Moonflowers are beautiful, delicate blooms popular in floral arrangements and bouquets.
Finding different moon flowers at your local florist or online is easy. But have you ever wondered what makes moon flowers so unique?
There are different types of moon flowers, each with distinct characteristics, such as how they grow or their colors and sizes.
The most common different types of moon flowers can be found all over the world.
But if you want something rare and exotic, you may need to travel to one of their native countries to see it in person.
History of Moon Flowers
Moonflowers are nocturnal bloomers that only open their petals at night.
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions but can also be found in temperate zones.
Also, the scientific name for moon flowers is Ipomoea alba, and the plant is a member of the Convolvulaceae family.
Moonflowers got their name because they often bloom under the moon’s light.
Different Types of Moon Flowers
1. Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is the first on our list of different types of moon flowers.
It is a moon flower that blooms in the evening and often has a sweet fragrance.
These different types of moon flowers are native to North America and Europe.
Also, they come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple.
Evening primrose flowers typically have four petals and are often used in bouquets or as ornamental plants.
2. Angel’s Trumpet
Angel’s trumpet is a type of moonflower that blooms at night. Its large and fragrant blooms range from white to pink to purple.
Angel’s trumpet is a native plant of South America, but it can also be grown in other parts of the world.
This type of moonflower is poisonous if ingested, so keeping it away from children and pets is essential.
So, if you’re looking for a beautiful and unique addition to your garden, consider planting some angel’s trumpet!
3. Flowering Tobacco
Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) is one of the different moon flowers native to South America.
This annual plant grows about 3-5 feet tall and has large, white flowers that bloom at night.
In addition, the flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract moths, which help pollinate the plant.
Flowering tobacco is not typically used for smoking, but the leaves can be used to make tea.
4. Morning Glory
The Morning Glory is a moonflower that blooms in the morning. It is native to Asia and has been cultivated there for centuries.
The Morning Glory is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 feet long.
These different flowers are typically white or blue and have a trumpet-shaped bloom.
5. California Poppy
The California poppy is a moon flower that blooms in orange, yellow, and white shades.
This flower is native to the western United States and grows wild in fields and hillsides.
The California poppy is known as the cup of gold because its petals resemble a cup shape. This flower symbolizes imagination and creativity.
6. Four O’Clock
The Four O’clock, or Mirabilis jalapa, is a type of moonflower that blooms in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white.
This plant is native to Central and South America but has been introduced to other parts of the world.
The Four O’clock is a drought-tolerant plant reaching up to four feet tall.
The leaves of these different types of moon flowers are ovate-shaped, and the flowers are trumpet-shaped.
7. Night Blooming Cereus
The night-blooming cereus is a moon flower that blooms only at night.
This flower is native to the tropics and can be found in many colors, including white, pink, and purple.
In addition, the night-blooming cereus is a delicate flower that requires special care to bloom.
If you want to grow this type of moonflower, research how to care for it before you start.
8. Night Phlox
Night phlox is a type of moonflower known for its sweet fragrance. This plant is native to North America and can be found in woodlands, meadows, and roadsides.
Meanwhile, Night phlox blooms in the spring and summer months. These types of moon flowers are white or pink and have five petals. The leaves of this plant are lance-shaped and green.
9. Mock Orange
The mock orange is a type of moonflower that gets its name from its similarity to the fruit.
This beautiful plant is native to China and Japan and has been cultivated for centuries.
The mock orange is part of the Rutaceae family, including citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
The most distinctive feature of this plant is its white flowers, which have a strong citrus scent.
Mock oranges are popular ornamental plants and can be found in many gardens around the world.
10. Night Blooming Jasmine
Night Blooming Jasmine is a type of moonflower that blooms at night.
These different types of moon flowers are white and have a strong fragrance.
They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
In some cultures, the Night Blooming Jasmine is associated with love and romance.
The flowers can be used to make tea, which is said to have calming effects.
11. Foxglove
Foxgloves are tall and spiky and are different types of moon flowers in various colors, including white, pink, and purple.
Foxgloves are one of the most popular types of moonflowers, and they’re easy to grow. Their blooms are enormous and can measure up to 8 inches.
The plant gets its name from the shape of its flower, which resembles a fox’s glove.
12. Zinnia
The zinnia is a beautiful flower that blooms in a variety of colors. This type of moonflower is native to Mexico and is named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, a German botanist.
The zinnia is a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions.
This flower blooms from summer to fall and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The zinnia is a popular choice for gardens and bouquets.
13. Datura
The datura flower, also called jimson weed or devil’s trumpet, is one of the different types of moonflower that bloom at night.
Daturas are native to warm climates and typically have large, white, or purple flowers.
Meanwhile, the datura flower is poisonous and can cause hallucinations if ingested. Despite this, traditional medicine often uses datura for its healing properties.
14. Ipomoea Alba
Ipomoea alba, also known as the moonflower, is night-blooming morning glory. The large, white flowers open in the evening and close in the morning.
Ipomoea alba is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America but has been introduced to other parts of the world.
The plant is invasive in some areas because it can quickly spread from seed.
Ipomoea alba grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather.
Conclusion
Moonflowers are a type of evening primrose that bloom at night. They are native to Central and South America but can now be found in many parts of the world.
There are many different types of moon flowers, each with a unique appearance.
Moon flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, and their fragrant blooms are sure to please anyone who stops to smell them.
