White flowers bring a touch of elegance and purity to any garden or home. They can brighten up shady spots, add contrast to colorful blooms, and create a serene atmosphere. White flowers come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny delicate blossoms to large showy blooms.
Gardens with white flowers can be magical, especially at night when they seem to glow in the moonlight. White flowers are popular for weddings and other special events. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to keep your garden healthy and thriving.
In this article, we'll cover
- 1. Gardenia
- 2. Magnolia
- 3. Lily of the Valley
- 4. Jasmine
- 5. Calla Lily
- 6. White Rose
- 7. Snowdrop
- 8. Anemone
- 9. Camellia
- 10. Peony
- 11. Hydrangea
- 12. Orchid
- 13. Ranunculus
- 14. Tulip
- 15. Daffodil
- 16. Azalea
- 17. Begonia
- 18. Iris
- 19. Dahlia
- 20. Chrysanthemum
- 21. Clematis
- 22. Hibiscus
- 23. Narcissus
- 24. Phlox
- 25. Stock Flower
- 26. Sweet Alyssum
- 27. Petunia
- 28. Morning Glory
- 29. Impatiens
- 30. Dianthus
1. Gardenia
Gardenias are stunning white flowers that can fill your garden with beauty and fragrance. These evergreen shrubs produce glossy leaves and delicate blooms that look like swirls of creamy petals.
You’ll love the sweet scent gardenias add to your outdoor space. Their perfume is strong enough to enjoy from a distance, making them perfect for planting near patios or walkways.
- Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides
- Meaning: Purity and sweetness
- Growing Zones: 8-11
- Soil Needs: Acidic, well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Gardenias come in different sizes. You can find compact varieties that grow 2-3 feet tall, or larger shrubs that reach 6-8 feet. This gives you options for various garden spaces.
2. Magnolia
Magnolias are stunning trees known for their large, fragrant white flowers. These elegant blooms can brighten up any garden or landscape.
- Botanical Name: Magnolia species
- Meaning: Dignity and nobility
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You can find many magnolia varieties with white flowers. Some popular ones include the star magnolia and the southern magnolia.
Magnolias can grow quite large, reaching heights of 30-50 feet. They make great shade trees and focal points in your yard.
3. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a charming white flower that brings elegance to shady gardens. Its bell-shaped blooms release a sweet scent in spring.
- Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis
- Meaning: Return of happiness
- Growing Zones: 2-7
- Soil Needs: Rich, slightly acidic
- Water Needs: Moist
- Sunlight Needs: Shade to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring
You can grow Lily of the Valley in shaded areas, like under trees. It likes soil that’s moist and drains well. This flower spreads easily, so give it space to grow.
Be careful, though. All parts of Lily of the Valley are very poisonous. It’s best to wear gloves when you handle it. Keep pets and kids away from these plants.
4. Jasmine
Jasmine is a lovely white flower known for its sweet fragrance. It’s a popular choice for gardens and climbing trellises.
- Botanical Name: Jasminum
- Meaning: Love and happiness
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You’ll love the star-shaped blossoms of jasmine. They can brighten up your garden or patio with their pure white petals.
Jasmine vines can grow quite tall, reaching up to 15 feet. You can train them to climb walls or fences for a stunning display.
The plant’s sweet scent is strongest at night, making it perfect for evening gardens. You’ll enjoy its calming aroma as you relax outdoors.
5. Calla Lily
Calla lilies are elegant flowers that bring sophistication to your garden. Their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms come in pure white, making them a popular choice for weddings and formal events.
- Botanical Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Meaning: Magnificent beauty
- Growing Zones: 8-10
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
You can grow calla lilies in your garden or in pots. They like well-draining soil and need plenty of water. In colder areas, you’ll need to dig up the bulbs in fall and store them inside for winter.
These stunning flowers can reach up to 3 feet tall. Their large, showy leaves add beauty even when the plant isn’t blooming. With proper care, your calla lilies will bring beauty to your garden year after year.
6. White Rose
White roses are classic flowers that symbolize purity and innocence. They’re perfect for weddings and other special occasions.
- Botanical Name: Rosa alba
- Meaning: Purity, innocence, new beginnings
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
You can find many varieties of white roses, from climbing types to miniatures. Some popular options include ‘Bridal Sunblaze’ and ‘Iceberg’.
White roses are easy to grow in your garden. They need regular watering and fertilizing to thrive. Prune them in early spring for the best blooms.
7. Snowdrop
Snowdrops are delicate white flowers that often peek through the snow in late winter. Their scientific name is Galanthus nivalis, which means “milk flower of the snow.”
- Botanical Name: Galanthus nivalis
- Meaning: Hope and renewal
- Growing Zones: 3-7
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
You can plant snowdrop bulbs in large groups for a stunning display. They need little care once established and will come back year after year.
These flowers have three outer petals and three smaller inner ones. Their nodding, bell-shaped blooms are a welcome sight after a long winter.
8. Anemone
Anemones are lovely white flowers that add a delicate touch to any garden. You’ll love their dainty petals and charming centers.
- Botanical Name: Anemone spp.
- Meaning: Anticipation
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring or fall, depending on the variety
These pretty blooms come in many shapes and sizes. Some are low-growing and perfect for rock gardens, while others stand tall in borders.
You can plant anemones in groups for a stunning display. They look great mixed with other spring flowers or as a standalone feature in your yard.
9. Camellia
Camellias are stunning white flowers that can brighten up your garden. These elegant blooms come in various shapes and sizes.
- Botanical Name: Camellia japonica
- Meaning: Excellence and perfection
- Growing Zones: 7-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, acidic soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late fall to early spring
You can plant camellias in the middle of your garden border or use them as hedges. They have thick, glossy leaves that look nice all year round.
To care for your camellias, water them at the base to avoid wetting the leaves. This helps prevent fungal diseases. Once they’re mature, they don’t need much extra watering.
10. Peony
Peonies are stunning white flowers that can add elegance to your garden. These large, showy blooms are a favorite among gardeners.
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora
- Meaning: Good fortune and happy marriage
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
You can find many white peony varieties to suit your garden. The ‘Bowl of Cream’ peony is a popular choice, growing 2-3 feet tall with full, round blooms.
For a unique look, try the ‘Spider Green‘ peony. It has twisty white petals with a hint of lime green. This variety is great for cut flowers too.
11. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are beloved shrubs that produce clusters of stunning white flowers. You can find several varieties to suit your garden.
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea spp.
- Meaning: Gratitude
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich
- Water Needs: Medium to high
- Sunlight Needs: Part shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
The ‘Annabelle’ smooth hydrangea is a popular choice. It boasts large, round flower heads that start green and turn white.
For a climbing option, try the Hydrangea anomala petiolaris. It can reach up to 80 feet and produces white lacecap flowers.
The panicle hydrangea ‘Limelight’ offers cone-shaped blooms that start white and develop pink hues as they age.
12. Orchid
Orchids are elegant white flowers prized for their delicate beauty. They come in many varieties, from small to large blooms.
Some popular white orchid types include Cattleya and Phalaenopsis. These flowers can grow 12-24 inches tall.
White orchids often bloom in late summer or year-round with proper care. Their flowers can last for weeks.
- Botanical Name: Orchidaceae family
- Meaning: Beauty, luxury
- Growing Zones: Varies by species
- Soil Needs: Well-draining orchid mix
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Bright, indirect light
- Bloom Time: Varies, often summer or year-round
You can grow orchids as houseplants or in greenhouses. They need special care but reward you with stunning blooms.
13. Ranunculus
Ranunculus, also known as buttercups, are charming white flowers that can brighten up your garden. These delicate blooms have rose-like petals and come in various shades, including pure white.
- Botanical Name: Ranunculus asiaticus
- Meaning: Radiant charm
- Growing Zones: 8-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You can plant ranunculus corms in fall or early spring. Place them 2-3 inches deep and 6-9 inches apart in your garden bed. Water them deeply after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
These flowers love cool weather and will thrive in full sun or partial shade. With proper care, you’ll enjoy their beautiful white blooms throughout the spring season.
14. Tulip
Tulips are elegant spring-blooming flowers that can add a touch of grace to your garden. These popular bulbs come in various shades of white, from pure snow to creamy ivory.
- Botanical Name: Tulipa
- Meaning: Perfect love
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring
You can choose from different tulip varieties to suit your garden style. The White Triumphator Lily tulip grows up to 24 inches tall and makes a stunning border plant.
For a classic look, try the Hakuun tulip. This Japanese variety has snow-white petals and reaches 20-22 inches in height. It’s perfect for adding elegance to your garden or bouquets.
15. Daffodil
Daffodils are cheerful spring flowers that can brighten up any garden. They come in various shades, including pure white varieties that look stunning.
- Botanical Name: Narcissus
- Meaning: Rebirth and new beginnings
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
White daffodils like ‘Easter Born’ and ‘White Lion’ offer elegant blooms. They grow about 16-18 inches tall and have ruffled petals.
You can plant daffodil bulbs in fall for spring flowers. They’re easy to grow and come back year after year. These flowers look great in borders or naturalized in lawns.
16. Azalea
Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. Here’s what you need to know about white azaleas:
- Botanical Name: Rhododendron
- Meaning: Temperance
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring
White azaleas produce stunning clusters of flowers that can brighten up any landscape. You can find varieties that grow from 1 to 5 feet tall, making them perfect for different garden sizes.
These plants prefer slightly acidic soil and partial shade. Water them regularly, but don’t let the soil get soggy. With proper care, you’ll enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year.
17. Begonia
Begonias are beautiful white flowering plants that can brighten up any garden or indoor space. These versatile flowers come in various shapes and sizes.
- Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
- Meaning: Caution or be cautious
- Growing Zones: 6-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can find begonias with pure white blooms that stand out against their green foliage. Some varieties, like the polka dot begonia, have unique spotted leaves that add extra visual interest.
Begonias are great for containers or as border plants in shaded areas of your garden. They’re easy to care for and can bloom for months with proper attention.
18. Iris
Irises are stunning white flowers that can add elegance to your garden. These perennials come in many varieties, including bearded, siberian, and japanese irises.
- Botanical Name: Iris spp.
- Meaning: Faith, hope, wisdom
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You can plant irises in beds or borders. They need well-draining soil and regular watering. Most irises bloom in spring, but some varieties flower again in fall.
White irises have large, showy petals. They can reach heights of 2-3 feet. These flowers work well in cut flower arrangements too.
19. Dahlia
Dahlias are stunning flowers that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. These showy blooms come in various shapes and sizes, including pure white varieties.
- Botanical Name: Dahlia
- Meaning: Dignity and elegance
- Growing Zones: 8-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can find white dahlias in different forms, from small pom-poms to large dinner plate sizes. They make great cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
Dahlias need full sun and regular watering to thrive. Plant them in spring after the last frost for beautiful blooms later in the season.
20. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are beautiful white flowers that can brighten up your garden. Here’s what you need to know:
- Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum grandiflorum
- Meaning: Joy and optimism
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Fall
You’ll love the big, showy blooms of white chrysanthemums. They come in different shapes, from daisy-like to pom-pom forms.
Plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage. Water regularly, but don’t let the soil get soggy.
These flowers are perfect for adding late-season color to your garden. You can also use them as cut flowers to make pretty bouquets.
21. Clematis
Clematis are beautiful climbing vines known for their stunning flowers. They come in many colors, including pure white varieties that can add elegance to any garden.
Here’s what you need to know about white clematis:
- Botanical Name: Clematis
- Meaning: Mental beauty
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can grow white clematis on trellises, fences, or let them climb through shrubs and trees. Some popular white varieties include ‘Henryi’ with large flowers and ‘Sweet Autumn’ with small, fragrant blooms.
These vines are easy to care for and can make a big impact in your garden. With the right support and care, your white clematis will reward you with a stunning display of flowers year after year.
22. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are stunning additions to any garden. These large, showy blooms come in various colors, including pristine white.
- Botanical Name: Hibiscus spp.
- Meaning: Delicate beauty
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate to high
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can find white hibiscus varieties like the Hawaiian white hibiscus or the ‘Luna White’ hardy hibiscus. These plants produce big, eye-catching flowers that can reach up to 8 inches wide.
Hibiscus shrubs grow quite tall, often reaching 15 to 30 feet in height. They make great focal points in your garden or as part of a hedge.
23. Narcissus
Narcissus is a beautiful white flower that can brighten up any garden. These cheerful blooms are easy to grow and care for.
- Botanical Name: Narcissus papyraceus
- Meaning: Rebirth and new beginnings
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
You can plant Narcissus bulbs in fall for spring blooms. They grow best in areas with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Narcissus flowers come in shades of white and yellow. They’re known for their sweet fragrance and clusters of small blooms.
You can also grow Narcissus indoors in pots or vases filled with pebbles and water. This is a fun way to enjoy their beauty during winter months.
24. Phlox
Phlox are beautiful white flowers that can brighten up any garden. These lovely blooms come in both tall and short varieties.
- Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata
- Meaning: Unity, harmony
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
You’ll love how phlox can fill your garden with clusters of white flowers. They’re easy to grow and care for, making them perfect for beginners.
Phlox attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life to your outdoor space. With proper care, these flowers will come back year after year, giving you endless enjoyment.
25. Stock Flower
Stock flowers are lovely white blooms that add charm to any garden. Their sweet scent makes them perfect for bouquets too.
- Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
- Meaning: Lasting beauty
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You can grow stock flowers from seeds or young plants. Plant them in spring after the last frost. Space them 7-12 inches apart in a sunny spot.
These flowers like cool weather. In hot areas, give them some afternoon shade. Water them often to keep the soil moist. With good care, you’ll enjoy their pretty blooms and sweet smell all season long.
26. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a charming, low-growing flower that can brighten up your garden. Its tiny blooms come in white, pink, or purple shades and give off a sweet honey scent.
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Meaning: Sweetness
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can grow sweet alyssum in gardens or containers. It’s easy to care for and makes a great ground cover or border plant. This flower attracts bees and butterflies to your yard.
27. Petunia
Petunias are popular white flowers that can brighten up any garden. These cheerful blooms come in various shades of white, from pure white to cream.
Some white petunia varieties include ‘Easy Wave White’ and ‘Success White’. They offer crisp, clear flowers that look great on their own or paired with other colors.
- Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida
- Meaning: Anger, resentment
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can grow petunias in gardens, hanging baskets, or containers. They bloom all season long, giving you a constant show of white flowers. Petunias are easy to care for and can tolerate both heat and cooler conditions.
28. Morning Glory
Morning glories are beautiful white flowers that can add charm to any garden. These fast-growing vines produce trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the morning and close by afternoon.
- Botanical Name: Ipomoea alba
- Meaning: Love, affection
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can grow morning glories easily from seed. Plant them in spring after the last frost. They love to climb, so give them a trellis or fence to grow on.
These flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. With proper care, they’ll reward you with a stunning display of white blooms all season long.
29. Impatiens
Impatiens are beloved white flowers that add a pop of brightness to shady spots. They’re perfect for hanging baskets or as ground cover.
- Botanical Name: Impatiens walleriana
- Meaning: Impatience
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
- Water Needs: Regular
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You’ll find impatiens easy to grow and care for. They bloom non-stop from spring until frost, giving you months of beautiful white flowers.
To keep your impatiens happy, water them regularly and don’t let the soil dry out. They do best in partial to full shade, making them great for brightening up darker areas of your garden.
30. Dianthus
- Botanical Name: Dianthus
- Meaning: “Divine Flower”
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” are lovely white flowers that can brighten up your garden. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small ground covers to taller border plants.
These flowers like sunny spots and soil that drains well. You should water them when the soil feels dry, but be careful not to overwater.
Dianthus are tough plants that can handle cold weather. They bloom for a long time, often from spring until fall. With proper care, these pretty white flowers will come back year after year.