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Celebrate Halloween With Plants


© Sheri Ann Richerson

Up until a couple of years ago, I assumed that all plants bloomed in the day. What a suprise it was for me one morning to open my door and discover a bloom on my Angel Trumpet. Later in the day, I noticed the bloom was gone. Again, wrongly, I assumed that I had missed the bloom the day before. Needless to say, it took me quite a while to figure out that these beauties only bloom after sundown, and that their bloom would fade every morning. So, I decided there must be more of these tropical night bloomers out there somewhere just waiting to be discovered, and brought home to my garden.

The next night blooming plant that I came across was from the Cactus family. To be more exact, the night blooming Cereus. I never quite got mine to bloom, but none the less, it boasts a beautiful bloom once it does. Also, in the cactus family is the night blooming "Queen Of The Night," as it is commonly called from the cacti genus Selenicereus, whose flowers open from 9pm to 3am, quite an odd time to catch it in bloom unless of course you're a bat!

Another choice in fragrant night blooming plants is the night blooming Jasmine, Cestrum Nocturnum. Although these are quite similar to the day blooming Jasmines, the difference is you will see these blooms under the starry skies. I have never personally seen this plant, but I'm sure it would make a spectacular addition to any night blooming or scented garden.

Of course, if you have a water garden, then certainly, why not include some water plants in your moonlight garden? Tropical night blooming water lilies come in white (of course), but also in red and pink. With the addition of pond lights, this could definately add some color to your night!

Then, there are the common plants that work well at night as fill-ins to your tropicals. Almost any white colored or silver colored plant that keeps its blooms open or has white or silver foliage during the night will reflect the moonlight and make a perfect garden walk-way marker. One such plant is the common Dusty Miller. The silver leaves reflect the moonlight so well, and they are also small enough to use as an edge plant. Mix in a few brightly colored impatients, and a few white ones for the moonlight effect and you have a perfect border day or night.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

7.   Jan 27, 2004 6:50 AM
In response to message posted by biogardener:

I wondered if you were talking about night blooming stocks but they are not ...


-- posted by sheriann


6.   Dec 28, 2003 1:10 PM
In response to message posted by Patricia:

Google is the search engine I use for images as well. Sorry to be so slow in r ...


-- posted by sheriann


5.   Nov 6, 2003 8:01 AM
I put together a list of good links mainly for herbs on this page. I always start on that page when I am looking for information or pictures on ...

-- posted by biogardener


4.   Nov 6, 2003 6:08 AM
In response to message posted by Patricia:

Patricia,

The search engine Google will show you just about the best ...


-- posted by Cercis


3.   Nov 1, 2003 4:20 PM
I would love to see pictures of some of the plants we are talking about. If no pics available maybe where I can see a picture. ...

-- posted by Patricia





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