My night bloom cereus decided to flower again. This time I was able to make a comparison between the species which is Epiphyllum oxypetalum and a cultivar (or hybrid) that was found at Mark Twain's house, simply named 'Mark Twain'.
The larger variety on the right is E. 'Mark Twain', supposedly it offers an extra row of petals. I'm not sure that I actually see that, but what it does offer is a flower that opens at least an hour before the species with a much larger bloom. Since flowers don't normally open until 11:00 PM or later, it's nice to have one that opens around 10:00.
In spring I also purchased a gladiolus that was crossed with acidanthera or the night fragrant, white gladiolus ( some refer to it as Gladiolus bicolor 'Murielae'). The hybrid was named 'Lucky Star', bred some 60 years ago yet rarely available. The last of my gladiolus to bloom.
This hybrid inherited the fragrance of acidanthera but has much larger flowers. Here is a comparison between the parent (on the left) and hybrid.
The night garden continues with its evening and nightly shows. With September's arrival the moonvine will step it up, flat white flowers will open every night, joining the cestrum, brugmansia, and datura. I learned that I can put the night blooming cereus flowers in the fridge at night so they are preserved for morning. Once taken out of the cold environment, they will quickly close, knowing it's way past their bedtime. But... it gives you a chance to wear them as earrings, for a fleeting moment.