White is a timeless, classic color, but it is also versatile. Whether you are on the hunt for an entirely bright and white monochromatic garden, want to add a little light to your green landscape, or add in a sprinkling of ivory in your colorful garden, white boasts an ethereal and brightening touch.
Whether your yard is carefully curated or you prefer a more eclectic woodland garden, there are many white flowers to bring your vision to life. Options include annuals, perennials, and beautiful shrubs, each with elegant white flowers but, in the end, it is all up to you, which plants earn a spot in your yard. Here are five white blooms to choose from.
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Lobelia
White Lobelia Erinus cultivars include ‘Cloud White,’ ‘White Lady,’ and ‘Snowball.’ The plant is a low-growing herbaceous annual growing in zones 2 to 11, or short-lived perennial in zones 9 to 11. It reaches about 6 inches in height and spreads to 12 inches. The small clusters of five-petaled flowers have an irregular tubular shape and the bright shade of white contrasts the vibrant green foliage.
The plants do well in the garden or containers, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators to your yard. Blooming in spring through fall, the plants prefer temperatures of 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Organically rich, moist soil and full to partial sun are best. Since they prefer moisture, plant Lobelias near ponds or marshy areas in your yard where other plants struggle to grow.
Star Magnolia
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a slow-growing flowering deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It produces a gorgeous plume of large white flowers in spring and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. The flowers are 3 to 4 inches wide with 12 to 18 petals, which curl inward and create an enchanting star shape.
The expansive twiggy structure is ideal for adding texture to your yard in winter. Large fuzzy white buds develop in late winter, with blooms emerging in late spring. From spring through summer, the plant produces oblong green leaves that turn a copper shade in autumn. Also, cone-like fruits appear in late summer, though they are not edible.
Provide full sunlight and moist, organically rich acidic soil. Plant in a protected area to prevent wind exposure and potential frost damage.
Annabelle Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a very popular garden plant because of their showy, ball-like flower clusters. The climbing woody shrubs are available in many different cultivars. ‘Annabelle’ (Hydrangea arborescens) is most notable. The plant boasts enormous globular clusters of icy white flowers, growing to a height and spread of 3 to 6 feet.
The blooms start off as a light green, maturing into a snow white, lasting six to eight weeks from June through July. Throughout autumn, the snowball clusters become more of a tan shade, adding neutral texture to your fall landscape. The plant thrives in partial shade, though it can handle full sunlight with adequate water. Consistently moist, well-draining soil that is organically rich is the best way to encourage growth and blooms.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching about 7 to 15 feet in height and spread. The leathery, dark green foliage surrounds the bright flowers. The unopened flower buds are a bright pink, but by mid-May the plant boasts showy clusters of stunning white cup-shaped flowers with pink veining. Mountain Laurel prefers partial to full shade with acidic, well-draining soil and is hardy in zones 4 to 9.
Dahlia
Dahlias are one of the most popular flowers, boasting rich colors and unique texture. The bright white color of ‘Boom Boom White,’ ‘Eveline,’ and ‘Fleurel’ is especially dazzling. Depending on the variety, the luscious daisy-like flowers range in size from 2 to 12 inches. The plants reach a height of 1 to 6 feet and a width of 1 to 3 feet. Though they are herbaceous perennials, they are often grown as annuals, and do well in containers or the garden.
Add a layer of mulch to the soil to maintain cooler temperatures and enjoy blooms from summer until the first frost. The plants prefer moist, well draining soil and full to partial sun. Dahlias usually require staking, so make sure you place a stake in the ground before planting. Otherwise, plant next to a fence or trellis for the plant to climb. Deadhead regularly to encourage prolonged blooming.
Pro Tip: You can harvest the flowers when they are fully open, keeping them in vases for 3 to 5 days, or 7 to 10 days with a hydrator.
Happy Planting!
White flowering plants are often overlooked because they aren’t colorful. That said, these gorgeous white flowers add texture and depth to your space, as well as a beautiful bright, comforting lightness. They are ideal for brightening a dark landscape and adding neutrality to a colorful garden, perfect for mixed plantings and elevating your yard.
Do you know of any beautiful white flowers to brighten a landscape? Share in the comments below!