the most popular. They seem to just fit right into the moon garden atmosphere. They can be taller, around 4 feet, but plan to add them near seating areas for the most enjoyment by yourself or your guests.
7. Showy Evening Primrose
This native perennial (Oenothera speciosa) has white blooms, with a fragrant overlay, that open in the evening and bloom until mid morning the next day. It is a low growing plant, spreading by runners, as a groundcover. Plan to use it along the edges of the walkways, but keep it away from actual foot traffic. They attract sphinx moths and nocturnal bees.
8. Viburnum ‘Spice Baby’
When this cultivar of Korean Spice viburnum came out several years ago, I ordered it before we carried it at the nursery. I have been impressed with it since. The fragrance is exceptional, especially when a breeze flows over it. They can get large, up to 5 feet tall and wide, so be sure to put them near the back of the border or garden space. I have seen long-tongued bees and butterflies nectaring on it.
9. Foxglove Beardtongue
There are many new cultivars of this native perennial (Penstemon digitalis) which have white tubular flowers. Though not particularly fragrant, the white flowers are attractive to bees and sphinx moths. In my garden penstemons are upright, steady in the wind plants which combine well with many other plants. They grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, depending on the cultivar. I like to place the outside of the border of groundcover, but before the large perennials and shrubs.
10. Queen Anne’s Lace
One of the best biennial flowers for cutting gardens, the lacy foliage and pure white flowers belong in the moonlight garden. Despite a lack of fragrance, Queen Anne’s lace has the airy foliage that needs to be there. It is attractive to a wide range of pollinators including parasitoid wasps, beetles, moths, and others. Plant it in any spot that needs a filler plant for the summer.
11. Buttonbush
If you have room for this larger shrub (Cephalanthus occidentalis), then you should definitely add it to the moon garden. It can get 6 to 15 feet tall and wide. But the flowers are spiky balls of white, which attract sphinx moths, swallowtail butterflies, and many bees. It needs space to grow, but will reward you with those blooms in midsummer.
12. False Gaura
I wish there was a better common name for this gorgeous plant. It used to go by Stenosiphon (Oenothera glaucifolia) which was its previous taxa, but now it has been rightly moved into the evening primroses. With glowing white flowers on tall, slender stalks, it would fit right into the moonlight garden. It blooms in midsummer for several weeks and is attractive to night flying moths and bees. The plants grow 5 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide, but wispy. Plant it in masses behind shorter plantings, or along walls and fences.
13. Sweet Alyssum
This is perhaps one of the best low annuals for the moonlight garden. And it blooms all summer long in the right place. If you plant it along the border of a walkway or patio, then you will be happy with the lovely fragrance it gives off. Only growing 6 inches tall and 1 foot wide, sweet alyssum is usually white, but there are pink and purple cultivars too.
14. Common Elderberry
Native to the Central Great Plains and much more of North America, this long blooming shrub also has edible fruit in autumn. The berries should be cleaned and cooked before eating however. Plants of common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) grow 5 to 9 feet tall and can form large clumps or thickets. The white flowers do not close up at night, but give off a slight fragrance which attracts moths, bees, and other insects. Give it room to grow in the garden.
15. Swamp Milkweed ‘Ice Ballet’
This is actually a subspecies of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) which is found in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with white flowers instead of the pink. It also grows shorter, around 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. But milkweeds are known for their fragrance as well as for hosting monarchs, so add it to the moonlight garden. ‘Ice Ballet’ should be planted where it gets full sun, and consistent but not flooded moisture. It can take some drought though.
16. Lily ‘Casa Blanca’
What would a garden of white and fragrance be without at least one lily? Lilies are know to be very fragrant, and ‘Casa Blanca’ is no exception. The plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall and erupt with white blooms in July and August, sending sniffers into excitement. Plant them around your seating areas for the best enjoyment.
17. Biennial Bee-Blossom
Also called large-flower gaura (Oenothera filiformis), this biennial member of the evening primroses has late afternoon through night flowers which attract night moths and bees. The flowers are showy white edged in soft pink and fragrant. Plants are wispy, growing 4 to 9 feet tall by 3 feet wide, but can be interplanted with flowering tobacco, false gaura, and Queen Anne’s lace for a wind loving part of the garden.
18. Hairy Aster
To keep the moonlight garden blooming through fall, it is important to add some autumn flowers. Hairy aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) is just the flower for that. Growing in large clumps 4 feet tall and wide, the flowers cover the plant. Asters attract a wide range of insect pollinators while also hosting many more. They are also host to many pollen specialist bees. Plant them in the middle of the garden, under taller perennials, annuals, and shrubs.
19. Roughleaf Dogwood
I few years ago I might not have recommended putting this shrub (Cornus drummondii) into a moon garden, but now I would. Even though it grows 6 to 8 feet tall and can spread into a thicket, it has many qualities for the moonlight garden. With white blooming flowers which attract MANY pollinators and even some specialist bees, dogwood has a place in the garden. While the stems on this one are only tinged with red in winter, the plant does host several moth species on its leaves and stems. And it is the host for the Spring and Summer Azure butterflies. Plant it at the back of the garden.
20. Phlox ‘David’ or ‘Opening Act White’
Tall phlox is best known for its wildness in the garden, and its scourge of powdery mildew. But did you know that it is fragrant and that there are white varieties which attract night moths and butterflies in the garden? Both of the above varieties have wonderful white blossoms on 3 to 4 foot tall plants that grow 3 feet wide. Plant them in the middles of the garden for best results.
21. Culver’s Root
One of my favorites for attracting wasps to the garden this native perennial (Veronicastrum virginicum) grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has spikes of bright white or pale purple blossoms which flower all day and night long. Plant it among other middle of the moonlight garden plants in a border or bed.
22. Whorled Milkweed
Even though I put this milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) into the garden thug category, it does belong in the moonlight garden. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and can form large thickets of plants, but has bright white flowers from June to September, and attracts many pollinators. Just like other milkweeds, it does have fragrance which is more noticeable in the wind. Plant it either in a buried container or where it can run.
23. Daisy Fleabane
I had not thought to put this on my list, but it does have delicate white and yellow disc flowers which attract a variety of pollinators. It is easy to grow, and can be mixed with the milkweeds, evening primroses. and Culver’s root in the moonlight garden. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it can also be used for cut flowers.
24. Obedient Plant
One of the most fun plants for kids to learn, obedient plant (Physostegia angustifolia) grows 3 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. When you move the individual flowers around the stem, they stay in place, hence the “obedient” in the name. The flowers can be pink, pale pink, or white. They attract sphinx moths, long-tongued bees, and hummingbirds. Plant it alongside other taller perennials and shrubs near the back of the garden space.
25. Slender Mountain Mint
You could use any of the mountain mints in the moonlight garden, but slender (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium) is my favorite. It grows only 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feed wide, blooming from July to September. The flowers are white and lavender, and often form “crosses”. They have a slight fragrance which is enhanced at night and are attractive to many pollinators both day and night. And the leaves are minty and can be used in teas. Plant them along the walkway or patio, outside of the border plants.
Things You Might See in the Moonlight Garden
Now that your moonlight garden is planted, what should you look for while enjoying it? We have talked about the reasons for the garden, but what about what you would actually see? Pollinators and animals come to mind first for me, because I want to see the biodiversity of life around me. So what would I find? Depending on what part of the world you live in, there are many different things to see.
Animals
Bats are one of the first things that come to mind, at least, mine. Even though bats can carry rabies, they are usually harmless and do not attack humans in North America. There are 2 types, pollen eater and insect eaters. However, in the Central Great Plains we are unlikely to find any pollen eating bats. But insect eaters are great for us becuase they scoop up mosquitoes and other insects which may bother us. Yes, they will likely eat moths and pollinators too. Its all part of the ecosystem.
Other night time animals we may see include:
- Southern flying squirrel
- Salamanders
- Owls
- Nighthawk
- Whipporwill
- Skunks
- Opossum
- Mice
Insects
Of course, one of the reasons for making the moonlight garden is to attract night moths and bees. But what are we looking for here? I personally would like to see more of the larger silk moths, but would be happy with any insect.
- Silk moths
- Sphinx moths
- Underwing moths
- Other moths
- Fireflies
- Beetles
- Mayflies
- Crickets
Conclusion
The moonlight garden is a place of transformation. When you step into it under the light of the night sky, you will see an otherworldly place where light and darkness collide in harmony, not hatred. The stars shine, the moon glows, and the flowers dance in the breeze.
Happy planting!
