White flowers lend an elegant, stately look to an outdoor garden, providing a serene landscape where one can easily relax. Whether you want to create an all-white garden or floral arrangement or hope to integrate new flowers into your garden designs, there are plenty of unique and beautiful blossoms to discover. Join us as we explore 75 exquisite types of white flowers to adorn your garden display.
75 Popular Types of White Flowers:
1. Bellflowers (Campanula)
About:
More than 500 species and countless subspecies of flowering plants belong to the Campanula genus within the Campanulaceae plant family.
Commonly called bellflowers, these plants get their scientific genus name (Latin for “little bell”) and common name from the bell-like shapes of the flowers they produce. Most species of bellflowers are native to the Middle East and Caucuses. However, there are native species that grow throughout the temperate and subtropical regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
The genus contains a variety of annual, biennial, and perennial flowers. In addition to white, different varieties also bloom in blue, purple, and pink.
2. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
About:
Also commonly referred to as moonvine and tropical morning glory, the moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is one of more than 600 species in the Ipomoea genus that belongs to the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) plant family.
These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas but are favorites for planting in night gardens worldwide. The plant is a woody, night-blooming vine that can grow to about 100 feet long or tall.
The trumpet-shaped flowers can be white or light pink and large, with the biggest blooms spanning nearly 6 inches. They also emit a strong, sweet fragrance – especially when they open up at night.
3. Hyacinth Flowers (Hyacinthus)
About:
Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, Hyacinthus is a genus of bulbous perennials belonging to the Asparagaceae (asparagus) plant family.
Hyacinths are a notable springtime flower, as they are among the first perennials to blossom after winter, sometimes poking their stalks through the snow to do so. Although the genus is small, there are several species, and the one most commonly grown in gardens and found in floral arrangements is Hyacinthus orientalis.
Hyacinth plants produce one to three spikes or racemes clustered with intensely fragrant purple flowers in shades like white, blue, purple, red, pink, peach, and yellow.
4. Magnolia (Magnolia)
About:
The Magnolia genus contains hundreds of flowering plants belonging to the Magnoliaceae (Magnolia) family. Having evolved before bees, plants from the Magnolia genus attract and are pollinated by beetles.
Magnolias don’t have true flowers with petals. Instead, they have milky-white tepals. Magnolia plants have two centers of origin, one spanning the Americas and the other centered in East and Southeast Asia.
5. Larkspur (Delphinium)
About:
Native to much of the Northern Hemisphere and some mountainous areas of tropical Africa, Delphinium is a genus of roughly 300 species of flowers that belong to the Ranunculaceae (ranunculus) plant family and are commonly referred to as larkspur. The genus contains both annual and perennial varieties.
When in bloom, the plants produce stalks of flower blossoms in shades of purple, blue, and pink in addition to white. The genus name comes from the ancient Greek word delphínion, which means “dolphin” and refers to the dolphin-like shape of the flowers.
6. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
About:
Gypsophila is a genus of about 150 flowering plants belonging to the Caryophyllaceae (carnation) plant family. The flowers are commonly referred to as baby’s breath or babe’s breath. They’re beloved for their vast sprays of tiny, delicate, white flowers.
These plants have a relatively wide native range, growing naturally in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Despite the plant’s popularity in fresh and dried floral arrangements, it is considered a weed in many places due to its invasive growing habits.
7. Chrysanthemum Flowers (Chrysanthemum)
About:
Chrysanthemum is a genus of about 40 flowering subshrubs or herbaceous perennials that belong to the Asteraceae (daisy) plant family. They grow natively in northeastern Europe and eastern Asia, with most species originating in China.
Most commonly in the wild, they are gold or yellow, but they blossom in almost every color. White chrysanthemum varieties are available in several flower forms, including reflexed, incurved, intermediate, pompon, single, anemone, spoon, and quill.
8. Foxgloves (Digitalis)
About:
The Digitalis genus of the Plantaginaceae (plantain) plant family contains about 20 species of perennial and biennial flowering plants and shrubs. They are commonly called foxglove and are native to northwestern Africa, Europe, and western Asia.
Foxgloves produce tall spikes from which copious, tube-shaped flowers blossom in shades of purple, pink, and white, creating quite large, ornamental racemes. They attract butterflies and moths to gardens.
9. Petunia Flowers (Petunia)
About:
The Petunia genus contains 20 species of perennial flowering plants that belong to the Solanaceae (nightshade) plant family and are native to South America. Petunia hybrids are highly popular garden plants that grow with clumping or trailing habits, making them a perfect choice for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes.
They produce tubular, star-shaped flowers in various shades of white and combinations of white with other vibrant colors. Additionally, they blossom in almost every other color and combination of colors, with solid, striped, or speckled petals.
10. Hydrangea Flowers (Hydrangea)
About:
Commonly called hydrangea or hortensia, about 75 flowering plants belong to the Hydrangea genus of the Hydrangeaceae plant family. These plants are native to the Americas and Asia, but most originate in Japan, China, and Korea.
Hydrangea plants grow as either woody vines or small trees, and they can be either deciduous or evergreen, but most of the popular garden varieties are deciduous. They produce globe-shaped clusters of attractive flowers that are naturally a greenish-white color. Hydrangea flower colors can also appear in cotton-candy shades of pink, blue, and purple, depending on the soil’s pH.
11. Dahlia Flowers (Dahlia)
About:
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, the Dahlia genus currently contains 42 species (and countless cultivars and hybrids) of herbaceous perennial plants native to Central America and Mexico.
Dahlias are beloved for their showy flower heads, producing numerous layers of pointed petals that spread out from the flower’s center in striking geometric patterns. Dahlias bloom in a wide array of colors and combinations of colors, including several varieties featuring creamy shades of white.
12. Peony Flowers (Paeonia)
About:
The only genus in the Paeoniaceae plant family, Paeonia is a genus containing a contested number (between 25 and 40) of species of flowering plants that are native to western North America, Europe, and Asia. Currently, 33 species of peonies have been officially accepted into the genus.
Peonies are mostly herbaceous perennials, but the genus does contain some that grow as shrubs. They produce attractive foliage and stunning flower blossoms that come in different shapes and varieties, including single, semi-double (lotus, rose, and chrysanthemum), and double (anemone, hundred proliferate, golden circle, thousand petal crown, and hydrangea globular).
13. Bouvardia (Bouvardia)
About:
About 50 species of flowering evergreen shrubs and herbs belong to the Bouvardia genus in the Rubiaceae (coffee) plant family. All species, except one that grows in the southwestern United States, are native to Mexico and Central America.
Bouvardia plants produce delicate-looking clutches of four-lobed flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. They’re popularly grown indoors as houseplants or as outdoor garden plants in warm climates.
14. Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)
About:
Native to southern Africa, southern Europe, and the Caucasus, Ornithogalum is a genus of bulbous, flowering perennials that belongs to the Asparagaceae (asparagus) plant family.
They are commonly called the Star of Bethlehem in reference to the bright-white, star-shaped, six-petaled flowers that the plants produce from grassy clumps of foliage.
15. Steptocarpus (Streptocarpus)
About:
Streptocarpus is a genus native to the Afrotropical region of the world that belongs to the Gesneriaceae plant family. The genus name comes from two Greek words that translate to “twisted fruit,” describing the shape of the long and skinny, tusk-like fruits that the plant produces.
Streptocarpus plants feature central rosettes of large, glossy, ovate leaves from which skinny stalks rise. Atop these stems, slightly tubular flowers that resemble orchid blossoms bloom.
16. Daffodil (Narcissus)
About:
Native to southern Europe and northern Africa, the Narcissus genus contains about 50 species of flowering perennial plants commonly called narcissus, jonquil, and daffodil. These flowers belong to the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) plant family. They are nearly synonymous with spring since they are among the first to bloom at the beginning of the season and, sometimes, in early winter. They produce cheerful starry blossoms with prominent trumpet-shaped noses in white and bright yellow shades.
17. Osmanthus (Osmanthus)
About:
Osmanthus is a genus of about 30 flowering plants belonging to the Oleaceae (olive) plant family. These woody shrubs and small trees produce attractive, ovate, sage-colored foliage and sprays of petite, white flowers blossom interspersed with the leaves along the plant’s stems, almost like clumps of snow resting on the branches.
Most species of osmanthus are native to eastern Asia. However, some species grow naturally in Sumatra, New Caledonia, and the Caucasus.
18. Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)
About:
Native to South America, Alstroemeria is a genus of about 50 species (plus hundreds of cultivars and hybrids) of flowering plants that belong to the Alstroemeriaceae plant family. They are mostly long-living perennials and are commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas.
In addition to white, these flowers bloom atop tall stalks in shades of pink, red, orange, purple, and green. The blossoms feature speckles, stripes, and dots in darker shades of brown and black.
19. Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
About:
Native to southeastern Europe, Asia, North America, and Central America, Philadelphus is a genus of roughly 60 species of flowering, mostly deciduous shrubs. The genus belongs to the Hydrangeaceae plant family.
The plant gets its common name, mock orange, from the appearance and scent of its symbolic flowers. The fluttery, white blossoms with buttery-yellow centers strongly resemble orange and lemon blossoms. They also emit a sweet, citrusy fragrance with a slight jasmine undertone.
20. Trumpet Flower (Brugmansia)
About:
Also commonly called angel’s trumpets, trumpet flowers refer to the seven species of Brugmansia genus flowering plants belonging to the Solanaceae (nightshade) plant family. Native to the tropical regions of South America, the genus contains both woody shrubs and trees that produce surprisingly large (between 6 and 20 inches long) trumpet-shaped flowers (that are very toxic) that hang like Christmas tree ornaments from within the plant’s large foliage.
21. Lisianthus Flowers (Eustoma)
About:
Native to South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southern United States, Eustoma is a genus of just three species of herbaceous annual flowering plants in the Gentianaceae (gentian) plant family.
In addition to lisianthus, flowers of the Eustoma genus are also commonly referred to as prairie gentian. They produce long, slender stalks and beautiful flowers with whorl-shaped, almost rose-like blossoms.
22. Woodland Tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris)
About:
Nicotiana sylvestris is a flowering plant that belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) plant family. In addition to woodland tobacco, common names include South American tobacco and flowering tobacco.
These plants can be either biennial or perennials, but the perennial varieties are short-lived. The plants grow almost 5 feet tall and produce pendulous tube-shaped flowers that open up into broad, white stars at their ends.
23. Cosmos Flowers (Cosmos)
About:
Cosmos is a genus of 36 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Most cosmos species are native to Mexico, but some are found in parts of the northwestern United States, Central America, and South America.
They have spindly, grass-like stems and equally spindly leaves that give the plants a whimsical appearance as they sway in the wind. They produce cheerful flowers with showy ray florets and central disc florets. The flowers of the Cosmos bipinnatus species are naturally white.
24. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
About:
About 70 species of epiphytic plants belong to the Phalaenopsis genus in the Orchidaceae (orchid) plant family. At the base, these plants produce large, waxy leaves in a deep shade of green. From the center of this foliage grow long, woody stems from which several long-lasting, fragrant flowers bloom.
These plants are commonly called moth orchids or are sometimes referred to by their genus name. Most phalaenopsis orchids are native to the Philippines and Indonesia, but several other species come from parts of southern China, India, Malaysia, New Guinea, and Queensland, Australia.
25. Meadowsweets (Spiraea)
About:
Between 80 and 100 species of woody flowering shrubs belong to the Spiraea genus in the Rosaceae (rose) plant family. They are commonly called steeplebushes or meadowsweets. Sometimes, they are called by their genus name, which can also be spelled “spirea.”
These shrubs have attractive foliage, but they are real showstoppers when they are in bloom. They produce large panicles, corymbs, or drooping clusters of flowers that nearly cover the entire shrub with blossoms. The flowers appear small and fuzzy due to the numerous stamens that stick up from the blossoms.
26. Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
About:
Native to Europe, Bellis perennis is a species of perennial herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae or daisy plant family. This species is the quintessential daisy with a ring of white petals around a cheerful yellow center.
Its names include daisy, common daisy, English daisy, and lawn daisy. Although the species most commonly has white flowers, different varieties blossom in shades of pink, red, and yellow.
27. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
About:
Belonging to the Araceae plant family, the Zantedeschia genus is native to southern Africa. It contains eight species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants commonly called calla lilies or arum lilies, although they are neither true callas nor true lilies.
Grown atop sturdy green stalks, calla lily blossoms are false flowers with an inflorescence that consists of a showy spathe that resembles a curved, funnel-shaped petal and a central, yellow, finger-shaped spadix. Five species blossom in white, pinkish-white, yellowish-white, and/or cream colors.
28. Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus)
About:
Hibiscus is a large genus with several hundred flowering plants belonging to the Malvaceae (mallow) plant family. They grow natively in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide.
They’re easily recognizable thanks to their large, showy, exotic-looking flowers blooming in fiery hues. They also blossom in pastels and white. Some white hibiscus flowers feature pure-white stigmata, while others have bright red, pink, or even yellow ones protruding from the center of the papery, trumpet-shaped flowers.
29. Amaryllis Flowers (Amaryllis)
About:
Native to South Africa, the Amaryllis genus contains two species of bulbous, flowering plants and belongs to the Amaryllidaceae plant family. These flowers produce blossoms that are shaped similarly to those of stargazer lilies. Thanks to the white and Santa-suit-red varieties available, they’re a popular bulb to gift and force bloom during the winter holidays.
30. Gerbera Daisy Flowers (Gerbera)
About:
Native to the tropical regions of Africa, Gerbera is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants that belong to the Asteraceae plant family. They produce rosettes of ovate leaves from which strong, slightly fuzzy stems rise, carrying attractive, daisy-shaped blossoms with thick ruffles of petals and prominent, circular centers. Gerbera daisies bloom in various vibrant hues, making them a popular florist’s choice. They’re also available in a feathery shade of white.
31. Nemesia (Nemesia)
About:
Within the Scrophulariaceae (figwort) plant family, the Nemesia genus contains 64 species (in addition to countless cultivars and hybrids) of perennial and annual flowering sub-shrubs native to South Africa. They produce clusters of unusual flowers that have two lips of petals. The top lip has four lobes, and the bottom has two.
Growing to about a foot in height, they are famous for use as edging plants in borders, as ground cover, and in containers. In addition to white, they feature flowers in shades of yellow, lavender, violet, pink, and orange.
32. Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
About:
Erica carnea is a species of flowering, evergreen subshrub that belongs to the Ericaceae (heath) plant family. It is native to eastern, central, and southern European mountainous regions, where it grows on stony slopes or in woodlands containing coniferous trees. The branches carry spiny evergreen needles and produce rows of stunning, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in shades ranging from white to deep pink. Other common names include alpine heath, spring health, and winter-flowering heather.
33. Dianthus Flowers (Dianthus)
About:
The Dianthus genus of the Caryophyllaceae (pink) plant family contains about 340 species that are primarily native to Asia and Europe, except a few species that come from Africa and one from the Arctic region of North America. This genus contains both the popular Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus caryophyullus species that are respectively known as pinks and carnations.
The genus name translates from Greek to “Zeus flower.” The common name, pink, is thought to come from an old verb form of pink that means to perforate and likely refers to the slightly ruffled or zigzagged edges of these flowers’ petals.
34. Tulip Flowers (Tulipa)
About:
About 75 bulbous flowering plants commonly called tulips, belong to the Tulipa genus within the Liliaceae (lily) plant family. Although tulips have been naturalized and cultivated in gardens worldwide for ages, they are native to western and central Asia. They spread quickly, however, along heavily used trade routes and were eventually cultivated into thousands of cultivars and hybrids. Some popular white tulip species include Tulipa clusiana, Tulipa bifloriformis, Tulipa tukestanica, and Tulipa buhseana.
35. Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’)
About:
Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ is a stunning variety of white wisteria that, along with other species from the Wisteria genus, belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) plant family. A woody vine with a climbing growth habit, white Japanese wisteria often winds its way up trees to produce two-foot-long, pendulous racemes of delicate white flowers, creating a magical display. This white variety of wisteria famously appears in Claude Monet’s Giverny, France garden, and on the Japanese Bridge.
36. White Rose Flowers (Rosa)
About:
More than three hundred species of perennial flowering plants (plus tens of thousands of cultivars) belong to the Rosa genus in the Rosaceae (rose) plant family. Most species of roses are native to Asia. However, there are also species that grow naturally in North America, Europe, and Africa. With so many species and cultivars of roses, there is a great variety of plants and flowers. Some of the most popular white roses include Vendela, Wollerton Old Hall, and Desdemona.
37. Lobelia (Lobelia)
About:
Lobelia is a genus of 415 species of large and small, annual and perennial, shrubby, flowering plants belonging to the Campanulaceae plant family. They grow natively in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide.
When in bloom, sweetly lobed, bottom-heavy blossoms cover the shrubs with gentle shades of blue and pink in addition to snowy white. They are commonly used as ornamental garden plants and are an excellent addition to borders, beds, and large containers.
38. Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
About:
A member of the Ericaceae (heath) plant family, Pieris japonica is a flowering plant species that can grow up to 13 feet tall. It’s native to mountainous areas of eastern Asia. Although they have simple foliage, they first appear either red or bronze before changing to a deep shade of green. This plant also produces gorgeous, hanging clusters of urn-shaped flowers spread like fingered hands in light shades of white, cream, and pink.
39. Lupine (Lupinus)
About:
A member of the Fabaceae plant family, the Lupinus genus contains 199 species of herbaceous, mainly perennial, flowering plants primarily native to North and South America, with a few species growing naturally in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Lupine flowers have tall, ornate racemes of flowers that, in addition to white, blossom in shades of blue, purple, and pink. Today, they’re primarily cultivated as ornamental flowers in gardens, but lupine seeds, which are legumes, have been enjoyed as a food for thousands of years in regions worldwide.
40. Clematis Flowers (Clematis)
About:
Roughly 300 species of flowering plants belong to the Clematis genus in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family. Clematis plants are mostly woody vines with climbing habits, but some species grow as herbaceous perennials and others as small shrubs.
Other than one species native to Britain, they are primarily native to Japan and China. Between the various species, hybrids, and cultivars, clematis flowers offer a great variety in appearance and color. All, however, provide stunning symmetry and have an alluring presence in the garden.
41. Pincushions (Scabiosa)
About:
A member of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) plant family, Scabiosa is a genus of flowers native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. While some species have common names that include the word “scabious” about the genus name, most species are commonly called pincushion flowers. This name comes from the pincushion-like appearance of the flowers, featuring ruffled petals encircling a globe of spiky bracts and calyces.
42. Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
About:
Lilium longiflorum is a flowering plant species belonging to the Liliaceae (lily) plant family. The lily plants grow from about 20 inches to three feet tall and feature deep-green stalks with long, ovate leaves that span out along the stalk from the base to the top, where groups of pure-white, star-shaped lily flowers blossom. In Christianity, Easter lilies are prominently used to decorate churches and altars during the Paschal season because they symbolize the resurrection of Christ.
43. Begonia Flowers (Begonia)
About:
A member of the Begoniaceae plant family, species from the Begonia genus are native to tropical and subtropical areas in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. With a total of 2,002 accepted species, it is the largest of all genera of flowering plants.
Begonia flowers feature a wide variety of foliage that ranges in colors from dark green to burgundy and flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and red. With buttery-soft flower petals, white begonias range in shade from snowy white to a milky, warm cream color.
44. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
About:
A member of the Scrophulariaceae (figwort) plant family, Buddleja is a genus of more than 140 primarily flowering shrubs (except for a few species classified as small trees). They are native to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Like fireworks lighting the night sky, white butterfly bushes blossom with pointed cones of small white flowers that seem to explode from the central leafy bushes that produce them.
45. Snows of Kilimanjaro (Euphorbia leucocephala)
About:
A member of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) plant family, Euphorbia leucocephala is a flowering shrub or small tree native to Mexico and parts of Central America. In addition to the snows of Kilimanjaro, the plant’s common names include white lace euphorbia, snow bush, Christmas flower, and snowflake bush. When in bloom, corymbs of small, white flowers ultimately overtake the tree, making it appear as if it is covered in freshly fallen snow.
46. Azalea Flowers (Rhododendron)
About:
Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Azalea plants are flowering shrubs that belong to the Rhododendron genus in the Ericaceae plant family. They can be evergreen or deciduous, blossoming in the springtime with large bunches of fluttery blossoms in shades of red, pink, and white. Since their blossoms are so vibrant and attractive, many cities in the United States, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong celebrate azalea festivals during their blooming seasons.
47. Snowdrop (Galanthus)
About:
Native to Europe and the Middle East, Galanthus is a genus of about 20 species of bulbous, herbaceous, flowering perennials. The genus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae plant family.
Commonly called snowdrops, various species of these flowers blossom in early winter, late fall, or early spring. They have snowy-white blossoms that sprout up from a central spike of foliage.
The flowers are pendulous, but when you turn a bloom up to see its face, you’ll see that they have a striking and unique beauty – especially for a flower that otherwise appears rather average.
48. Candytuft (Iberis)
About:
A Brassicaceae (mustard) family member, Iberis is a genus of about 30 species of woody, flowering, annual and perennial, evergreen subshrubs. They are native to several regions of the Old World, and their common name comes from Candia, the previous name of the Island of Crete known today as Iraklion. Candytuft bushes are lovely in gardens, as they produce a proliferation of blossoms when they are in bloom. Snowflake candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a particularly lovely option.
49. Lilac Flowers (Syringa)
About:
Twelve flowering plants commonly called lilacs belong to the Syringa genus within the Oleaceae (olive) plant family. These woody shrubs and small trees are all native to Europe and Asia. They have lovely deciduous foliage. Although their large, cone-shaped clusters of blossoms are relatively short-lived, lilacs are well-loved and carefully tended for their unmistakably sweet, classic fragrance. In addition to white, lilacs bloom in soft shades of pink, lavender, and blue.
50. Creeping Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)
About:
A member of the Cornaceae (dogwood) plant family, the Cornus canadensis is native to both North America and eastern Asia. The flowering plant has a slow, creeping growth habit. From rhizomes produce short, star-shaped rosettes of spade-shaped leaves (four to eight inches tall) from which solitary, four-petaled white flowers blossom.
These popular seasonal flowers make an attractive ground cover for areas where you don’t plan to walk in your garden. In addition to creeping dogwood, the plant has several common names, including Canadian bunchberry, quatre-temps, Canadian dwarf cornel, and crackerberry.
51. Ranunculus Flowers (Ranunculus)
About:
Part of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family, Ranunculus is a genus of around 600 species of mostly perennial, herbaceous, flowering plants. Some are aquatic flowers, and others are terrestrial.
The genus contains flowers that are commonly called crowfoots, buttercups, and spearworts, in addition to the ranunculus blossoms that florists popularly use. They have fingered leaves that typically form a rosette near the base of the plant’s stem. The flowers – especially of cultivated hybrids of the Ranunculus asiaticus species – are ornate with tightly spiraled whorls of petals.
52. Passionflower (Passiflora foetida)
About:
Passiflora foetida is a passion flower species belonging to the Passifloraceae plant family. It is native to South America, Central America, Mexico, the southwestern United States, and the Caribbean. The flowers are highly unusual and alluring, with distinct layers of white ray florets and petioles around purplish centers. Although beautiful to behold, their leaves (if disturbed) do emit a somewhat pungent odor, which has earned the plant the name “stinking passionflower.”
53. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota)
About:
A member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family, Daucus carota is an herbaceous flowering plant that is native to the temperate regions of the Old World. Its common names include wild carrot, bishop’s lace, and bird’s nest.
If any plant can be described as having fine features, then this is undoubtedly it. The leaves of Queen Anne’s Lace flowers are intricately shaped as if embroidered, and the plant’s corymbs feature tiny, delicate, white blossoms that look like lace. The foliage has a slightly fresh and carrot-like scent.
54. Camellia Flowers (Camellia)
About:
Camellia is a genus of small, flowering, evergreen trees and shrubs that belong to the Theaceae (tea) plant family. The exact number of species accepted in the genus is contested. Currently, it’s between 100 to 300. With about 3,000 hybrids, the genus offers various foliage and flowers that bloom in white, pink, and red shades. Camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia. They are cultivated both for their beautiful flowers and their leaves used to make tea.
55. Tuberose (Agave amica)
About:
Native to Mexico, Agave amica is an herbaceous, flowering, perennial plant belonging to the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family. The plants grow from a tuberous root system and produce tall, thin stalks from which cone-shaped racemes of trumpet-shaped flowers blossom.
Tuberose flowers are very attractive for growing in gardens, but they are also widely cultivated for their strong-smelling essential oils, which are commonly used to add floral notes to fragrances.
56. Phlox Flowers (Phlox)
About:
Phlox is a genus containing 67 species of annual and perennial plants belonging to the Polemoniaceae plant family. Other than one species native to Siberia, the rest grow naturally in North America.
Various species of phlox take different forms and have different growing habits, including upright, creeping, and mat-like. They produce vibrant green foliage and attractive flowers that are either clustered or solitary, depending on the species.
57. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
About:
Native to Micronesia and the Mediterranean regions, Lobularia maritima is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae (mustard) plant family. The plants are low-growing with long, narrow, and heavily branched stems that produce clusters of small white flowers around the tips of the branches. They are often planted as ground cover, around edges of raised garden beds, and in hanging baskets since their long branches have a lovely trailing growth habit.
58. False Goat’s Beard (Astilbe)
About:
A member of the Saxifragaceae plant family, Astilbe is a genus containing 18 flowering plants native to North America and Asia. They are commonly called false spirea or false goat’s beard.
The plants produce clumps of dense, green foliage and prominent, flame-like spikes of feathery-looking flowers. They blossom in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, and cream. They prefer water-logged conditions, making them an excellent choice for planting near a pond or in clay or poorly draining soil.
59. Primrose Flowers (Primula vulgaris)
About:
Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, the Primula vulgaris is a flowering plant species belonging to the Primulaceae (primrose) plant family. They are called primrose, common primrose, or English primrose and feature a rosette of foliage from which several flowers emerge in early spring. The flowers are typically white and yellow but sometimes can also be pink. Japanese primrose is also available in white flowers.
60. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
About:
Convallaria majalis is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae (asparagus) plant family and is commonly called the lily of the valley. The species is native to much of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe.
However, it is considered an invasive species in North America (not to be confused with Convallaria majalis var. montana, which is native to North America). This plant produces thin, delicate stems from which sprays of plump, bell-shaped white flowers bloom. They have a sweet scent that is commonly used in perfumes.
61. Stephanotis (Stephanotis)
About:
The Stephanotis genus contains nine woody, flowering vines belonging to the Apocynaceae (dogbane) plant family. Their native distribution is quite scattered, with species growing naturally in places including Madagascar, Japan, Cuba, Malaysia, and Borneo. The plants are often cultivated in tropical gardens or greenhouses for their attractive, waxy foliage and intensely fragrant, white tubular flowers.
62. Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)
About:
A member of the Plantaginaceae (plantain) plant family, Bacopa monnieri grows natively on every continent except Antarctica—this perennial, creeping, non-aromatic herb. Though attractive, the plant is slightly peculiar-looking, with oblong, succulent leaves and small white flowers. The plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine traditions as a method for improving memory and addressing other ailments. However, it has side effects and has not been approved by the FDA for medical purposes.
63. Angelonia (Angelonia)
About:
About 30 herbaceous flowering plants belong to the Angelonia genus in the Plantaginaceae plant family. Most species are native to northeastern Brazil, where they grow in the Caatinga Forest, a semi-arid habitat and a seasonally dry tropical forest.
The plants have pointed, lance-like leaves and tall racemes of snapdragon-like flowers that blossom in various colors, including white. Ornamental varieties are lovely in gardens, but they require warm temperatures and a lot of direct sunlight. So, be sure to plant them away from the shade.
64. Periwinkle Flowers (Vinca)
About:
A member of the Apocynaceae (dogbane) plant family, the Vinca genus contains seven species of subshrubs and herbaceous plants that produce glossy foliage and salverform flowers that are most commonly blue-colored but occasionally are also white.
They are commonly called periwinkle (along with several species of plants from other genera). They are native to the Mediterranean and North African regions but have been introduced to several other areas. They’re considered an invasive species in the United States (especially along the California coast), Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
65. Windflower (Anemone)
About:
Native to the subtropical regions of North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, the Anemone genus contains about 120 flowering perennials commonly called windflowers. The genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family.
The shape of a windflower blossom closely resembles the flower most people draw when casually doodling a flower. They have a circular center surrounded by sepal-like bracts in white, of course, and a variety of other bright colors.
66. Gardenia Flowers (Gardenia)
About:
The Gardenia genus contains 140 accepted species of flowering evergreen shrubs and small trees that belong to the Rubiaceae (coffee) plant family. They are native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Australia, the Pacific Islands, Madagascar, Africa, and Asia.
The flowers of various species come in several forms, but most take on a classic whorl shape with snowy-white petals. However, some varieties have yellow flowers. They’re prized and widely cultivated not only for their ornamental value but also for their strong, pleasant floral scent often used in perfumes.
67. Dogwood (Cornus)
About:
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, the Cornus genus contains between 30 and 60 species of plants and belongs to the Cornaceae plant family. The species are primarily woody deciduous trees, shrubs, and subshrubs. A few species are herbaceous perennials, and some are evergreens. They all produce white blossoms in proliferation while in bloom, making them attractive shrubs and trees for any garden.
68. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
About:
A member of the Araceae (arum) plant family, Spathiphyllum is a genus with 47 species of flowering, evergreen, herbaceous, perennial plants native to the tropical regions of southeastern Asia and the Americas.
Commonly called peace lilies, these plants produce beautiful, glossy, green foliage with large leaves that spray out from the plant’s center in a thick burst. When in bloom, stems shoot up from within the foliage topped with spade-shaped, white spathes encircle finger-like spadices.
In addition to peace, peace lilies symbolize purity, innocence, sympathy, and prosperity. With air-purifying properties, peace lilies make beautiful houseplants.
69. Jasmine Flowers (Jasminum)
About:
Native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Oceania, Australasia, Africa, Asia, and Europe, about 200 flowering vines and shrubs belong to the Jasminum genus in the Oleaceae plant family. The genus contains both deciduous and evergreen plants with a variety of different types of foliage.
Jasmine flowers blossom in clusters, are only about an inch in diameter, and are usually white, yellow, or feature a slight reddish hue. Despite their small size, the flowers are highly fragrant. In addition to being grown as an ornamental plant, jasmine is also used in tea, perfumes, and several cultural traditions.
70. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens ‘Albans’)
Native to northern South America, Heliotropium arborescens ‘Albans’ is a species of flowering, perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae (forget-me-not) plant family. The species traditionally has lavender or purple flowers, but this cultivar has been bred to produce snowy-white blossoms. Heliotropes feature clusters of small flowers within bushy, evergreen shrubs. Their flowers are well-loved for their sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.
71. False Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
About:
A member of the Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel) plant family, Oxalis triangularis is a species of flowering, a perennial plant native to the southern regions of South America. Commonly called false shamrock, this plant has leaves in either dark purple or green with three leaflets that are often confused with true shamrock.
The plant produces small, star-shaped, white flowers with five petals each and spreads easily through their tuberous rhizomatic root systems.
72. Water Lily (Nymphaeaceae)
About:
Nymphaeaceae is a family of aquatic flowering plants. The family contains five separate genera and 70 species of plants commonly called water lilies. They are native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates around the world.
The plants have roots that take hold in the soil beneath bodies of water and floating foliage (commonly called lily pads). Pointed petals in symmetrical arrangements form cup or bowl-shaped flowers that tend to have prominent centers in striking hues that contrast the primary color of the flowers.
Flowers bloom in several shades of white, pink, red, purple, blue, orange, and yellow.
73. Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)
About:
Native to some of the mountainous regions of Europe, Helleborus niger is a species of evergreen perennial that belongs to the Ranunculaceae plant family. It is quite poisonous but produces beautiful, star-shaped flowers with snowy-white petals and bright yellow centers. In addition to the Christmas rose, this species is also sometimes called the black hellebore in reference to the plant’s black-colored roots.
74. Columbine Flowers (Aquilegia)
About:
Native to high altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere, Aquilegia is a genus of about 60 to 70 species of herbaceous, perennial plants. Columbine flowers have distinctive spurred petals, and the hybrids and cultivars of the genus have been created to be even more strikingly ornate with multicolored inflorescences featuring layers of different shapes, textures, and hues in a variety of combinations featuring white. The native Colorado blue columbine is the state flower of the Centennial State.
75. Yarrow Flowers (Achillea millefolium)
About:
Native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Achillea millefolium is a herbaceous perennial species belonging to the Asteraceae plant family. The plants produce flat-topped clusters of petite flowers, each with a flat disc shape. The flowers range in shade from white to pink and provide a variety of uses for wildlife, from lining for birds’ nests to food for insects.
Create a Tranquil Garden of Innocence and Purity with Beautiful White Flowers
With numerous types of white flowers blooming in almost all regions and climates of the world, there is no shortage of options when selecting plants for your outdoor or indoor garden. Although they might not be as showy or bright as other flower colors, white flowers paired with gentle shades of other hues can create a calming and peaceful design.
Further reading: Discover a collection of our favorite types of pink flowers:
Andrew Gaumond
Editorial Director | andrew@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
Spread the love
