From the moonlit blooms of gardenias to the striking presence of calla lilies and the gentle sway of white cosmos, these white flowers add a timeless elegance and a calming ambiance.
Introducing white flowers into gardens infuses spaces with a sense of peace and purity. From the moonlit blooms of gardenias and the delicate petals of baby’s breath to the striking presence of calla lilies and the gentle sway of white cosmos, these flowers add a timeless elegance and a calming ambiance.
White flowers symbolize purity, innocence, and simplicity. They convey a sense of serenity and tranquility, often associated with new beginnings and remembrance. In various cultures, white blooms are used to express sympathy and respect, making them a common choice for weddings, funerals, and ceremonial events to represent honesty, unity, and pure intentions.
Some popular plants include gardenia, calla lily, daisy, lily of the valley, jasmine, hydrangea, magnolia, peony, tuberose, camellia.
Classic and popular examples include
Allium are bulbous perennial plants with a unique globe-shaped flowerhead made up of numerous individual flowers. They are members of the onion family and are commonly known as ornamental onions. They come in a variety of colors and bloom in the late spring and early summer. Alliums are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a unique and colorful touch to their gardens.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia): Calla Lilies boasts elegant white spathes that gracefully curl around a yellow spadix, creating a sophisticated and sculptural bloom. Ideal for borders, containers, or as a striking cut flower, Calla Lilies prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, symbolizing purity and divine beauty.
Daffodil (Narcissus): White narcissus varieties offer a fresh, clean look with their trumpet-shaped flowers against a backdrop of sleek green leaves. They’re harbingers of spring, easy to grow, and ideal for mass plantings or mixed borders.
| Plant Type | Annuals, Bulbs, Climbers, Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Petunia, Philadelphus, Rosa, Phlox, Tiarella, Trachelospermum, Trillium, Viburnum, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Spiraea, Camellia, Astilbe, Allium, Amelanchier, Agapanthus, Achillea, Anemone, Impatiens, Leucanthemum, Hydrangea, Lilium, Magnolia, Convallaria, Cornus, Cosmos, Crataegus, Crocus, Hemerocallis, Helleborus, Hyacinthus, Narcissus, Paeonia, Galanthus, Gardenia, Jasminum, Syringa, Zantedeschia, Zinnia, Dahlia, Clematis, Cleome, Echinacea, Dicentra, Iris germanica |
Crocus is a small but tough spring-blooming bulb that produces dainty flowers early in the year, usually in late winter or early spring, making them one of the first flowers to bloom after the winter season. The plant is known for its hardiness, ease of cultivation, and ability to naturalize in a variety of soil types, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and woodland gardens.
Dahlia: Dahlias offer a vast array of forms and sizes, with white varieties ranging from simple, elegant single blooms to intricate, full doubles. Their striking presence adds sophistication to any setting, perfect for cutting gardens or as showy centerpieces in flower beds.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) are spring-blooming flower bulbs grown for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. The plant has strap-shaped leaves and produces tall, dense spikes of flowers in a range of colors, including pink, blue, purple, white, and yellow. Hyacinth blooms in the spring and is popular for its intense fragrance and bold colors. The flowers can be grown in garden beds or containers and are a great addition to cut flower arrangements. Hyacinth bulbs are easy to plant and care for and will reward gardeners with beautiful blooms year after year.
Lily (Lilium): White lilies, with their large, fragrant blooms, are symbols of purity and refined beauty. They’re versatile in the garden, suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers. Preferring sunny spots and well-drained soil, they make a dramatic statement when in bloom.
Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus): Persian Buttercups in white feature layers of delicate, crepe-paper-like petals, forming lush, peony-like blooms. They prefer cool spring weather and well-drained soil, adding elegance to borders, pots, and as coveted cut flowers for their long vase life.
Snowdrop (Galanthus): Galanthus, known as snowdrops, are among the first flowers to bloom in late winter to early spring. Their delicate, nodding white flowers hang from slender stems, symbolizing hope and the arrival of spring. Ideal for naturalizing in woodland gardens or under deciduous trees.
Popular white annual flowers include:
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is native to Mexico and Central America but widely cultivated in gardens around the world for its showy and delicate flowers that bloom in various shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Cosmos bipinnatus typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and produces feathery foliage with finely dissected leaves. It is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Chamomile features dainty, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers, renowned for their soothing fragrance and medicinal properties. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, these blooms are perfect for a herb or cottage garden, attracting beneficial insects and used in teas for relaxation.
Impatiens are known for their brightly colored blooms and ability to thrive in the shade. They are commonly grown as annuals and perennials in gardens and containers and come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. Impatiens prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making them an ideal choice for shady spots in the garden.
Petunia is a popular flowering plant known for its bright and colorful blooms. Petunias come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, red, and yellow. Petunias are easy to grow and are ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.
Spider Flowers (Cleome) are annual or perennial plants that can grow up to six feet (1.8 meters) tall and produces clusters of showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Cleome blooms in the summer and is known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is easy to grow from seeds.
Zinnia is an annual flowering plant grown for its bright and colorful flowers, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including single, semi-double, and double blooms. Zinnias can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and of course, white. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their gardens. Zinnias are often used in mass plantings, borders, and containers, and they also make great cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
There are hundreds of perennial flowers with white blooms to pick from. Here are a few examples:
Astilbe is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Asia and North America. It is known for its feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. Astilbe is often grown for its attractive foliage, which is fern-like and adds texture and interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. It is a popular choice for shady gardens, as it prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade. Astilbe is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.
Bearded Iris (Iris germanica): The white varieties of Bearded Iris display elegant blooms with soft, ruffled petals. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making a dramatic statement in borders and cutting gardens.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Known for its heart-shaped flowers dangling from arching stems, Bleeding Heart is a favorite for shaded gardens. It adds elegance and whimsy to borders and woodland settings.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus): Helleborus offers early-spring blooms of white flowers, often tinged with pink or green. Hardy and shade-tolerant, it’s ideal for woodland gardens or as ground cover under trees.
Coneflower (Echinacea): While commonly seen in pinks and purples, white varieties of Echinacea boast daisy-like blooms with a prominent central cone, attracting butterflies and bees. They’re perfect for sunny borders and prairie gardens.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are perennial plants that produce vibrant flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple. These easy-to-grow plants have a long bloom period, lasting from early summer to late fall, and are highly prized by gardeners for their hardiness, reliability, and low maintenance. Hemerocallis plants grow best in full sun to part shade and require well-draining soil to thrive. They can be used as specimen plants, mass plantings, or as border or edging plants.
Foamflower (Tiarella): Foamflower produces delicate spikes of starry white flowers above its heart-shaped leaves. A shade-loving perennial, it’s excellent for ground cover or woodland gardens, adding texture and light.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus): Agapanthus, known as Lily of the Nile, boasts globular clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems in summer. These striking plants are ideal for creating focal points in borders, containers, or as part of a Mediterranean-style garden, preferring sunny locations.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Renowned for its sweetly scented, bell-shaped white flowers, Lily of the Valley thrives in shady spots. It’s perfect for woodland gardens, offering a charming underplanting for shrubs.
Peonies (Paeonia) are prized for their showy and colorful flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer. There are two main types of peonies: herbaceous and tree peonies. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each year, while tree peonies retain woody stems and leaves year-round. Peonies prefer rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are commonly used in garden borders, as specimen plants, and for cut flowers.
Phlox is a popular garden plant known for its fragrant and colorful flowers. The plant belongs to the Polemoniaceae family and has over 70 species, most of which are native to North America. Phlox flowers are often pink, purple, white, or red and bloom in spring and summer. They are easy to grow and care for and attract bees and butterflies to the garden. Phlox plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be used as groundcovers, edging plants, or in borders and rock gardens.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum): Shasta Daisies feature large, radiant white flowers with sunny yellow centers. Easy to grow and perfect for sunny borders, they offer a classic charm and long-lasting blooms.
Trillium: Trillium’s three-petaled white flowers are a springtime delight in woodland settings. Symbolizing purity and elegance, they prefer moist, shaded areas and are ideal for naturalizing in native or shade gardens.
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa): This spring woodland flower features delicate white blooms with a green center. Thriving under deciduous trees, it spreads to form a beautiful carpet of flowers, signaling the arrival of spring.
Yarrow (Achillea): Achillea offers flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers, creating a delicate lace-like effect. It’s drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun, and attracts pollinators. Ideal for wildflower meadows and borders, it brings texture and height.
A multitude of shrubs with white blooms can be selected from. Here are just a few classic examples:
Camellia is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its showy, waxy flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, red, and sometimes yellow. Camellia flowers have a distinctive shape, with layers of petals forming a central cluster of stamens. They typically bloom in winter or early spring, depending on the species and cultivar, and prefer acidic soil and partial shade. Camellias are popular ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes and are also used for tea production, particularly in East Asia.
Dogwood (Cornus florida): The Flowering Dogwood displays striking white bracts in spring, which are often mistaken for flowers. Preferring partial shade and well-drained acidic soil, it adds spectacular spring color and elegance to gardens, complemented by fall foliage and red berries.
Gardenia: Gardenias boast lush, velvety white flowers known for their intoxicating fragrance. Ideal for warm, sheltered gardens or containers, they thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade, adding a touch of elegance and a tropical feel to any setting.
Hydrangea is a charming flowering shrub that is native to Asia and America and is prized for its large, showy blooms that can be pink, blue, white, or purple, depending on the pH of the soil. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun with adequate water. They bloom from late spring to late summer and require regular pruning to maintain their shape and size. Hydrangeas are a great addition to any garden and are often used in landscape design to add color and texture to borders and beds.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus): Philadelphus, or Mock Orange, features clusters of white, sweetly scented flowers resembling orange blossoms. This deciduous shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, making a striking backdrop in mixed borders with its fountain-like form.
Rhododendron is a popular ornamental shrub and tree known for its large and showy clusters of flowers that bloom in various colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Rhododendrons are evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species, and are native to Asia and North America. They are often planted in gardens and parks.
Spiraea: Spiraea shrubs offer clusters of tiny white flowers in spring or summer, depending on the variety. Easy to grow in full sun, they’re excellent for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, providing a cheerful and airy feel.
Lilac (Syringa) is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its fragrant and colorful flowers. The flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue and are typically arranged in large, showy clusters. The shrub can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and wide and features heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Lilacs are commonly grown for their ornamental value in gardens and landscapes and are also used in the production of perfumes and essential oils. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Viburnum: Viburnum’s diverse species boast white, often fragrant flowers that form in clusters, followed by berries. Suitable for full sun to partial shade, they’re versatile in landscapes as specimen plants, hedges, or screens, offering multi-season interest.
You can choose from a vast selection of climbers and vines that bear white blooms. Here are some timeless examples:
Clematis is a climbing plant that produces an abundance of showy flowers in a variety of colors, including white. It belongs to the buttercup family and is known for its large, striking blooms and ability to climb walls, trellises, and other structures. Clematis flowers come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from delicate, bell-shaped flowers to large, star-shaped blooms. Some popular varieties of white clematis include Asagasumi, Henryi, Huldine, John Paul II, and Miss Bateman.
Jasminum (Jasmine): Jasmine is celebrated for its star-shaped, highly fragrant white flowers, blooming in spring or summer. Perfect for trellises and walls in sunny to partially shaded spots, it enhances gardens with its sweet scent and attractive green foliage.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum) is celebrated for its glossy evergreen foliage and highly fragrant, star-shaped white flowers that bloom profusely in late spring to early summer. Ideal for trellises, walls, or as ground cover, it thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations, offering year-round beauty and aroma.
White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings, making them a favorite in weddings and ceremonial events. Their pristine, velvety petals and subtle fragrance add a touch of elegance to any garden or bouquet. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they enhance borders, beds, and containers with their timeless beauty.
Trees with white flowers bring breathtaking beauty to landscapes. Their pristine blooms symbolize purity and renewal, creating serene and picturesque settings.
Amelanchier (Serviceberry): Amelanchier, also known as Serviceberry, produces delicate white flowers in early spring, followed by edible berries. It’s celebrated for its multi-season interest, including vibrant fall foliage. This small tree or shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideal for naturalized or woodland gardens.
Crataegus (Hawthorn): Hawthorn trees are known for their showy clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries. With thorny branches and lobed leaves, they offer year-round interest and are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making them versatile for hedging and wildlife gardens.
Magnolia: Magnolias boast large, fragrant white flowers that make a dramatic statement in spring or summer, depending on the species. These majestic trees or shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a touch of southern elegance to landscapes with their glossy green leaves and striking blooms.
Incorporating white flowers into your landscape design can transform your garden into a tranquil, elegant oasis. Here are some landscaping ideas with white flowers:
Moonlight Garden: Create a moonlit garden by planting white flowers and silver-foliaged plants. Flowers like moonflowers, white roses, and Shasta daisies reflect moonlight, glowing beautifully at night.
White Border Beds: Design a border with layers of white blooms for a sophisticated look. Combine different textures and heights with plants like peonies, gardenias, and phlox for continuous bloom.
Cottage Garden Charm: Add charm to a cottage-style garden with a mix of white flowers, such as delphiniums, foxgloves, and campanulas, complemented by green foliage for a soft, romantic feel.
Tranquil Retreat: Use white flowering trees like dogwoods or magnolias as focal points in a quiet corner of your garden, surrounded by low-growing white flowers and benches, to create a peaceful retreat.
Pathway Edging: Line garden paths with white flowering ground covers like alyssum or candytuft for a clean, inviting look that leads the eye through the garden.
Pergola and Trellis Accents: Train white-flowering climbers like jasmine or clematis on pergolas and trellises to add vertical interest and a sweet fragrance to seating areas.
Contrast and Complement: Pair white flowers with deep green, burgundy, or purple foliage plants for striking contrast, or use them to soften and blend transitions between brighter colored plantings.
Seasonal Highlights: Choose white flowers that bloom in different seasons for year-round interest. Spring bulbs, summer perennials, and fall-blooming shrubs ensure there’s always something captivating in the garden.
Water Feature Accents: Surround ponds or fountains with white flowers like water lilies or astilbes to enhance the reflective qualities of water and add a sense of serenity.
Wildflower Meadow: Incorporate white wildflowers like Queen Anne’s lace and daisies into a meadow or naturalized area for a whimsical, low-maintenance landscape that attracts wildlife.
| Plant Type | Annuals, Bulbs, Climbers, Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Petunia, Philadelphus, Rosa, Phlox, Tiarella, Trachelospermum, Trillium, Viburnum, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Spiraea, Camellia, Astilbe, Allium, Amelanchier, Agapanthus, Achillea, Anemone, Impatiens, Leucanthemum, Hydrangea, Lilium, Magnolia, Convallaria, Cornus, Cosmos, Crataegus, Crocus, Hemerocallis, Helleborus, Hyacinthus, Narcissus, Paeonia, Galanthus, Gardenia, Jasminum, Syringa, Zantedeschia, Zinnia, Dahlia, Clematis, Cleome, Echinacea, Dicentra, Iris germanica |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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