Night Phlox
Zaluzianskya capensis
Night Phlox is a charming South African annual with white star-shaped flowers that open at dusk, releasing an intoxicating vanilla-honey fragrance. Perfect for moon gardens and evening enjoyment.
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Summer through fall; flowers open at dusk and close by mid-morning
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: corydaliss and sacred daturas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Night Phlox is an heirloom plant from South Africa with a long history as a container plant in European gardens. The genus Zaluzianskya was named after Adam Zalužanský ze Zalužan, a 16th-century Polish physician and botanist. The plant's night-blooming habit and sweet fragrance (described as vanilla, honey, and marzipan) make it a favorite for moon gardens and evening relaxation. Its modest daytime appearance transforms at dusk into a fragrant spectacle, symbolizing hidden beauty revealed under moonlight.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (for best flower production) to partial shade
Water
Moderate; keep soil slightly moist; tolerates some drought once established
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile, Rich, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Best grown in containers (12-inch diameter with 6 plants) for easy placement
Plant near patios, porches, or windows to enjoy evening fragrance
Cut back to 4 inches after first bloom for second flowering
Sow seeds directly after frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost
Germinates in 7-14 days; flowers open only at night and in cloudy weather
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Moon gardens and evening fragrance gardens
- Containers and pots near seating areas
- Window boxes beneath bedroom windows
- Borders and edging plants
- Companion plant for other night-bloomers
Traditional Uses
- Not commonly used medicinally; primarily grown for ornamental and aromatic value
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Night Phlox
Why does night phlox only bloom at night?
Night phlox blooms at night to attract its primary pollinators—moths and other nocturnal insects. The flowers open at dusk, release their sweet fragrance, and close by mid-morning the next day.
What does night phlox smell like?
Night phlox has a sweet, intoxicating fragrance often described as a combination of vanilla, honey, and marzipan. The scent is strongest in the evening and has been compared to fresh-baked cake.
How do you grow night phlox from seed?
Sow night phlox seeds directly outdoors after the last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks before. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days and bloom in 10-12 weeks from sowing.
Is night phlox a perennial?
Night phlox is perennial in USDA zones 9-10 but is usually grown as an annual elsewhere. It reseeds easily and can return year after year in favorable climates.
Can night phlox grow in containers?
Yes, night phlox thrives in containers and is actually best grown this way. Use 12-inch pots with 6 plants each for a fuller display, and place them near seating areas to enjoy the evening fragrance.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Corydalis
Corydalis spp.
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Sacred Datura
Datura wrightii
Sacred Datura is a striking night-blooming perennial with large, fragrant white trumpet flowers. Native to the American Southwest, it is revered for its beauty and cultural significance, though all parts are highly toxic.
Moon Vine
Ipomoea alba L.
Moon vine produces spectacular fragrant white flowers that open at dusk and remain open through the night. Native to tropical Americas, these nocturnal bloomers symbolize mystery, romance, and the magic of moonlit gardens.