White flowers have a serene and peaceful quality that can instantly transform any garden into a tranquil oasis. Incorporating white perennials into your landscape is incredibly easy because white goes with everything! These delicate blooms can be used to highlight more vividly colored flowers or as a striking centerpiece, turning your garden into a breathtaking white wonderland. Imagine the beauty of white flowers bathed in the ethereal glow of moonlight – it’s enough to make anyone want to fill their garden with these charming plants!
The color white in a garden represents innocence, purity, light, tranquility, and goodness. Including white perennial flowers in your garden can evoke feelings of hope, life, honor, and integrity. Despite being a common color choice, white plants, perennials, and flowers are often overlooked due to people being more attracted to bolder, louder, and more vibrant colors like yellow and red. However, when planted in large groupings, white flowering perennials stand out boldly against green foliage. Additionally, other colorful flowers become even brighter when there are white blooms around to provide contrast, making for a visually stunning display. There are many white plants to choose from, including Snowdrop (Galanthus sp.), False Goat’s Beard (Astilbe sp.), Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium), and many more. White perennials can be used in various ways in the landscape, such as mixed sparsely with brighter colored flowers or in ornamental grass plantings to give the effect of scattered snowflakes. Alternatively, use white flowers as the base and sprinkle brightly colored flowers in like dots of paint on an artist’s canvas. They can also be used as borders to highlight or bring attention to other flowers or perennials, combined with vivid and dramatic flowers as a color contrast, or planted in shady corners to lighten up the space.
One of the earliest and most resilient flowers to bloom each year, snowdrops offer a glimmer of hope for the coming seasons. These delicate and charming flowers are a beautiful sight to behold in early spring, resembling falling snow with their nodding white blooms atop short stems. While the foliage is unremarkable, the sight of a large group of snowdrops in full bloom is truly breathtaking.
With 20 different species and numerous hybrids, snowdrops come in a range of options but are ultimately the ultimate white perennial flower. They are often the first flower to bloom in spring, providing a warm welcome after the cold winter months, even if they do resemble more snow. Notable varieties include Greater Snowdrop (G.elwesii), Pleated Snowdrop (G.plicatus), Double Snowdrop (G.nivalis Flore pleniflorus x), and Snow White’s Gnome (G.nivalis x).
Snowdrops are hardy plants that thrive in zones 3-8 and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. They are also resistant to rabbits, small animals, and deer. Another spring-blooming plant worth mentioning is False Goat’s Beard (Astilbe sp.).
If you’re looking for a reliable and visually appealing addition to your garden or landscape, consider planting Astilbes. In particular, the white varieties are a stunning sight that won’t disappoint. Feathery plumes of snow-white flowers stand tall above the foliage, creating a stunning display during blooming season. Despite its elegant appearance, False Goat’s Beard is surprisingly low maintenance and requires little effort to maintain its graceful appearance. In fact, butterflies are drawn to the dense spikes of ivory white flowers that begin to bloom in early summer. Some popular white-flowered cultivars include Bridal Veil, Snowdrift, Deutschland, Vision in White, White Glory, and Younique White. Astilbes are hardy in zones 4-9 and can thrive in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade due to their high tolerance for shade. Additionally, they are resistant to rabbits and deer. Another great plant to consider for your garden is the Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).
The Sweetbay Magnolia tree is definitely a long-term investment, as it requires both time and space to grow, but the payoff is worth it. With its stunning, snow-white flowers that emit a pleasant sweet-lemon fragrance, this native tree is an excellent option for your landscaping needs, provided you have enough room. The Sweetbay Magnolia can reach heights of 10-35 feet, and you can choose to maintain it as a small multi-stemmed bush or let it grow to its full potential. Its large, cup-shaped flowers have broad velvety petals that close up at night and reopen in the morning, filling your surroundings with delightful colors and scents. This tree is hardy in zones 5-10 and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is native to the southeastern United States. Another great option for your garden is the Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium).
Meadow Rue is a versatile plant that can be used as a beautiful companion bedding plant or border plant. Its delicate stems hold miniature fireworks-like flowers, making a remarkable statement in any landscape. This impressive perennial flower blooms from late spring to early summer and is ideal as a border plant due to its compact, upright growth. Meadow Rue is also gorgeous when mixed with other tall perennials such as Echinacea or Coneflower. White-flowered Meadow Rue cultivars like Album and Nimbus are hardy to zones 5-8, while Thread-like Meadow Rue (T.filamentosum) provides an all-white option with thin petals and reddish stems that contrast well with the white blooms. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. Another option is the Meadow Anemone (Anemone canadensis).
Looking for a solution to cover those problematic wet areas on your property? Look no further than the Meadow Anemone! This sweet and unassuming perennial may not have flashy flowers, but it more than makes up for it with abundant little white blooms that resemble snowflakes atop its lush green foliage. It’s perfect for ground-covering and thrives in wet spots where it can form colonies. Whether you have a low-lying or boggy area, this native flower will happily thrive as a ground cover. The Meadow Anemone is hardy from zones 3-8 and is deer resistant. So why not try out this beautiful and practical solution for your wet area troubles?
Did you know that Dianthus, also known as “Pinks,” can come in the color white? It may not be the first color that comes to mind when thinking of Dianthus, but there are some stunning all-white and bi-color varieties available. The blue-green, grass-like foliage allows the fringed white petals to steal the show and add a layer of elegance and beauty. These abundant bloomers are loved by bees and butterflies alike. Some white-flowered Dianthus cultivars include Memories, Frosty, Key Lime Pie, Itsaul White, Everlast White, and Coconut Surprise. They are hardy to zones 5-9 and resistant to deer and rabbits. Another beautiful plant to consider is the Aquilegia hybrid “Songbird Dove” columbine.
The Columbine variety known as Songbird Dove is a great option for any garden due to its ability to bloom for a long period of time. The flowers of this plant are pure white and have long spurs that give off the impression that they are leaping towards the sky. In actuality, they are just growing on erect stems above the blue-green foliage. These blooms last for 4-6 weeks and the plant itself is hardy in zones 3-9. Additionally, it is resistant to rabbits and deer. Another great option for your garden is the Blackhaw Viburnum, also known as Viburnum prunifolium.
The Blackhaw Viburnum is not only a gorgeous shrub with snow-white flowers that turn into black berries, but it’s also an essential food source for wildlife during the winter. Additionally, you can use these same berries to make delicious jams and jellies. This shrub is versatile, easy to grow, and perfect as a hedgerow or border plant. The Blackhaw Viburnum is a native species that offers an excellent food source for many species of birds. Unlike invasive non-native Viburnums, this shrub is just as stunning and attractive to native pollinators. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and can tolerate full sun or partial shade, drought, and poor soils. Consider adding White Yarrow to your garden, another hardy plant that can grow in difficult conditions.
Yarrow is not only a beloved flower for pollinators and butterflies, but it also has medicinal properties and can be used as a stylish cut flower. The unique feature of White Yarrow is its broad, flat clusters of small ivory-white flowers that last for a long time and grow on tall stems above its deep-green foliage. This native wildflower is a staple for attracting butterflies as they are drawn to it in large numbers. Not only is it hardy enough to grow in zones 3-9, but it can also thrive in full sun or light shade with minimal water. Additionally, this plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. Another striking native wildflower is White Wild Indigo, also known as Baptisia alba.
Wild Indigo is a versatile plant that can complement any garden. Native to the southern region of the US, this wildflower produces tall spikes with plentiful pea-shaped blooms in shades of blue and green. Although similar to Lupine flowers, Wild Indigo has a lighter density. It can be planted in groups or used as a focal point, adding visual interest to any landscape. This perennial is especially valuable due to its ability to harmonize with other plants. White Wild Indigo is suitable for hardiness zones 5-8, and thrives in full sun or partial shade. Additionally, it is drought-tolerant and adapts well to poor soil conditions. The plant is also deer-resistant which is an advantage. Another attractive option for gardens is the white meadowsweet, scientifically known as Spiraea alba.
The White Meadowsweet is a fantastic solution to any waterlogged planting area, providing benefits for various types of insects and wildlife. During the early summer, clusters of little white flowers with five petals can be found on its branches. This native shrub attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Furthermore, during fall and winter, birds can feast on its seeds. The beautiful flower blooms stay for up to 8 weeks and are truly a sight to behold. Since Meadowsweet likes wet areas, it works perfectly in marshy parts of your yard, making it an ideal border plant that reaches 3-4 feet in height. This shrub is hardy for zones 3-7 and thrives in full sun or partial shade, while also being deer-resistant. Another great option is the Evergreen Candytuft, also known as Iberis sempervirens.
Are you a fan of low-maintenance ground covers that don’t require too much attention? Then you might want to check out the delightful white Candytuft! This beautiful plant looks like fresh snow on the spring ground, and its low-growing habit makes it perfect for ground cover in rock gardens, between flowerbeds, walkways, and under taller perennials. The flowers grow in clusters of tiny 4-petaled white flowers, each with a single yellow dot that adds to its charm.
What’s great about the Candytuft is that it’s an extremely hardy plant that doesn’t need much care to thrive. While it naturally grows white flowers, there are cultivars available that have longer bloom times, bigger flowers, and purer coloring. Some popular white-flowered Candytuft cultivars include Purity, Alexander’s White, Snowflake, and Snowcone.
If you’re looking for a plant that can withstand harsh conditions, the Candytuft is a great choice. It’s hardy to zones 3-9, prefers full sun or light shade, and is drought tolerant. It’s also resistant to deer and rabbits, so you don’t have to worry about them nibbling away at your beautiful ground cover. Another great low-maintenance plant to consider is the Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica).
The White Siberian Iris is a beautiful perennial flower that blooms in late spring to early summer, making it perfect for filling the seasonal gap. With its elegant appearance, the White Siberian Iris exudes grace and magnificence. Its green blade-like foliage serves as a stunning backdrop to its flowers that grow in clusters or borders. The White Siberian Iris can bloom for an extended period, providing weeks of enjoyment. When planted in groups, it creates a serene blanket of white flowers.
Some popular cultivars of the White Siberian Iris include White Swirl, Swans in Flight, Snow Queen (white with yellow highlight), Fond Kiss (white with a pink blush), Butter and Sugar (white with yellow accents). It is hardy in zones 3-8 and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Another beautiful flower that can brighten up any garden is the Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum).
Daisies are a timeless and popular choice for gardeners due to their prolific nature, pollinator-friendly qualities, and ease of care. These classic flowers are particularly symbolic of summer, providing a stunning display of creamy white petals and bright yellow centers. Shasta Daisies, in particular, require minimal maintenance but offer an impressive blooming period that can last for weeks. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects are drawn to these cheerful flowers in large numbers. Gardeners have a plethora of Shasta Daisy cultivars to choose from, including varying sizes, single or double blooms, and bloom times. Some white-flowered cultivars include Snowcap, Snow Lady, Alaska, Becky, Silverspoon, Crazy Daisy, Christine Hagemann, Aglaia, and Ice Star. These daisies are hardy in zones 5-9, thrive in full sun, are drought-tolerant, and can grow in poor soil. Additionally, they are resistant to deer and rabbit damage. Another great option for gardeners is Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum).
The name Culver’s Root does little justice to this magnificent flower and all the benefits it brings. This native perennial boasts tall, upward arching spikes that resemble candelabras with rows of tiny white flowers that seem to reach for the skies. Standing at a height of 3-6 feet and spreading out 2-4 feet wide, Culver’s Root makes a bold statement in any landscape. Additionally, this plant is incredibly easy to maintain, highly resilient, and a favorite among pollinators. The best part? Its blooms last from mid-summer through fall. With a hardiness range of zones 3-9, Culver’s Root thrives in full sun or partial shade and is resistant to deer and rabbits. Another noteworthy flower is the Christmas Rose, scientifically known as Helleborus niger.
The Christmas Rose, also known as hellebore, is an incredibly tough plant that can withstand harsh winter conditions and blooms exceptionally early. It’s a delightful sight during the cold and dreary season when little else is in bloom. In warmer regions, it typically blooms around Christmastime, while it flowers in early spring in colder regions. The stunning white flowers resemble roses with vibrant yellow stamens and can provide a much-needed boost of cheerfulness. The Christmas Rose isn’t a large plant, growing to an average height of 8-12 inches and width of 12-18 inches. It’s an excellent choice for planting near windows, doors, or any area where it can be easily admired. Furthermore, it’s a great groundcover. This plant is well-suited for zones 3-8 and prefers partial to full shade. Additionally, it’s deer resistant.