Those in search of a unique plant should consider night phlox, which is so named for the fact that the flowers tend to open in the evening, releasing their sweet smell after the sun goes down. It is also known as midnight candy, though its official plant name is Zaluzianskya capensis. Despite the fact that the flowers seem to prefer it when the sun goes down, this South African plant grows best when it is located in full sun most of the time. It prefers moist soil and just a little water, making it drought-tolerant and quite low-maintenance. Its colorful flowers tend to bloom the best in the summer, attracting bees, birds, butterflies, and anyone that enjoys a tropical scent.
Night phlox can grow to a height of 2 feet (0.61 m), and should be spaced about 1 foot (0.30 m) away from other plants so that it has room to grow. It prefers moist, rich soil that is either a bit acidic or neutral, and it should be well drained. Night phlox should typically be planted in a spot where it will get full sun or partial shade, in a location where the gardener and passers-by alike can easily appreciate the tropical scent of this plant. It typically takes about three months to go from a seed to a blooming plant, which means that planting it in the late spring or early summer is recommended so that it misses the frost of the winter and also has time to bloom by late summer or early fall. As long as these planting tips are followed, these herbaceous plants are considered quite easy to grow.
This tall flowering plant features stems with many branches that support colorful flowers that easily appeal to many, and are often successfully planted either as borders or in beds of many flowers. The colors of the night phlox flower range from white to pale pink and even maroon, and they tend to bloom during the summer and fall. The fragrance is strongest in the evening since the blooms are closed during the hottest part of the day, and then open up when the sun goes down, resulting in a sweet, tropical scent that is quite strong. Night phlox is known for being drought-tolerant, as it only needs a little water and does best with lots of sun. It can also be grown in flower pots and placed indoors for a natural way to add a sweet fragrance to any home.
