Fine Gardeneing Magazine - Fine Gardening - Issue 188

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10 Plants that Shine at Night

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With the right lighting and the right plants, a beautiful day-time garden can also shine at night. Night-time gardens are commonly called “moon gardens” because they typically feature an abundance of paler shades of plants, which reflect the light of the moon and help to brighten the landscape during night time hours.

Sound magical? It is! A well done moon garden can lend a mystique to your garden, making it a perfect spot for late-night gatherings in summer. Consider using plants with white flowers or silvery foliage. Here are a few favorites:

Boltonia (Boltonia asteroides and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8)

‘Casa Blanca’ lilies (Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’, Z 6–9)

Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria and cvs., annual)

Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris, annual)

Garlic chives ( Allium tuberosum , Z 4–8)

‘Honorine Jobert’ Japanese anemone ( Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’, Z 4–8)

Lambs’ ears ( Stachys byzantina and cvs., Z 4–8)

Licorice plant ( Helichrysum petiolare , annual)

Silver sage ( Salvia argentea , Z 5–8)

Sweet autumn clematis ( Clematis paniculata , Z 5–11)

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