Amazing Varieties of White Flowers to Give Stunning Color to Your Garden

White flowers provide beautiful contrasting features and variations in any garden. Plants with white flowers such as lilies, orchids, jasmine, anemones, and magnolias look amazing with their contrasting green leafy foliage. You can also use combinations of white flowers with other colored flowers in attractive cut flower floral displays.

White flowers usually symbolize purity, innocence, reverence, elegance and sympathy. So, white flowers have meaning in all types of flower arrangements such as bridal bouquets, wedding displays, and even funerals. Ivory-white, pearl-white, and snow-white flowers have many meanings, some being elegance, beauty, and honesty.

Most plants that produce beautiful white flowers need full sun or partial shade to thrive. Also, the soil should be well-draining and the plants generally need plenty of water during the summer months. This list of white flowering plants in this article contains images for easy identification.

Types of White Flowers (With Pictures and Names)

Learn about some of the most popular and stunning white flowers that you can grow in your garden.

White Camellia Flowers

Camellia is a beautiful type of flowering perennial shrub. These popular plants produce large stunning white flowers in the fall, winter, and even into spring. Although native to temperate regions, some camellia cultivars are quite cold hardy. The large magnificent blooms can be pretty petals in spiral shapes, ruffled white petals creating showy flowers, or peony-type flower heads.

• Outstanding feature: Striking white blooms look stunning against the lush green foliage.
• Growing zones: 7 – 9.
• White camellia cultivars: Camellia ‘China Clay,’ ‘Cinnamon Cindy,’ ‘Snow Flurry,’ ‘Polar Ice.’

Jasmine Flowers

Extremely popular worldwide, Jasmine is well-known for its fragrant star-shaped small white flowers made up of delicate white petals. Planting ornamental jasmine shrubs in your garden is good for climbing up trellises, arbors, or cover fences. Its pretty white flowers appear in spring and summer and continue until the frost. This fast-growing perennial can grow to between 15 and 30 ft. (4.5 – 9 m).

• Outstanding feature: A wonderful fragrant semi-evergreen bush with white or light pink flowers.
• Growing zones: 7 – 10.
• White cultivars: Jasminum sambac ‘Grand Duke of Tuscany,’ Jasminum sambac.’

Japanese Anemone

If you are looking for white flowers with yellow centers, then Japanese Anemones are a perfect choice. The gorgeous flowers consist of large petals that form a star shape. Some types of anemones have multi-petalled flowers with a ruffled, chic look. Apart from snow-white flowers, anemones flowers can be blue, pink, crimson, or purple.

• Outstanding feature: Exceptional white flowers for your garden in late summer to late fall.
• Growing zones: 4 – 8.
• White cultivars: Anemone ‘Wild Swan,’ Anemone blanda ‘White Splendour,’ Anemone coronaria ‘Mount Everest,’ Anemone coronaria de Caen ‘The Bride,’ Anemone sylvestris ‘Madonna.’

White Orchids

Orchids in the Dendrobium genus are beautiful examples of orchids with exotic white flowers. Their beauty and grace mean that the elegant white flowers symbolize beauty, reverence, and innocence. There are 1,000s of orchid species with varying colors of flowers. Some white orchid cultivars are especially stunning. Some are pure white symmetrical flowers with yellow or pink centers that create striking floral displays.

• Outstanding feature: Pure white large petals often with contrasting centers. May have up to 50 blooms on one stem.
• Growing zones: 9 – 12. Grow well as an indoor houseplant.

White Calla Lily Flowers

White flowers from Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are superb examples of flowers that create a spectacular effect. You can identify Calla lilies with their elongated trumpet-like flowers. The graceful white flowers and rich glossy green foliage mean they can be the centerpiece of any flower display. Some white cultivars such as the ‘Green Goddess’ can grow between 2 and 3 ft. (60 – 90 cm). Other types of calla lilies have white flowers with deep purple shading. Some cultivars have a white chalice-shaped flower with a yellow spadix protruding from the center.

• Outstanding feature: Creates stunning flower displays in your garden during late spring and early summer.
• Growing zones: 8 – 10.
• White calla lily cultivars: Zantedeschia ‘Crystal Blush,’ ‘Vermeer’ (exotic white flowers with a deep purple center), ‘Mint Julep,’ Zantedeschia aethiopica, Zantedeschia albomaculata

White Tulips

Tulips (Tulipa) are beautiful perennial flowers that have come to symbolize the start of spring. In fact, with their stunning white cup-shaped flowers sitting on tall strong stems, tulips are easy to identify. Tulip petals can be simple oval shapes or they can be frilly showy blooms with various shades of whites, yellows, pinks, and oranges. Some tulips with thin tapered petals give the flowers a spiky look. White tulips can mean charm, romance, or forgiveness.

• Outstanding feature: Some tulip varieties have stunning pure-white blossoms with other contrasting vibrant colors.
• Growing zones: 3 – 8.
• White tulip cultivars: Tulipa ‘Inzell,’ ‘Ice Follies’ (with pure white and fiery red flame-like markings), Tulipa ‘White Triumphator,’ ‘White Dream,’ ‘Mount Tacoma,’ ‘Swan Wings,’ ‘Maureen.’

Chrysanthemums

Planting Chrysanthemums can give your garden splashes of white, red, purple, or pink in the fall. These showy flowers come in varying shapes and sizes. Some large flowers are globular and made up of 100s of tiny petals. Some flowerheads are single or double petals fanning out from the center to form a star. The ‘Spider Mum’ is especially striking with its thin narrow white petals and light-yellow center.

• Outstanding feature: Large showy white flowers that make great additions to cut flower arrangements.
• Growing zones: 6 – 9.
• White chrysanthemum cultivars: Chrysanthemum ‘Billy Bell,’ ‘Spider Mum,’ ‘Gompie White’

Daffodils

Daffodils are a popular bulbous spring-flowering plant with small to large funnel-like flowers. Many types of daffodils with their large white petals and yellow “trumpet” in the center are very showy. Some daffodils with double ruffled yellow and white petals are the perfect choice for spring celebrations.

• Outstanding features: A wide range of white daffodil varieties to suit any occasion. They also brighten up your spring garden.
• Growing zones: 8 – 11.
• White daffodil cultivars: Narcissus ‘Ariel,’ ‘Bridal Crown,’ ‘Ice King’ (spectacular daffodil with bushy double flowers), ‘Scilly White,’ ‘Silver Smiles,’ ‘Ice Wings’ (pure ivory-white daffodils).

Carnation

Carnations (Dianthus) are very pretty flowers made up of clusters of delicate ruffled petals. There are about 300 species in the Dianthus genus and they can be annuals or perennials. The pretty flowers sit on the top of tall leafy stems and some stems can host many flowers. Carnations can grow to between 8” and 10” (20 – 25 cm), however, some can grow even taller.

• Outstanding feature: Fragrant showy flowers that are perfect for any occasion.
• Growing zones: 5 – 9.
• White carnation cultivars: Dianthus ‘Memories,’ ‘Coconut Surprise,’ Dianthus deltoides ‘Arctic Fire.’

White Hibiscus Flowers

Hibiscus is a common flowering shrub that produces exquisite large pretty blooms. Also called the Rose of Sharon, hibiscus plants are very easy to grow with little maintenance. Hibiscus plants flower throughout the summer and into the late fall. It’s easy to identify white hibiscus flowers due to their trumpet-shaped flower comprising of papery petals. A large stamen is produced from the center to add to the dramatic effect.

• Outstanding feature: Large showy white flowers that look dramatic with contrasting red, pink and purple colors.
• Growing zones: 4 – 9.
• White hibiscus cultivars: Hibiscus ‘Mocha Moon,’ Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna White,’ ‘Disco Belle White,’ Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana,’ ‘White Chiffon.’

Amaryllis

The Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plant produces some of the showiest, largest, and spectacular flowers of any bulb plant. Large white, red, pink, and orange flowers grow at the top of stems that can reach up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) high. These winter-flowering bulbous plants can brighten up any room with their vivid, spectacular colors.

• Outstanding feature: Amaryllis varieties with large double flowers are spectacular.
• Growing zones: 2 – 11.
• White cultivars: Amaryllis ‘Christmas Gift,’ ‘Jewel,’ ‘Mont Blanc,’ ‘White Nymph,’ ‘Picotee,’ ‘Athene.’

Magnolia

White flowers on Magnolias are very fragrant, pretty, and attractive. Magnolias are perennial evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, depending on the climate. The thick bushy foliage contrasts well with the clusters of delicate white or pink flowers. Magnolias bloom in the spring and summer and can fill your garden with immense beauty year after year. Some white magnolia flowers are single petals that form a cup shape. Others have long backward-curving petals that look dramatic.

• Outstanding feature: Spectacular fragrant white floral displays in your garden all summer.
• Growing zones: 5 – 9.
• White magnolia cultivars: Magnolia ‘Gold Star,’ ‘Ivory Chalice,’ Magnolia salicifolia ‘Wada’s Memory,’ Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star,’ Magnolia loebneri ‘Merrill.’

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a low-growing plant that produces delicate bell-shaped white drooping flowers. The long stems of this plant grow between 6” and 12” (15 – 30 cm) tall and have up to 15 small white flowers. Usually, 2 wide leaves surround the stems. Because of their exquisite beauty, Lily of the Valley is used in bridal bouquets and has been a feature of royal weddings.

• Outstanding feature: Quick-growing ground cover plant that flowers in late spring.
• Growing zones: 2 – 7.
• White cultivars: Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata,’ ‘Bordeaux.’

White Rose

There are 1,000s of varieties of roses (Rosa) to choose from, with white roses symbolizing marriage and new beginnings. Roses are famous perennial plants and can be shrubs, climbing plants, or ground cover plants. Some types of English roses can be particularly showy with bushy-looking rosettes of creamy-white flowers. Other rose varieties such as the Musk Rose have flower heads with large white open petals and a yellow center.

• Outstanding feature: Very showy blooms that give off a wonderful fragrance. There are types of roses for almost every occasion.
• Growing zones: 5 – 9.
• White rose cultivars: Rosa ‘Lichfield Angel,’ ‘Claire Austin,’ ‘Susan Williams-Ellis,’ ‘Windermere.’

Heliotrope

Heliotrope (Heliotropium) is a genus of bushy annuals that produce clusters of tiny flowers. Although purple and blue are the typical colors, white Heliotrope flowers are very beautiful. The tiny star-shaped petals also give off a wonderful sweet scent.

• Outstanding feature: Bushy spreading plant that can create colorful ground cover in the summer
• Growing zones: 9a – 11.

Lilies

Lilies are some of the most dramatic and fragrant white-flowering plants that you can grow in your garden. Lily flowers can be identified by their large trumpet shape. These famous flowers can have varying shades of orange, pink, purple, white, and red. Some types of white lilies have recurved petals and others have double petals with fuzzy edges. The dramatic look of some white lily cultivars is due to dark contrasting coloring on the ivory white petals. Dwarf lily varieties grow to between 1 and 2 ft. (30 – 60 cm) and larger types of lilies grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m).

• Outstanding feature: Large showy blooms and a powerful scent.
• Growing zones: 4 – 9.
• White lily cultivars: Lilium ‘Casa Blanca,’ ‘Muscadet,’ Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven,’ Lilium regale ‘Album,’ Lilium auratum.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies are large cheerful flowers that look like a large rosette on the end of a long stem. Due to their size, Gerbera daisies often form the centerpiece of beautiful floral displays. White gerberas can look especially striking when in a combination of dark red, purple, or maroon flowers. Some white gerbera daisy varieties are pure white and others have yellow or pink centers.

• Outstanding feature: Popular large bright flowers that can be up to 5” (12 cm) in diameter.
• Growing zones: 9 – 11.
• White gerbera daisy cultivars: Gerbera ‘White,’

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are popular flowering perennial shrubs that produce large globular flowers in the summer. Hydrangeas are the perfect type of bushy plant for ground cover, borders, or containers. They grow to a height of 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and a spread of up to 6 ft. (1.8 m). The huge white beautiful flowers are clusters of florets that make up the head. Some white hydrangea flowers can even measure up to 12” (30 cm) across! You can expect these common summer flowers to last for around 2 months.

• Outstanding feature: Great for cut flowers, the massive flowerheads of hydrangeas add spectacular color to any room.
• Growing zones: 5 – 9.
• White hydrangea cultivars: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake,’ Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball,’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere,’ ‘Lanarth White,’ Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora.’

Star of Bethlehem

Star of Bethlehem (Ornighogalum) produces pretty star-shaped white flowers that give off a sweet aroma. These white bulb plants flower every spring and summer and grow to about 1 to 2 ft. (30 – 60 cm) tall. The dainty white or orange flowers usually measure about 2” (5 cm). These grow in clusters of up to 30 flowers on a stem to produce fantastic blossoms.

• Outstanding feature: Striking cone-shaped clusters of brilliantly-white flowers gracing the tops of long stems.
• Growing zones: 5 – 10.
• White cultivars: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake,’ Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball,’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere,’ ‘Lanarth White,’ Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora.’

Gladiolus Flowers (Sword-Lilies)

Gladiolus plants produce a stunning array of trumpet-shaped flowers. The identifying feature of gladiolus is their tall spikes that hold the flowers. These tall perennial common summer flowers can grow to a height of 5 ft. (1.5 m). The tops of the gladiolus flower stems contain between 12 and 30 luscious blooms. Gladiolus are excellent cut flowers due to the long flowering tops and brilliant colors.

• Outstanding feature: Breathtaking tall blossoms in a variety of summer colors.
• Growing zones: 8 – 11.
• White gladiolus cultivars: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake,’ Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball,’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere,’ ‘Lanarth White,’ Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora.’

Clematis

If you are looking for a white flowering climbing plant then Clematis is one of the best to choose. These hardy climbers are vigorous growers and can grow up to 10 ft. (3 m). Some of the most spectacular white clematis varieties have ruffled star-shaped flowers up to 6” or 7” (15 – 18 cm) across. Other amazing types of clematis have double flowers that give them a very showy appearance.

• Outstanding feature: Huge white flowers contrast with green foliage on this excellent climber.
• Growing zones: 7 – 11.
• White cultivars: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake,’ Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball,’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere,’ ‘Lanarth White,’ Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora.’

Dahlia

Dahlias produce some of the showiest large white blooms on any of the flowers on this list. These are bulbous perennial plants that start flowering in summer and continue until the frost. The stunning blooms on dahlias are something delightful to behold. The gorgeous flowerheads can be tight clusters of pretty tubular petals or they can be long tapered ones that fan out giving the flowers a spiky look. Some of the smallest white dahlia flowers can be as tiny as 2” (5 cm) whereas the largest can be a massive 1 ft. (30 cm) across!

• Outstanding feature: Showy white common flowers that look stunning in a vase or floral display.
• Growing zones: 8 – 11.
• White cultivars: Dahlia ‘Cafe Au Lait,’ ‘Eveline,’ ‘Honka White,’ ‘Fleurel.’

Phlox

One of the best white ground cover plants is Phlox. The low-growing perennial varieties form a beautiful mat of color during the summertime. The blooms can be purple, pink, multicolored, or white. If you choose one of the white varieties, your ground will look like it’s covered in snow. There are also bushy white Phlox varieties that grow as tall as 3 or 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m). These white flowering shrubs produce conical blooms made up of white flower clusters.

• Outstanding feature: Easy growing, low-maintenance shrubby plant with spectacular pure white flowers.
• Growing zones: 4 – 8.
• White cultivars: Phlox subulata ‘Snowflake,’ ‘White Delight,’ Phlox paniculata ‘David,’ Phlox paniculata ‘Flame White Eye.’

Tuberose

One of the unusual features of the white flowers on Tuberose (Agave amica) plants is that they only bloom at night. The beautiful snow-white flowers are made up of 6 petals or double flowers in a star shape. The petals can be oval-shaped or sword-shaped depending on the type. These delightful tubular blooms give off a strong fragrance and are excellent in floral arrangements.

• Outstanding feature: Some double-flowered types are stunning types of white flowers.
• Growing zones: 7 – 10.

Impatiens

If you are looking for a low-maintenance border plant with pretty white flowers, then impatiens plants are an excellent choice. These flowering plants produce purple, pink, orange, red, and white flowers. The flowers on these short compact shrubs can be around 2” (5 cm) across. You can expect stunning colors from these plants from late spring right up until the first frost.

While some species of impatiens are perennial, they are usually grown as annuals as they cannot tolerate frost.

• Outstanding feature: Provides vibrantly-colored flowers for most of the growing season.
• Growing zones: 2 – 11.
• White cultivars: Impatiens ‘Divine White,’ ‘Infinity White,’ ‘Sunpatiens Compact White,’ ‘Sunpatiens Spreading Variegated White,’ Impatiens walleriana ‘Rockapulco White.’

Snowdrops

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are one of the first white flowers to appear after winter. It is not uncommon to see the dainty cute bell-like flowers growing through a blanket of snow. These perennials grow in clumps and can provide a carpet of white blooms when the garden is bare and flowerless.

• Outstanding feature: Cold hardy bulbous plants that bloom before crocuses and some cultivars still bloom in May.
• Growing zones: 3 – 8.

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