Brunfelsia gigantea, Lady of the Night
Best fragrant shrub for gardeners seeking evening-scented blooms in small spaces.
The Lady of the Night, Brunfelsia gigantea, is a highly fragrant shrub that blooms with beautiful white and off-white flowers, most notably releasing its scent at night. This vigorous variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively cold-hardy. Its waxy, thick leaves and profuse blooming make it a standout in any garden. It's well-suited for small backyards, containers, or even indoors with adequate light. While it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, it is also toxic if ingested, so caution is advised around children and pets.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1597
/ 2609
#1597 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Plant Form
Large shrub
/ Large shrub
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking aromatic evening ambiance for outdoor living spaces
- Plant lovers who enjoy watching color-changing floral displays
- Landscapers looking for an exotic focal point for gardens
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with cold or dry climates
- Pet owners and parents concerned about household plant toxicity
- Novice gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, hardy plant varieties
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
Nighttime blooms deliver a potent, intoxicating scent that dominates the garden.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to container gardening, indoor spaces, or traditional landscape beds.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws butterflies and hummingbirds to your outdoor living space.
Maintenance Ease
Responds well to pruning, making it simple to manage mature size.
Climate Flexibility
Thrives in tropical zones but requires significant protection from winter frost.
Safety Profile
Toxicity requires careful placement away from curious pets and small children.
Key Specs
Plant Form
Large shrub
Mature Height
5-10 ft
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
USDA Zone
9-11
Cold Hardiness
Protect from freezing (30°F)
Watering
Regular
Flower Color
White and off-white
Toxicity
Toxic plant/plant part
Features
- Highly fragrant, especially at night
- Profuse bloomer with waxy, thick leaves
- Vigorous variety suitable for sun or shade
- Relatively cold hardy
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Can be grown in pots or indoors
- Easy to manage and shape through pruning
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Brunfelsia gigantea, Lady of the Night, from Top Tropicals. Many highlight the robust health and vigorous growth of the plants upon arrival, often noting their quick establishment and impressive flowering. The captivating evening fragrance is a frequently celebrated feature, adding significant value and a unique sensory experience to gardens. Buyers express high satisfaction with the plant's performance and the overall positive impact it brings, making it a cherished addition.
Know before you buy
While the fragrance is most intense and intoxicating during the evening and nighttime hours, you may still catch subtle notes of its sweet perfume during the day. It is specifically known for its nocturnal scent release, which is designed to attract night-pollinating insects.
Yes, this shrub adapts very well to container gardening. Because it reaches a mature height of 5 to 10 feet, ensure you use a large, sturdy pot and prune it regularly to maintain your desired size and shape.
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F. If you live in an area that experiences frost or freezing temperatures, you must bring the plant indoors or provide significant protection to prevent damage.
No, Brunfelsia gigantea is toxic if ingested. It is best to place this plant in an area that is inaccessible to curious pets or young children to avoid accidental consumption.
It is quite versatile and thrives in anything from full sun to partial shade. For the most profuse blooming, aim for a spot that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
Not at all. The Lady of the Night responds very well to pruning, which makes it easy to manage its growth. Regular trimming will not only keep it at your preferred height but can also encourage a denser, bushier habit.
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