Create a moment of pause in your yard.
A vibrant flower garden is certainly eye-catching, but sometimes it’s necessary to create balance when things are overly colorful, or there’s too much monotonous greenery. The surprising fix? Look at how you balance a palette indoors to mimic the same effect outside: by weaving in neutral tones. Incorporating white flowers into your outdoor garden creates a beautiful and elegant moment of pause, while finding that serenity.
The best part about planting white flowers in the garden is the fact that they pair well with practically every other bloom. Companion planting is always a good idea, but when it comes to flowers that simply look good next to each other, white ones don’t cause any clashing issues. Continue reading to find 30 magnificent white flowers that will add a tranquil touch to your garden.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Hydrangeas
A true symbol of summer in the Northeast, hydrangeas are hearty shrubs that can change color with the pH levels of their soil, but they also come in white. These pollinator-friendly blooms prefer a lot of water, especially during the heat of a summer afternoon.
Related Story: A Complete Guide to Hydrangeas
Peonies
Peonies may have one of the shortest peak seasons (just a few short weeks from late May to mid-June), but these voluminous white flowers make a serious statement. Just be sure to deadhead them at the end of the season for ample growth the next year.
Tulips
Tulip bulbs are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. To keep a cut tulip bouquet alive longer, add a few ice cubes to the water in its vase.
Moonflowers
Despite their name and nocturnal blooming schedule, moonflowers prefer full sunlight to produce climbing vines that can reach as many as 15 feet high. Their white flowers are a beautiful choice for a garden arbor where you're looking for vertical coverage.
Related Story: How to Grow and Care for Moonflowers
Peace Lilies
Often gifted to those grieving, peace lilies symbolize healing and renewal. These white flowers prefer well-draining soil and medium light levels. Just know that, like other lilies, these flowers are extremely toxic to cats.
Tuberoses
Best known for its use in floral perfumes, the tuberose flower is a tall-growing perennial. Be sure to offer it vertical growing support to maximize its potential.
Hellabores
Hellabores emerge in very early spring, sometimes while snow is still on the ground. Its cup-shaped flowers come in a range of romantic hues, from creamy whites and soft blush to deep plum and near-black. Evergreen foliage adds year-round interest, while the plant’s resilience makes it a favorite for shady gardens.
Flowering Dogwoods
Native to the eastern United States, flowering dogwood trees bloom in the spring into early summer. The flowers can be white or pink, so double-check your variety before buying your tree.
Related Story: 20 Best Pink Trees for a Yard That's Always in Bloom
Yarrows
Yarrow is a fast-growing white flower that looks more like a fern when clustered together. Before you plant it, know that it can become a bit invasive and overgrown without regular pruning.
Ranunculuses
Known for its dense, spiraling petals, ranunculus looks gorgeous in bouquets and comes in a wide range of colors, including this pure white.
Cosmos
This annual features long, spindly stems and thrives in warm, sunny climates. Cosmos are a great flower to include in your cutting garden for floral bouquets.
Chrysanthemums
The signature birth flower of November, chrysanthemums are large, bushy flowers that can grow up to 16 inches high and 18 inches wide. They do extremely well in porch planters in the fall months.
Related Story: All 24 Birth Flowers and Their Meanings
Lupines
Native to Nordic countries, lupine (aka bluebonnet) is famous for its purple hue, but it also comes in white. Be extra careful where you plant it, though, as Lupine is toxic to both humans and animals.
Begonias
Begonias thrive in tropical climates, including the southern United States and USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9, where these white flowers get ample sun and humidity.
Primroses
One of the first spring flowers to bloom, primroses have a gorgeous fragrance and bloom at night, making them perfect for a moon garden.
Related Story: 15 Night-Blooming Flowers for the Dreamiest Moon Garden
Cabbage Roses
A more delicate version of the Damascus rose, cabbage roses are a hybrid species native to France. They're known for their voluminous blooms that open more than traditional garden roses.
Water Lilies
Water lilies are aquatic plants that thrive with up to six hours of direct sunlight daily. These white flowers close up at night and open each morning again, following the path of the sun.
Candytufts
Candytuft blooms from spring to early summer, and it thrives when planted in a full-sun spot.
Roses
Classic and traditional, white roses symbolize pure intentions. With their long stems, they're perfect for cutting gardens and arrangements.
Anemones
This hardy perennial requires a fair amount of water and partial sun to thrive. We love the statement their bold centers bring to loose bouquets and floral arrangements.
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