2 min readPictured Above: Close-up of a moonflower, or Ipomoea alba.
As the cool weather turns warm, most of us immediately start dreaming about the blooming flowers that lie ahead. While most people probably picture brightly hued flowers, there’s a type of garden that is all about neutrals, and it actually looks its best in moonlight.
It’s called a moon garden, which author and horticulturist Brie Arthur defines as a landscape designed to be enjoyed in the evening and at night, using plants with white, silver, or pale-colored flowers and foliage that reflect moonlight.
“Many moon gardens also feature highly fragrant flowers that release their scent after sunset, attracting night-active pollinators like moths,” Arthur says, adding that these are often “overlooked pollinators.”
During the day, when the sun is shining, a silvery-white moon garden will look “elegant and sophisticated,” as Arthur says, contrasting beautifully against the green foliage.
Moon gardens will work in every climate and USDA Hardiness Zone, but Arthur says that they might not be the best fit for gardeners who love bold, vibrant flower colors—they may find the palette “too restrained.”
“They are best suited for gardeners who appreciate fragrance, texture, and a more serene aesthetic,” Arthur remarks.
Here are more insights to know before adding a moon garden to your outdoor space.
What to Plant in a Moon Garden
As mentioned, a moon garden should feature light-colored flowers, silvery foliage, and plants with strong evening fragrance arranged where they can be easily viewed at dusk and after dark, as Arthur recommends. “The overall effect should feel luminous, calming, and inviting, with layers of texture that catch and reflect available light.”
Arthur says that some excellent annual choices for a moon garden include white pansies or violas, white petunias, white nicotiana (or flowering tobacco), moonflower vine, white angelonia, and sweet alyssum.
Additionally, some perennial options include white garden phlox, white coneflowers, Shasta daisies, and variegated hostas “for their foliage and their fragrant white flowers,” Arthur says.
But try not to put too much emphasis on the flowers. Arthur explains that a successful moon garden relies as much on foliage as flowers, “so don't overlook plants with silver, gray, or variegated leaves.”
Arthur also says that you can consider adding features to your moon garden like light-colored pathways, containers, benches, fountains, or decorative elements that can further enhance the garden's beauty after sunset.
How to Maintain a Moon Garden
“Maintenance of a moon garden is essentially the same as any other ornamental garden, with watering during establishment as the top task,” Arthur advises.
“Mulching, deadheading spent flowers, weeding, and dividing perennials as needed are also seasonal activities that will ensure your moon garden looks great all season. Regular pruning and replacement of annuals will help keep the garden looking bright and fresh throughout the growing season.”
This proves that reveling in your gorgeous garden doesn’t have to cease once the sun goes down—just make sure to bring some bug spray with you!
