Lady of the Night Orchid

Now blooming in the Savage Garden: Lady of the Night orchid (Brassavola nodosa). This tough but lovely species hails from Mexico south through South America and also into the West Indies. Commonly hybridized and cultivated, this orchid is partly popular because of it's nighttime gardenia-like perfume.

This orchid, like many other white, night-blooming flowers is predominately pollinated by moths. The strong fragrance of Lady of the Night orchid can be detected by moths at great distances and the white color of the flower best reflects the star and moonlight available at night, helping moths to zero in on their pollination target.

Learn more about plants that attract moths at night: Mothing in the Night Garden