The Most Unique Flowers That Change Color Throughout the Day

Flowers have long captivated us with their stunning beauty, but some go beyond the ordinary, offering a spectacle that changes throughout the day. These unique flowers undergo a transformation, shifting colors in response to light, temperature, or even their biological needs. The phenomenon of color change in flowers is often tied to specific environmental conditions or the plant’s life cycle, making these blossoms not only visually captivating but also scientifically fascinating. Here’s a look at some of the most unique flowers that change color throughout the day.

1. Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)

The Morning Glory is well-known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that change colors with the rise and fall of the sun. In the morning, these flowers bloom and often feature bright shades of blue, purple, or pink. However, as the day progresses, the flowers begin to close, and the color fades to a paler shade. By the afternoon, the petals may have shriveled or changed completely, sometimes becoming a pale white or nearly translucent. The flowers’ vibrant display early in the day is a common sight in gardens, but the closing ritual as the sun moves across the sky gives these flowers a sense of ephemeral beauty.

2. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)

As the name suggests, Four O’Clocks bloom in the late afternoon, offering a visual treat that evolves as the day transitions into evening. The flowers of this plant are famous for their ability to change colors. Typically, they start off as a pale color, such as white or light yellow, and deepen to vibrant hues of red, pink, purple, or orange as the sun sets. This color change is due to the flower’s reaction to the cooler evening temperatures. Four O’Clocks are often planted in gardens for their unique characteristic and the sense of magic they impart at dusk.

3. Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)

The Chameleon Plant is not as commonly seen in gardens as some of the other flowers on this list, but its color-changing ability makes it a standout. This plant’s leaves and flowers change color over time, shifting from vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens depending on the season and light exposure. In the morning, the plant may exhibit bright hues, but throughout the day, especially in the afternoon heat, the colors transition, sometimes becoming more muted or shifting to softer tones. The vibrant mix of colors in the Chameleon Plant is an intriguing addition to any garden that seeks to offer a constantly shifting palette.

4. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)

Some varieties of hibiscus flowers are known for their dramatic color changes, especially those that open in the morning. Hibiscus flowers can start off bright, often white or yellow, and as they age during the day, they change color, shifting to deep red or pink as they fade. This change occurs as the flower ages, a process that is part of the flower’s natural life cycle. By the end of the day, many hibiscus blooms have completely lost their vibrant colors, turning into darker shades or shriveling up entirely, leaving behind only the memories of their daytime glory.

5. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet Peas are prized for their intoxicating fragrance, but they also possess an intriguing color-changing quality. These flowers often begin as one color—typically a soft, pastel pink or lavender. As they mature over the course of the day, their color can change into a deeper shade of pink or purple, sometimes even appearing to have a touch of blue or white in the petals. The change in color is subtle and may not be immediately noticeable, but when observed over several days, the transition can be quite striking. Sweet Peas are often grown in gardens for their beauty, scent, and color-changing qualities.

6. Night-Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus spp.)

Known as the “Queen of the Night,” the Night-Blooming Cereus is famous for its large, white, fragrant flowers that only bloom once a year, typically in the late evening. While the color itself remains the same—usually a brilliant white—the way the flower unfolds is an extraordinary event. As night falls and the temperatures drop, the buds begin to open, revealing their stunning, nearly translucent blooms. As the night progresses, the petals may begin to change in intensity, sometimes appearing to take on slightly different shades of white or yellow under the changing light of the moon. Though the color doesn’t drastically shift, the flower’s nighttime bloom is a highly anticipated event for gardeners.

7. Crocus (Crocus spp.)

Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in early spring, and their color-changing properties make them unique. While many crocuses remain a steady color throughout their bloom, there are varieties known to shift hues. Some crocuses, particularly those that bloom during the colder mornings, will open up to reveal soft pastel shades, only to deepen in color as the sun warms the petals during the day. This change can be subtle, but it adds a dynamic layer to these already beloved flowers, making them a standout in any spring garden.

8. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)

Tulips are a classic favorite, known for their colorful and elegant blooms. Some varieties of tulips are known to change color over the course of their bloom cycle. While they don’t exhibit a dramatic daily color shift like some of the other flowers, certain types of tulips start off as one color and transition into another over the course of their flowering period. For example, a tulip may begin as a pale pink or white and gradually deepen into a rich red, orange, or purple as the flower matures. This color shift is more gradual but still impressive, adding layers to the tulip’s natural beauty.

9. The Color Changing Orchid (Cattleya spp.)

Orchids are renowned for their exotic beauty, and some species are known to change colors over time. The Cattleya orchid, a particularly popular variety, often begins as a bright and bold color, such as purple or pink, and gradually fades to a softer hue as the flower matures. The color change in orchids typically happens as the bloom ages, but it can also be influenced by temperature and sunlight, which alter the intensity of the colors. These orchids are a symbol of beauty and refinement, and their subtle color transformations add to their allure.

10. African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.)

African daisies, or Osteospermum, are another flower variety that undergoes an intriguing color change. When they bloom, they often begin with a white or light pink center and transition to vibrant shades of purple, pink, and even yellow throughout the day. This change happens slowly, with the outer edges of the petals often taking on darker tones while the center remains lighter. African daisies are loved for their ability to adapt to different conditions, but their color-changing behavior is a unique trait that delights garden enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Flowers that change color throughout the day offer a dynamic and captivating element to any garden. These species engage in a subtle dance of color, responding to environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, and the natural progression of their life cycle. Whether they’re blooming in the morning, fading in the afternoon, or transforming entirely by dusk, these flowers prove that nature’s beauty is far from static. The next time you find yourself in a garden, take a moment to observe how the flowers evolve—it’s a reminder of how dynamic and ever-changing the natural world can be.