Garden Looking Dull? These 23 White Flowers Are the Secret Fix
There’s something truly magical about plants with white flowers that instantly brighten up any garden. Their crisp, clean blooms bring a sense of freshness and elegance, making it hard to resist their charm. They also work perfectly against brighter blooms for contrast.
From delicate petals to bold blossoms, these plants can transform any outdoor space into a serene oasis. Here’s a carefully curated list of 23 stunning plants with white flowers that are sure to add a touch of brightness to your garden!
How to Plant a White Flower Bed
- Play with Shades and Petal Shapes: White isn’t just one-note—explore its range from creamy ivory to crisp snow white. Combine delicate flowers like white cosmos or daisies with fuller blooms like hydrangeas or gardenias. Varying petal shapes and sizes adds texture and elegance, even in a monochrome palette.
- Go for Natural Groupings: White flower beds shine when they feel soft and serene. Plant in flowing clusters and repeat key white varieties to create unity. Mix pure whites with off-whites and subtle greenish hues for gentle contrast. Use sprawling forms like white catmint or creeping alyssum to blur the edges naturally.
- Use Foliage to Frame the White: White flowers glow best when anchored by contrasting foliage. Deep greens, silvery leaves, or blue-toned plants make white petals pop. Try pairing blooms with lamb’s ear, artemisia, or hostas to enhance brightness and provide a lush, structured backdrop.
- Add Structure and Layering: A white bed needs thoughtful design to avoid looking flat. Define the space with edging plants, stepping stones, or compact shrubs like white-flowering spirea. Layer tall blooms like delphiniums or foxgloves in the back, mid-height perennials in the center, and low-growing flowers in the front to build visual depth and flow.
Our Top White Flowers
The beauty of white flowers is that they will work in nearly all gardens and can be paired with flowers of other colors. Whether you love blue, orange, yellow or pink flowers, you can combine them with a number of the options in this list:
1) Daisy
Daisies are the epitome of cheerful flowers, and they come in various shades, including that lovely, pure white we’re looking for! They have that classic round shape and are usually surrounded by a lovely green foliage, making them a favorite in gardens and bouquets alike. Daisies are super easy to grow and care for, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners.
These lovely blooms often symbolize innocence and purity, which makes them perfect for special occasions and even weddings. You can find them happily growing in sunny spots, and they tend to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is a win-win for your garden!
Popular Varieties
- Shasta Daisy: A classic perennial with large, crisp white petals and sunny yellow centers—ideal for borders and cutting gardens. (Zones 4–9)
- Oxeye Daisy: A hardy wildflower with cheerful white blooms and a natural, meadow-like look—great for informal landscapes. (Zones 3–8)
- Snowcap Daisy: A compact, tidy variety with pure white flowers on short stems—perfect for small gardens and edging. (Zones 5–9)
- Alaska Daisy: A tall, sturdy daisy with large white blooms and excellent drought resistance—good for mass plantings. (Zones 4–9)
- Becky Daisy: A long-blooming favorite with large white flowers and strong stems—reliable in heat and humidity. (Zones 5–9)
2) Lily
Lily flowers come in so many varieties, but when you’re looking for white, you’re in for a treat! White lilies, especially the oriental and trumpet types, are stunningly fragrant and make any garden look elegant. They typically bloom in late spring to summer, providing a refreshing burst of color and aroma.
These beauties can grow quite tall and stand out in any arrangement or garden bed. Plus, they’re perennial, so once you plant them, they often come back year after year with minimal fuss!
Popular Varieties
- Casa Blanca Lily: A fragrant, pure white Oriental lily with large, upward-facing blooms—perfect for evening gardens and cut flowers. (Zones 5–8)
- Regale Lily: A trumpet-shaped white lily with golden throats and a powerful scent—excellent for back borders. (Zones 4–8)
- Bright Diamond Lily: A pristine white Asiatic lily with a compact form and no fragrance—ideal for containers or mixed beds. (Zones 3–8)
- Silk Road Lily: A tall Orienpet hybrid with white blooms and pale blush centers—great for dramatic vertical interest. (Zones 4–9)
- Navona Lily: An early-blooming white Asiatic lily with a crisp, clean look and strong garden performance. (Zones 3–8)
3) Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a gardener’s dream with their big, fluffy blooms, and yes, they absolutely can be white! These plants can produce stunning white flowers in various shapes and sizes, making them a popular choice for landscaping and floral arrangements alike.
They bloom in late spring to early summer and can last well into fall, depending on the variety and climate.
White hydrangeas can provide a lovely contrast to darker foliage and other colorful flowers. Just remember, they do enjoy a bit of shade and plenty of moisture, so keep them happy, and they’ll reward you with beautiful blooms!
Popular Varieties
- Annabelle Hydrangea: A classic white-flowering shrub with huge, rounded blooms that brighten shady spots—blooms on new wood. (Zones 3–9)
- Incrediball Hydrangea: An improved version of Annabelle with extra-large, sturdy white flower heads—excellent for structure and impact. (Zones 3–8)
- Limelight Prime Hydrangea: Starts with greenish-white blooms that mature to a soft white, then blush pink—compact and reliable. (Zones 3–8)
- White Wedding Hydrangea: A compact panicle type with lush, bright white flower clusters and strong stems—great in containers or borders. (Zones 4–9)
- Little Lamb Hydrangea: Delicate, fluffy white flowers on a small panicle hydrangea—ideal for smaller spaces or front plantings. (Zones 3–8)
4) Jasmine
Jasmine is famous for its delightful fragrance, and yes, some varieties sport stunning white flowers! Whether you’re looking to cover a trellis or add some fragrance to your garden, jasmine is a fantastic choice. The flowers bloom in clusters and release a sweet aroma, especially in the evening, making them perfect for nighttime enjoyment.
These plants can be trailing or bushy, depending on the variety, and they thrive in warm, sunny spots. Just be cautious because they can be quite vigorous and may need a bit of pruning to keep them in check.
Popular Varieties
- Common White Jasmine: A vigorous climber with clusters of sweetly scented white flowers—ideal for trellises or walls. (Zones 7–10)
- Star Jasmine: Glossy evergreen vine with star-shaped white flowers and intense fragrance—great for ground cover or fences. (Zones 8–11)
- Arabian Jasmine: Compact and bushy with highly fragrant white blooms that often appear in clusters—perfect for containers. (Zones 9–11)
- Winter Jasmine: A cold-hardy variety with white to pale flowers on arching green stems—blooms in cooler months. (Zones 6–10)
- Forest Jasmine: A twining vine with white, pink-tinged blooms and lush foliage—good for naturalistic or tropical-style gardens. (Zones 8–11)
5) Gardenia
Gardenias are loved for their creamy white blooms and intoxicating fragrance. These charming flowers are perfect for bringing a touch of elegance to your garden or indoor space. They bloom in late spring or early summer, and their glossy dark green leaves make the white flowers pop even more.
Gardenias can be a bit finicky when it comes to care, requiring well-drained soil and some humidity, but the reward is so worth it! The scent alone is enough to make any space feel more inviting.
Popular Varieties
- Frostproof Gardenia: A hardy variety with creamy white, double blooms and glossy foliage—ideal for borders in cooler climates. (Zones 7–10)
- August Beauty Gardenia: Large, fragrant white flowers bloom repeatedly through the season—great for foundation plantings. (Zones 7–10)
- Radicans Gardenia: A dwarf form with small white blooms and low, spreading habit—perfect for ground cover or containers. (Zones 7–10)
- Mystery Gardenia: Known for its big, rose-like white flowers and strong scent—well-suited for hedges or accent plants. (Zones 8–10)
- Veitchii Gardenia: A compact shrub with abundant, small white blooms and strong fragrance—ideal for patios or small gardens. (Zones 8–11)
6) Magnolia
Magnolia trees are iconic for their huge, fragrant blossoms, and some varieties bloom in stunning white! These majestic trees often attract attention when they burst into bloom in early spring, offering a beautiful sight to behold. The flowers are often cup-shaped and can have a lovely, sweet fragrance.
Magnolias can be a bit of a show-off in the garden, providing lots of shade and a high-impact visual. They can grow quite large, so make sure you have the space to accommodate this beauty if you decide to plant one!
Popular Varieties
- Little Gem Magnolia: A dwarf variety with creamy white, cup-shaped blooms and glossy evergreen leaves—perfect for small landscapes. (Zones 7–9)
- Southern Magnolia: A grand tree with large, fragrant white flowers and dark green foliage—ideal for a stately focal point. (Zones 6–10)
- Teddy Bear Magnolia: A compact, upright magnolia with white blooms and rust-colored undersides on its leaves—great for limited spaces. (Zones 7–9)
- Sweetbay Magnolia: Features lemon-scented white flowers and a graceful, airy habit—thrives in moist soils. (Zones 5–9)
- Edith Bogue Magnolia: A cold-hardy Southern type with classic white blooms and strong structure—suitable for northern gardens. (Zones 6–10)
7) Aster
Asters are fantastic perennials that brighten up any garden with their charming star-like flowers, and yes, they come in white too! These flowers bloom in late summer to fall, making them a great addition to extend the blooming season when many other plants are winding down.
They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which adds even more life to your garden. Asters are fairly low maintenance, making them a must-have for any gardener looking to add some late-season color.
Popular Varieties
- White Wood Aster: A shade-tolerant native with small, starry white flowers—ideal for naturalized or woodland gardens. (Zones 3–8)
- White Dome Aster: A compact, dome-shaped variety with dense white blooms—great for borders and late-season color. (Zones 5–8)
- Lady in Black Aster: Deep foliage contrasts with delicate white flowers tinged in pink—striking in mass plantings. (Zones 4–8)
- Snow Flurry Aster: A low-growing, mat-forming aster with tiny white blooms—excellent as a ground cover. (Zones 4–8)
8) Phlox
Phlox is a lovely perennial that can bring a splash of color to your garden, and yes, there are white varieties! These flowers bloom in clusters and can range from low-growing ground covers to taller varieties that make great cut flowers. They’re perfect for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds!
Phlox thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, and they have a sweet fragrance that adds another delightful layer to your garden. Plus, they come in a range of heights, making them versatile for any flower bed.
Popular Varieties
- David Phlox: A tall garden phlox with large clusters of pure white, mildew-resistant blooms—great for sunny borders. (Zones 4–8)
- White Flame Phlox: A compact variety with dense white flower heads—ideal for containers or small spaces. (Zones 4–8)
- Mount Fuji Phlox: Produces crisp white blooms with a light fragrance—well-suited for mixed perennial beds. (Zones 3–8)
- Delta Snow Phlox: White flowers with faint lavender eyes on mildew-tolerant foliage—adds subtle color contrast. (Zones 4–8)
9) Clover
White clover is a common sight in lawns and gardens, and it’s not just a weed! This sweet little plant produces tiny white flowers in clusters, which are a favorite among pollinators. Plus, it has the added bonus of being a nitrogen fixer, which helps improve the soil.
Clover is super low maintenance and can tolerate a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for a sustainable garden. Plus, you’ll often find it happily growing between other plants in your garden beds.
Popular Varieties
- Ladino Clover: A tall, robust white clover with large flower heads—excellent for pastures, erosion control, and pollinators. (Zones 3–9)
- Dutch White Clover: A low-growing, durable ground cover with small white blooms—ideal for lawns and bee forage. (Zones 3–10)
- New Zealand White Clover: A dense, leafy variety with good drought tolerance—great for grazing and low-maintenance turf. (Zones 4–9)
10) Snowdrop
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often pushing through the snow! These delicate little flowers have pure white, drooping petals that create a stunning sight against the winter landscape. They’re hardy and can even thrive in shaded areas, making them perfect for woodland gardens.
Snowdrops are also a symbol of hope, as they bloom early when the days are still chilly. They’re low maintenance and can spread over time, creating a lovely carpet of blooms.
Popular Varieties
- Common Snowdrop: Early-blooming with nodding white flowers and green inner markings—naturalizes well in woodland settings. (Zones 3–7)
- Flore Pleno Snowdrop: A double-flowered form with frilly white petals—adds texture and charm to late winter gardens. (Zones 3–7)
- Sam Arnott Snowdrop: A taller variety with large, fragrant white blooms—stands out in group plantings. (Zones 3–7)
11) Calla Lily
Calla lilies are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms, and the white variety is a classic choice for weddings and special occasions! These stunning flowers bloom in late spring to summer and can last for quite a while as cut flowers.
Calla lilies thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy a bit of shade, making them perfect for containers or garden beds. Their unique shape adds a modern touch to floral arrangements and gardens alike.
Popular Varieties
- Crystal Blush Calla Lily: Elegant white blooms with a faint pink blush at the throat—perfect for cut flowers and borders. (Zones 8–10)
- Arum Lily: Classic white spathes with tall yellow spadices—great for moist soils and dramatic garden accents. (Zones 8–10)
- Snow Storm Calla Lily: A compact variety with bright white flowers and speckled green leaves—ideal for containers. (Zones 8–10)
12) White Rose
Roses are the ultimate classic flower, and white roses symbolize purity and innocence. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for any garden style. White roses bloom in late spring and can continue to flower throughout the summer with proper care.
These beauties can be used in bouquets, garden beds, or even as a privacy hedge, depending on the variety. They do enjoy a bit of sunshine and love rich, well-drained soil to thrive.
Popular Varieties
- Iceberg Rose: A prolific bloomer with pure white flowers and a mild fragrance—ideal for hedges and mass plantings. (Zones 5–9)
- Pope John Paul II Rose: Large, luminous white blooms with intense fragrance—excellent as a focal point or cutting rose. (Zones 5–9)
- White Dawn Rose: A vigorous climbing rose with soft white blooms and a light scent—perfect for trellises and arbors. (Zones 5–9)
- Winchester Cathedral Rose: A David Austin variety with full, rosette-shaped white flowers and a strong old rose scent—great for cottage gardens. (Zones 5–9)
- Desdemona Rose: Creamy white blooms with a blush of pink and rich fragrance—compact and ideal for borders. (Zones 5–9)
13) Camellia
Camellias are prized for their stunning blooms and glossy foliage. The white varieties are particularly lovely, often blooming in late winter to early spring when many other plants are still dormant. These flowers can be single or double-petal and are known for their beautiful, waxy appearance.
Camellias prefer a bit of shade and can be a bit picky about their soil, but once established, they can add a touch of elegance to your garden for years to come.
Popular Varieties
- Snow Flurry Camellia: Cold-hardy with semi-double to peony-style white flowers—ideal for woodland borders. (Zones 6–9)
- Mine-No-Yuki Camellia: Also known as ‘White Doves’, it offers cascading white blooms with a touch of elegance—great for espalier or foundation planting. (Zones 7–9)
- Sea Foam Camellia: Features peony-form, creamy white blooms with lush foliage—excellent for screens or formal hedges. (Zones 7–9)
14) Queen Anne’s Lace
This charming wildflower is known for its delicate, lacy white flowers, resembling a frilly doily. Queen Anne’s Lace is often found in fields and meadows, and it’s known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. It blooms in mid-summer and adds a wild, natural touch to any garden.
These plants are also great for naturalizing, meaning they can spread and fill empty spaces beautifully. Just be careful, as they can become invasive if not kept in check!
Popular Varieties
- Wild Carrot: The classic form of Queen Anne’s Lace with flat, lacy white umbels and delicate fern-like foliage—perfect for meadows and naturalized areas. (Zones 3–9)
- Dara Queen Anne’s Lace: A cultivated type with white to burgundy umbels on tall, wiry stems—great for cut flowers and contrast. (Zones 2–11)
- Ammi Majus: Often called false Queen Anne’s Lace, with finely divided leaves and pure white, domed flower heads—ideal for cottage gardens and bouquets. (Zones 5–9)
15) White Orchid
Orchids are often associated with exotic beauty, and the white varieties are simply stunning! They can add elegance to any space, whether indoors or outdoors. White orchids typically bloom in the spring and can last for weeks, making them a favorite for floral arrangements.
Orchids do require a bit of care, like specific light and humidity levels, but the stunning blooms are worth the effort. Plus, they’re great for adding a tropical flair to your home or garden!
Popular Varieties
- Phalaenopsis White Orchid: A popular moth orchid with broad, pure white petals and long-lasting blooms—perfect for containers and indoor-outdoor transitions. (Zones 10–12)
- Dendrobium White Orchid: Slender canes with sprays of crisp white flowers—ideal for tropical-style gardens and hanging baskets. (Zones 9–12)
- Cattleya White Orchid: Large, ruffled white blooms with a light fragrance—great as a focal point in warm-climate gardens. (Zones 10–12)
16) Anemone
Anemones are known for their delicate, poppy-like flowers, and white varieties can be particularly eye-catching in the garden! They bloom in early spring to early summer, adding a lovely touch to garden beds and borders.
These flowers prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate a bit of shade, making them perfect for woodland gardens. Anemones can also attract bees and butterflies, adding more life to your garden!
Popular Varieties
- Honorine Jobert Anemone: A tall, graceful variety with pure white blooms and golden centers—ideal for late-season interest in partial shade. (Zones 4–8)
- Wild Swan Anemone: White petals with a hint of lavender on the reverse—blooms from spring through fall with a delicate look. (Zones 5–8)
17) Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is often used in bouquets and arrangements for its delicate white flowers, but it can also add charm to any garden! These airy blooms create a lovely contrast with bolder flowers and can bloom from late spring to early fall.
These plants are hardy and can thrive in various soils, making them a great addition to any flower bed or container. Plus, they attract pollinators, which is always a plus for your garden.
Popular Varieties
- Bristol Fairy Baby’s Breath: A popular variety with double white blooms on airy stems—ideal for bouquets and cottage gardens. (Zones 3–9)
- Snowflake Baby’s Breath: Compact and bushy with small, fully double white flowers—perfect for borders and containers. (Zones 3–9)
- Compacta Plena Baby’s Breath: Dense, rounded form with soft white double blooms—great for edging and floral arrangements. (Zones 3–9)
- Perfecta Baby’s Breath: A tall, floriferous type with large, pure white flowers—suited for cutting gardens and back borders. (Zones 3–9)
18) Oleander
Oleander is a beautiful shrub that can produce lovely clusters of white flowers, making it a great choice for adding some tropical flair to your garden. These hardy plants bloom in late spring to summer and can provide a lovely backdrop or privacy screen.
It’s important to note that oleander is toxic if ingested, so keep that in mind if you have pets or small children. But when planted safely, it can add beauty and elegance to outdoor spaces.
Popular Varieties
- Sister Agnes Oleander: A classic white variety with large, mildly fragrant blooms and upright growth—suitable for hedges or large containers. (Zones 8–11)
- Sealy Roseum Oleander: Offers semi-double white blooms with a delicate texture—great for adding brightness to dry, sunny spots. (Zones 8–11)
- Mont Blanc Oleander: Compact form with abundant white flowers and clean habit—perfect for smaller landscapes or patio pots. (Zones 8–11)
19) Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a charming little plant that produces clusters of tiny white flowers, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. These low-growing plants are perfect for borders, hanging baskets, or ground cover, adding a lovely touch to any garden.
Sweet alyssum blooms from spring to fall and is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators. Plus, they’re easy to grow and care for, making them a favorite among gardeners!
Popular Varieties
- Snow Princess Sweet Alyssum: A vigorous, trailing variety with masses of fragrant white blooms—ideal for hanging baskets and edging. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
- Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum: Low-growing with dense clusters of tiny white flowers—perfect for ground cover or between stepping stones. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
- White Lobularia Sweet Alyssum: Compact and floriferous with a honey-like scent—great for pollinator gardens and container spills. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
20) White Tulip
Tulips are a springtime favorite, and the white varieties are simply stunning in any garden! They bloom in early to mid-spring, adding a pop of brightness and elegance to flower beds and borders.
White tulips can symbolize purity and new beginnings, making them perfect for gardens celebrating fresh starts. They thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy sunny spots, so plant them where they’ll get plenty of light!
Popular Varieties
- White Triumphator Tulip: Tall and elegant with pure white, lily-shaped blooms—perfect for formal beds and late spring displays. (Zones 3–8)
- Maureen Tulip: A classic late-season tulip with large, creamy white flowers—ideal for cutting and mass plantings. (Zones 3–8)
- Mount Tacoma Tulip: A double late tulip with peony-like white blooms and soft green highlights—great for romantic garden themes. (Zones 3–8)
- Purissima Tulip: Also known as ‘White Emperor’, this early bloomer has broad, ivory-white petals and strong stems—suitable for early spring impact. (Zones 3–8)
- Hakuun Tulip: A Darwin hybrid with bold, snowy white flowers and excellent perennial performance—great for naturalizing. (Zones 3–8)
21) Petunia
Petunias are a garden favorite, and they come in an array of colors, including stunning white varieties! These cheerful flowers bloom from spring to fall and can add some fun color to any garden or container.
They’re great for window boxes, hanging baskets, or flower beds, and they thrive in sunny spots. Petunias can attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding more life to your space!
Popular Varieties
- White Madness Petunia: A vigorous, weather-tolerant variety with bright white blooms—great for mass planting and containers. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
- Snowstorm Petunia: Compact and mounding with abundant pure white flowers—ideal for borders and small garden spaces. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
- Ultra White Petunia: Large, trumpet-shaped white flowers on a tidy plant—excellent for sunny garden beds or mixed planters. (Zones 9–11 as perennial; annual elsewhere)
22) White Bleeding Heart
White bleeding heart is a stunning perennial with heart-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully from arching stems. These charming flowers bloom in spring and can provide a lovely contrast to other garden plants.
Bleeding hearts prefer a bit of shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens. They can create a lovely, romantic feel in any garden space.
Popular Varieties
- Alba Bleeding Heart: A classic white-flowered form of the traditional bleeding heart, with elegant heart-shaped blooms on arching stems—ideal for shaded woodland gardens. (Zones 3–9)
- Ivory Hearts Bleeding Heart: Compact and slow-growing with creamy white flowers and fine foliage—perfect for small shade borders. (Zones 3–9)
- White Gold Bleeding Heart: Features white flowers above striking golden-yellow foliage—adds bright contrast in shady areas. (Zones 3–9)
23) Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial known for its feathery foliage and flat-topped clusters of flowers, which can include lovely white varieties. These plants bloom from late spring to summer and are fantastic for attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
Yarrow is drought-tolerant and can thrive in various soil types, making it a great option for low-maintenance gardens. Plus, it can also be used in herbal remedies, adding an extra layer of usefulness.
Popular Varieties
- White Beauty Yarrow: A compact variety with flat-topped white flower clusters and fern-like foliage—ideal for borders and pollinator gardens. (Zones 3–9)
- The Pearl Yarrow: Features double, button-like white blooms and a spreading habit—great for cut flowers and cottage gardens. (Zones 3–9)
- Achillea ptarmica ‘Boule de Neige’: Offers semi-double white flowers with a soft, snowy appearance—perfect for naturalistic plantings. (Zones 3–9)