There’s something undeniably magical about white flowers. Perhaps it’s the way they
seem to glow in the moonlight or how they bring a fresh, clean look to any garden bed,
but they are often the variety that first catches your eye in any beautiful display.
If you are planning a romantic cottage garden, a modern minimalist design, or just want
to mix up your backyard blooms, white flowers are always a timeless choice to include
within it. However, as they come in many varieties, your options are seemingly endless,
and can leave you scratching your head for what to choose.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled this list of 15 of the most popular (and some lesser-
known) white flower names you’ll find in Aussie gardens.
We’ve also added some detailed descriptions and their scientific names, so hopefully
you find it a helpful resource.
- Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
If you’ve ever walked past a gardenia bush in bloom, you’ll know exactly why they’re so
loved. These fragrant beauties are native to Asia, but thankfully, they’ve made
themselves right at home here in Australia.
Gardenias produce creamy white blooms that contrast beautifully with their glossy dark
green leaves. But it’s not just their looks that steal the show because their sweet,
intoxicating scent also makes them stand out.
They usually bloom from late spring through summer, and if you treat them right (which
means giving them slightly acidic soil and some protection from the hot afternoon sun),
they’ll reward you with a stunning display.
Gardenias work well in pots or garden beds and are perfect for placing near windows or
entrances. - Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily of the Valley is one of those dainty, fairytale-like flowers that seem almost too
perfect to be real. They comprise tiny, bell-shaped blooms and radiate a subtle
fragrance that brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any garden.
Although it’s more common in cooler climates, with a bit of shade and moist soil, you
can grow it in other parts of Australia.
However, despite its sweet appearance, it’s worth noting that Lily of the Valley is toxic if
ingested. So, it is best to keep it away from curious kids or pets.
Each stem holds several delicate flowers that dangle like little white lanterns. The flower
tends to be favoured by those creating shady garden spots and woodland-style
plantings.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
The Peace Lily is a go-to indoor plant in Australia, and for very good reason. It is hardy,
low-maintenance, and known for its striking white spathes that surround a central spike,
often mistaken for the flower itself.
While it technically grows best indoors or in shaded outdoor areas, this tropical plant
does well in humid conditions and brings a calming, almost zen-like vibe wherever it’s
planted.
What’s especially appealing is how forgiving Peace Lilies are because if you forget to
water them for a few days, they’ll droop as a gentle reminder, but then soon bounce
right back after having a drink.
That said, if you keep them out of direct sunlight, they’ll undoubtedly flourish.
Incidentally, scientifically, it’s not actually a true lily, but the name’s stuck for reasons
that aren’t too difficult to work out. - Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
If you’re after something that’ll bloom when most of your garden’s still in its winter
slumber, Snowdrops are a perfect pick.
As the name suggests, they look like little drops of snow, with nodding white flowers that
emerge even before spring officially arrives. Moreover, they thrive in cooler climates and
naturalise well under deciduous trees or in shaded garden beds.
The great thing about Galanthus nivalis is that it is a bulbous perennial, which means it’ll
come back year after year with very little effort.
The flowers are small, delicate, and often carry a faint honey-like scent, and while they
might not be as flashy as roses or dahlias, Snowdrops bring a sense of quiet optimism,
fuelled by the promise of warmer days ahead. - White Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellias are practically royalty in the flowering world, and the white varieties are
especially elegant, and Camellia japonica, in particular, is one of the most popular
species found in Aussie gardens.
These evergreen shrubs offer glossy green foliage year-round, but it’s their blooms (big,
bold, and beautifully formed) that steal the spotlight during winter and early spring. They
are often seen as symbols of purity and admiration, and as such are a lovely choice for
both gardens and bouquets.
White camellias like slightly acidic soil and need a bit of protection from the harsh
afternoon sun. But once established, they’re surprisingly tough and low-maintenance,
and will thrive with just a bit of mulch and water during dry spells.
- White Hibiscus (Hibiscus arnottianus)
Now here’s one for those in warmer parts of Australia. White hibiscus, particularly
Hibiscus arnottianus, is a tropical treat that brings a lush, exotic feel to the backyard.
Native to Hawaii, this variety features large white petals with a touch of pink or red near
the centre and a prominent yellow stamen. It is the kind of flower that makes you feel
like you’re on holiday just by looking at it.
White Hibiscus blooms on and off throughout the year, especially in warmer months,
and it loves a sunny spot. As long as it’s got well-drained soil and regular watering, it’ll
go gangbusters.
They also attract butterflies and bees, which add life to your garden as well as
outstanding natural beauty. - Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)
Often confused with Snowdrops, Snowflakes are a separate but equally delightful plant.
Scientifically known as Leucojum aestivum, these flowers feature small white bell-
shaped flowers, and each petal is tipped with a tiny green dot.
The flowers bloom in mid to late spring and hang gracefully from long, slender stems,
which look particularly stunning in clumps or along the edges of garden beds and are
very photogenic.
While these perennials might not get the attention that other white flowers do, they
quietly bring charm and balance to any floral setting. Unlike Snowdrops, Snowflakes are
a bit taller and can tolerate slightly wetter conditions or damp areas around your yard.
They also naturalise easily and multiply year after year to provide you with a reliable
and long-lasting display you can be proud of.
- White Rose (Rosa spp.)
No discerning list of white flower names would be complete without referencing the
classic white rose.
Whether it’s for a wedding, a gift, or just because they’re beautiful, white roses are
always a fan favourite, and with hundreds of varieties to choose from – including
‘Iceberg’, bushy floribundas and elegant hybrid teas – you’re spoilt for choice.
White roses often symbolise innocence, remembrance, or new beginnings, which is why
they’re so popular in formal settings. Within gardens, they offer a timeless elegance and
work especially well in both modern and cottage-style landscapes.
You should be mindful that they love a sunny spot and benefit from regular pruning and
feeding. That said, many varieties are surprisingly hardy and disease resistant, which is
another reason to love them. - Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
You’ve probably seen Baby’s Breath tucked into wedding bouquets or rustic flower
arrangements, but it also makes a fantastic garden plant.
Taking the form of frothy clusters of tiny white flowers, Gypsophila paniculata adds
softness and texture to garden beds or borders. They also pair beautifully with bolder
blooms like roses or peonies and give them a cloud-like backdrop.
Baby’s Breath grows in a loose, bushy shape and can be pruned back to encourage
new growth. The perennial tends to prefer well-drained soil and a sunny position. But
once it’s settled in, it’s actually pretty drought-tolerant. - White Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
While tulips are not native to Australia, they’ve become a staple in cool-climate gardens,
especially in areas like Tasmania, Victoria, and the NSW highlands.
Tulipa spp. are grown from bulbs planted in autumn, and with a bit of patience, you’ll be
rewarded with bold, upright flowers in early spring that bring a crisp, clean look to your
displays.
White tulips come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including single cup-shaped blooms,
ruffled doubles and fringed varieties. Thankfully, they don’t need much care, just give
them a sunny spot and good drainage, and they are good to go.
When planted en masse, they make a spectacular display that’s hard to beat. So, they
will undoubtedly be a star in your garden.
- Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
If you’re after something a bit unusual, the Moonflower might just be it. This climbing
vine is related to the morning glory, but instead of opening with the sun, its large, white,
trumpet-shaped blooms open at dusk. This, of course, makes it perfect for night
gardens or moonlight patios.
The flowers are big, fragrant, and dramatic, often unfurling in the late afternoon and
lasting through the night.
They are annuals in cooler regions, as they can self-seed or be replanted each year
without too much trouble. However, they thrive in warm climates and need a sunny spot
with something to climb on, like a trellis or fence. - White Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
While Dahlias come in just about every colour and shape under the sun, arguably the
white varieties are the most visually appealing.
These show-stopping blooms can be big and fluffy or small and precise, depending on
the type, and white dahlias, such as the classic ‘White Perfection’, tend to bring drama
and contrast to summer flower beds.
Dahlias grow best in full sun with well-draining soil. They also appreciate a bit of extra
care, so make sure you regularly feed and deadhead them, as this will help them put on
their best display.
While they don’t handle frost well at all, they can be grown as annuals or have their
tubers lifted and stored in winter. - White Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea ‘Alba’)
Foxgloves are tall, striking plants with long spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers which
dangle delicately and are irresistible to bees. Each spike can grow over a metre tall,
making them ideal for the back of a border or along a fence line.
While the more common foxgloves are purple or pink, the white version feels fresh,
classic and adds a touch of elegance and softness to any display.
Foxgloves prefer part shade and do best in cooler parts of Australia with rich, well-
drained soil. They’re biennial, meaning they bloom in their second year, but they self-
seed quite readily, so once you’ve got them started, they’ll keep popping up in the
garden like a welcome surprise.
This is another flower that is toxic if eaten, so be mindful of how you plant it if you have
pets or young children.
- Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Star Jasmine is one of those versatile climbers that Aussie gardeners just can’t get
enough of. While it’s not a true jasmine, they produce masses of small, star-shaped
white flowers that smell absolutely divine, especially in the evening when the scent
really comes alive.
This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and can handle a bit of drought once
established, making it well-suited to a variety of Aussie climates. It blooms through
spring and summer and also boasts glossy green leaves that add to its ornamental
value year-round.
Quite simply, if you’re after something both functional and beautiful, Star Jasmine ticks
all the boxes. It’s a great option for covering fences, walls, and trellises, or it can even
be used as a groundcover. - White Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’)
If you’re looking for a fuss-free flower that delivers plenty of bang for your buck, white
cosmos is a brilliant pick. The variety known as ‘Purity’ is particularly popular for its
large, daisy-like white petals and sunny yellow centres.
Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’ brings a wild, airy feeling to garden beds, especially when
planted en masse or mixed with other pastel blooms. They’re annuals, but they grow
quickly from seed and will bloom continuously from early summer to autumn with
minimal effort.
White cosmos thrive in sunny positions with free-draining soil and don’t mind poorer soil
conditions. In fact, they tend to flower more prolifically if you don’t over-fertilise them.
With their delicate ferny foliage and fluttering blooms, they’re another flower species
that is great for attracting pollinators, which adds a breezy, romantic vibe to your
garden.