There’s a certain magic in white flowers that captivates the heart and fills the garden with elegance. Every year, I find myself drawn to these dazzling blooms, appreciating the way they light up the space around them. Here, I’ve curated a list of 31 stunning white annuals that will transform your garden into a bright and graceful paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, these flowers bring a timeless beauty that’s easy to cultivate.
1. Petunia (White varieties)
White petunias are effortlessly elegant, offering soft, velvety blooms that seem to glow in sunlight or moonlight. Their cascading shape makes them a favorite for both containers and hanging baskets.
They thrive in full sun and appreciate well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming strong all season long.
Use white petunias to soften bold color palettes or create calming, monochrome designs. They pair beautifully with silver foliage, pastels, or other white flowers for a serene, dreamy effect.
2. Alyssum (Snow Crystal or Snow Princess)
Alyssum fills the air with a sweet fragrance and blankets your garden in clusters of tiny white flowers. Its compact, mounding form makes it a charming groundcover or filler.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows well in cool temperatures with moderate watering. Once established, it’s remarkably easy to maintain.
Plant alyssum along pathways, between stepping stones, or at the front of borders for a cloud-like effect. It’s especially beautiful in moon gardens or paired with trailing ivy in containers.
3. Lobelia (White Lady)
Lobelia ‘White Lady’ brings a soft, airy presence with delicate blooms that spill elegantly from containers. It’s a romantic touch in any cool-weather garden.
It thrives in part sun to light shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Keep it watered regularly, especially in warm weather, to maintain its lush form.
Use it in hanging baskets, window boxes, or paired with colorful spring flowers like pansies. Its trailing habit and crisp color make it perfect for softening the edges of any planting.
4. Impatiens (White varieties)
White impatiens light up shady spaces with their clean, glowing blooms. They’re among the best annuals for low-light spots, thriving even beneath trees and porches.
They love rich, moist soil and should be watered consistently—especially in hot, dry weather. Feed them monthly for maximum bloom production.
Fill shady beds, urns, or window boxes with their lush mounds for an easy-care splash of brightness. Their pure white petals contrast beautifully with dark green leaves.
5. Cosmos (Purity)
Cosmos ‘Purity’ offers large, airy white blooms that dance on tall, slender stems. Their soft, open faces add grace and lightness to garden beds.
They thrive in full sun and don’t mind poor soil—just avoid over-fertilizing or you’ll get more leaves than blooms. They’re drought-tolerant once established.
Plant them in cottage gardens, pollinator patches, or naturalized borders where they can sway in the breeze. Their height and delicacy make them ideal for the back of flower beds or cutting gardens.
6. Nicotiana (White varieties)
White nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, brings an old-fashioned elegance to the garden with star-shaped blooms that release a sweet evening fragrance. These tall, graceful flowers create an airy, romantic effect.
They thrive in full to part sun and prefer well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Their scent becomes strongest at dusk, making them perfect for night gardens.
Use nicotiana near patios or walkways where their fragrance can be appreciated in the evening hours. They pair beautifully with moonflowers, lavender, or silvery foliage for a dreamy, twilight-inspired planting.
7. Snapdragons (White selections)
Snapdragons in white feel clean, classic, and just a little whimsical. Their tall spires of dragon-shaped flowers bring height and elegance to beds or containers.
These cool-season annuals grow best in full sun to light shade with rich, well-draining soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
White snapdragons look stunning as vertical accents in monochrome gardens or when paired with soft pastels. They also work beautifully in spring bouquets and formal garden beds.
8. Zinnia (White varieties)
White zinnias are crisp, cheerful, and long-blooming stars of the summer garden. Their daisy-like or pom-pom blooms hold up well to heat and create bold, clean contrasts.
Zinnias love full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re incredibly easy to grow from seed. Just deadhead to keep the blooms coming all season.
Use them in cutting gardens, bright borders, or to balance out bolder hues. Their tidy, upright form makes them perfect for both wildflower mixes and formal designs.
9. Bacopa (Snowstorm)
Bacopa ‘Snowstorm’ cascades gracefully with dozens of tiny white blooms, creating a soft, waterfall effect. It’s perfect for softening the edges of containers and hanging baskets.
It thrives in full sun to part shade and needs consistently moist soil to keep blooming. Too much drought will slow it down, so regular watering is key.
Pair bacopa with upright flowers like angelonia or petunias for layered interest in containers. Its delicate texture and trailing habit bring balance and elegance to any combination.
10. Cleome (White Queen)
Cleome ‘White Queen’ brings architectural drama with tall, spidery white blooms that tower over the garden like floral fireworks. The exotic look adds boldness to any border.
It grows fast and strong in full sun with average, well-drained soil, and can handle heat and drought like a pro. Leave some seed pods to encourage self-seeding for next year.
Plant cleome at the back of beds or along fences for height and movement. Its unique form and long-lasting blooms make it a show-stopper in moon gardens or wildflower borders.
11. Begonia (White varieties)
White begonias offer soft, waxy blooms that shine in shadier spots, paired with lush, deep green or bronze foliage. Their delicate look belies their toughness and long blooming season.
They thrive in part shade to full shade with moist, well-drained soil and appreciate regular feeding for lush growth. Avoid letting them dry out too much.
Use white begonias to brighten dim garden corners or create elegant porch displays. They’re especially stunning in urns, formal containers, or grouped in mass plantings for a carpet of light.
12. Verbena (White cultivars)
White verbena delivers clusters of delicate star-shaped flowers that bloom steadily from spring through fall. They offer a subtle fragrance and a touch of romance to any space.
These sun-lovers enjoy well-drained soil and benefit from regular trimming to encourage fresh blooms. They’re also heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
Use verbena as a groundcover, edging plant, or as a soft filler in mixed containers. Their low, trailing habit makes them ideal for softening borders or cascading over walls.
13. Dianthus (White shades)
Dianthus in white brings a timeless elegance with fringed petals and a light, spicy fragrance. The flowers sit atop tidy mounds of blue-green foliage.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, especially in cooler seasons. Deadheading keeps blooms fresh and continuous.
Plant white dianthus in borders, formal beds, or along walkways for a classic garden feel. Their compact shape also makes them perfect for edging or filling smaller pots.
14. Salvia (White Flame or Snow Nymph)
Dianthus in white brings a timeless elegance with fringed petals and a light, spicy fragrance. The flowers sit atop tidy mounds of blue-green foliage.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, especially in cooler seasons. Deadheading keeps blooms fresh and continuous.
Plant white dianthus in borders, formal beds, or along walkways for a classic garden feel. Their compact shape also makes them perfect for edging or filling smaller pots.
15. Angelonia (White selections)
White angelonia, often called “summer snapdragon,” brings upright spikes of delicate, orchid-like blooms that bloom tirelessly through heat and humidity. Its tidy, vertical shape adds structure and grace.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and doesn’t mind drought once established—perfect for hot, sunny beds. Deadheading isn’t necessary, but a light trim can refresh the blooms midseason.
Use white angelonia as a vertical accent in containers, borders, or formal plantings. It pairs beautifully with trailing silver plants or bright-colored companions for an elegant yet dynamic display.
16. Sweet Pea (White Ensign)
White sweet peas are fragrant climbers with ruffled petals that add vintage charm to trellises and fences. Their scent is rich and nostalgic, like a hidden garden in bloom.
They prefer cool weather, rich soil, and full to partial sun—plus something to climb on. Keep the soil moist and harvest blooms often to extend the show.
Plant them along arches, obelisks, or porch railings where they can trail upward and be appreciated up close. They’re a classic addition to cutting gardens and romantic landscapes.
17. Nemesia (White Cloud)
Nemesia ‘White Cloud’ is sweet and petite, with clusters of snapdragon-like blooms that emit a light, fruity scent. Its soft white flowers bring a fresh and airy vibe to spring gardens.
It thrives in cool weather with full to part sun and well-drained, moist soil. Deadhead regularly to keep it blooming strong through the season.
Use it in window boxes, early-season containers, or tucked into the front of mixed borders. Nemesia pairs beautifully with pansies, diascia, and soft trailing greens.
18. Osteospermum (White varieties)
White osteospermum, or African daisy, offers crisp, daisy-like flowers with dark or iridescent centers that add a subtle touch of drama. Their blooms open in sunlight and close in the shade.
They love full sun and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for spring and fall displays. Keep soil evenly moist and give them a sunny spot to shine.
Use them in pots, rock gardens, or along walkways where their clean lines can be appreciated up close. Their elegant shape and rich contrast work beautifully in modern garden designs.
19. Calibrachoa (White varieties)
White calibrachoa, often called “million bells,” creates a cascading cloud of mini petunia-like blooms. They spill gracefully over containers and baskets with nonstop energy.
These sun-loving annuals need well-drained soil and regular watering, along with a touch of fertilizer to keep up their bloom show. No deadheading required—they clean themselves!
Plant calibrachoa in patio pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes for a soft waterfall effect. They pair perfectly with trailing ivy, dusty miller, or pastel blooms for a gentle contrast.
20. Phlox Drummondii (White types)
White phlox drummondii glows in the garden with clusters of star-shaped blooms and a light, sweet fragrance. These delicate annuals add both charm and a cottage feel.
They prefer full sun, moist but well-drained soil, and a little pinching to stay full and bushy. Great for early to mid-season color.
Use white phlox to soften garden edges, mix into wildflower patches, or create a layered, soft look with blues and purples. Their romantic style fits beautifully in vintage-inspired plantings.
21. Catharanthus (White Vinca)
White vinca, or catharanthus, offers simple, starry blooms with a crisp, clean look that thrives in heat and humidity. Its glossy green foliage contrasts beautifully with the pure white flowers.
It loves full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. No deadheading needed—just plant and enjoy.
Use white vinca in mass plantings, sunny borders, or as a fuss-free option for hot patios and driveways. Its tidy shape and nonstop bloom make it a summer favorite.
22. Gaura (White Butterfly)
Gaura ‘White Butterfly’ lives up to its name, with delicate white flowers fluttering like tiny wings atop tall, graceful stems. It brings movement and lightness to every breeze.
This airy perennial-turned-annual thrives in full sun and dry to average soil. It’s a great choice for drought-tolerant or low-maintenance gardens.
Plant it in the middle or back of borders for height and texture, or let it spill naturally in wildflower-style beds. Its ethereal presence pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses or pastel flowers.
23. Morning Glory (White Moonflower)
Moonflower is the dreamy, night-blooming cousin of the classic morning glory, with large, trumpet-shaped white flowers that open at dusk. Their fragrance fills the evening air with a soft, sweet perfume.
Give them full sun and rich, moist soil—and provide a trellis or arbor for their vines to climb. They grow quickly and bloom best in late summer.
Perfect for moon gardens or romantic porches, moonflowers shine under the stars and invite nighttime pollinators. Plant them near patios or windows where you can enjoy their nightly show.
24. Geranium (White selections)
White geraniums deliver classic, clean blooms that bring brightness and structure to containers and beds. Their ruffled petals and upright habit feel timeless.
They thrive in full sun and prefer evenly moist, well-drained soil. Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth all season long.
Use white geraniums in formal urns, paired with trailing vines, or to anchor bright mixed borders. Their crisp blooms work especially well in traditional or Mediterranean-style designs.
25. Heliotrope (White cultivars)
White heliotrope offers clusters of creamy-white flowers and a soft, almond-vanilla scent that lingers in the air. It’s compact and bushy, perfect for containers and edges.
It enjoys full sun to part shade and needs regular watering to thrive, especially during dry spells. It also benefits from occasional deadheading to keep the blooms coming.
Plant heliotrope near walkways or seating areas where its scent can be fully appreciated. It pairs beautifully with lavender, petunias, or silver-leaved companions.
26. Pansy (White shades)
White pansies are cheerful and expressive, with velvety petals that often feature subtle markings or golden centers. Their cool-weather charm makes them a staple in spring and fall.
They love full to partial sun and prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil. Regular deadheading will keep the blooms coming longer.
Use them in window boxes, garden beds, or porch planters where their sweet faces can be seen up close. Pair white pansies with soft blues and purples for a dreamy, romantic effect.
27. Viola (White selections)
Violas are the daintier cousins of pansies, blooming with smaller, delicate white flowers that have a fresh, timeless quality. They’re often the first to bloom in cool seasons.
Plant violas in full to partial sun and keep the soil moist and well-drained. They’re low-maintenance and perfect for containers or edging.
Scatter them throughout borders or use them in fairy gardens for a touch of whimsy. Their sweet scent and compact form make them ideal for patios and pathways.
28. Scaevola (White varieties)
Scaevola features fan-shaped white flowers that trail gracefully and bloom continuously. It’s heat-loving and handles tough conditions with ease.
This plant thrives in full sun and dry to average soil, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardeners. It rarely needs deadheading to look its best.
Use it in hanging baskets, mixed containers, or spilling from raised beds for soft, flowing texture. The unique flower shape adds a subtle modern touch to classic combinations.
29. Torenia (White cultivars)
White torenia, also called wishbone flower, brings a tropical softness to the shade garden with its tubular blooms and lush green foliage. The contrast is gentle but eye-catching.
Torenia prefers part to full shade and consistently moist soil. It blooms steadily even in heat and humidity.
Use it in window boxes, shady beds, or as underplanting for larger annuals or shrubs. It’s perfect for brightening darker corners without overwhelming the space.
30. Coreopsis (White annual cultivars)
White coreopsis is a rare treat, offering daisy-like flowers with clean petals and a soft yellow center. It brings a fresh, wildflower charm to the garden.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s incredibly drought-tolerant once established. Minimal care keeps it blooming beautifully.
Let it mingle with other meadow plants or create a soft, naturalistic border with whites and pastels. It’s also loved by pollinators, adding both beauty and biodiversity.
31. Ammi Majus (Bishop’s Flower)
Ammi majus, or bishop’s flower, looks like a refined version of Queen Anne’s lace with its airy white umbels and lacy greenery. It adds grace and texture without stealing the show.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in both cottage gardens and wildflower mixes. Support taller stems in windy areas for best results.
Use Ammi as a filler in cutting gardens or between bolder flowers for softness and structure. Its ethereal look adds depth to bouquets and border plantings alike.