Have you ever noticed the beauty of flowers that close at night? One such kind of flower is the African Daisy. These daisies, also known as Cape Marigolds, have vibrant colors and petals that close up at night. This unique characteristic is a defense mechanism to protect the delicate inner parts of the flower from cooler night-time temperatures and potential predators. African Daisies are easy to grow and make a lovely addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
Scientific Name:
Taraxacum officinale
Climate Zones:
3-8
During sunny days, the dandelion’s petals unfold to display their lovely yellow hue. As the weather cools down, the flower shuts itself once more.
The scientific name for dandelions is Taraxacum officinale, and they can grow in USDA zones 3-9. It’s interesting to note that dandelion flowers have the ability to close either entirely or partially during cloudy or rainy weather, as well as during late evening or nighttime when there isn’t any direct sunlight. If you’re curious about the best fertilizers to use for dandelions, you can find more information here. Additionally, another flower to consider is the Evening Primrose.
The plant known as Oenothera ‘Pink Petticoats’ thrives in USDA Zones 4-9. Interestingly, these flowers have a trait called nyctinasty which means they tend to open up in low light conditions or in the evening and close during daylight hours. Gazanias are another type of flower worth taking note of.
Scientific Name:
Kalanchoe spp.
USDA Hardiness Zones:
10-12
When grown in dim light or at night, the blooms may seem to partially shut or bend their petals.
For more information on cultivating Kalanchoe indoors, take a look at our article.
Best regards,
Lotus
Scientific Name:
Nelumbo nucifera
Suitable USDA Zones:
5-10
As the day turns into night, lotus flowers gradually shut down by bringing their petals inward and upward to shield the reproductive structures of the flower.
Below are some tips on cultivating lotus flowers.
Growing Tips for Lotus
Common Name:
Morning Glory
Scientific Name:
Ipomoea spp.
USDA Hardiness Zones:
2-11
The charming Morning Glory flowers are known to stay fully open throughout the day, enjoying the warmth of the sun. However, as the day progresses and the light lessens, they begin to slowly close up.
Plant Name:
Poppy
USDA Zones:
3-8
As time passes, the petals of poppy flowers start to wither, curl up, and drop off, especially when exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Regarding sunflowers… (more content needed)
Plant Name:
Portulaca grandiflora
USDA Zones:
8-11
The flowers of this lovely plant are at their most beautiful when the sun is out, but as dusk approaches, they close up for the night.
A type of Cestrum that blooms during the day.
Gramisue is the common name for Cestrum diurnum, a plant species that thrives in USDA zones 8-11. Its flowers, usually opening up during the day, may start to close as the daylight wanes, which is called “diurnal closing.”
