The Allure of White Flowers: A Spring Garden Essential

White is a much more captivating colour than one might initially expect. While white flowers often symbolise purity, they also represent one of the most vibrant and versatile colours in our gardening palette. The way sunlight radiates from white blooms makes them particularly attractive to pollinators and excellent for stunning flower arrangements. In fact, there are few colours that don't pair well with white. 

What is the Allure of White Flowers?

• Symbolism and Purity: White flowers are universally associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings. This makes them a popular choice for weddings and other ceremonial occasions.
• Pollinator Attraction: The bright, reflective nature of white petals draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies, essential for a thriving garden ecosystem.
• Versatility in Arrangements: White flowers serve as a neutral base, complementing every other colour in the garden and in floral arrangements. They provide a striking contrast that can highlight more vibrant hues.
   

Top White Flowers for a Spring Garden

To create an enchanting white-themed garden, plant these bulbs in autumn. This will ensure a breathtaking display of white blooms come springtime:

Crocus

Early bloomers that herald the arrival of spring with their delicate white petals. Extend the pure white carpets of snowdrops with crocus.

Erythronium

Also known as dog’s tooth violet, these graceful flowers add elegance to shaded areas.

Allium

Tall and majestic, alliums bring architectural interest and attract beneficial insects. We have numerous white alliums from short to very tall.

Zantedeschia

Commonly known as calla lilies, these flowers offer an exotic flair with their pristine white spathes.

Ornithogalum

Also called star-of-Bethlehem, these star-shaped flowers are perfect for naturalising in lawns and borders.

Daffodils

Classic spring favourites, white daffodils bring cheerfulness and simplicity. Often starting out a little yellow as they mature they turn bright white. Try Mount Hood

Muscari

Known as grape hyacinths, their compact clusters of white blooms add texture to garden beds. The white muscari can flower a little bit later but there are several shades of white to condiser.

Hyacinth

Highly fragrant, white hyacinths are a sensory delight in the spring garden. Both indoor flowering and spring flowering hyacinths are available

Anemone

These charming flowers are ideal for adding a woodland feel to your garden. Try the taller 'The Bride' for cutting

Ipheion

Also known as starflower, they are easy to grow and provide delicate star-shaped blooms. they provide great ground coverage

Fascinating Tulip Facts

Did you know that the base colour of a tulip is either yellow or white? Tulip colours are created by anthocyanin, a pigment that produces a wide variety of patterns. The fascinating phenomenon known as the Tulip Breaking Virus disrupts this pigment, creating white streaks where the pigment fails. This was a defining characteristic of the infamous tulips behind Tulip Fever. Today, growers have harnessed this trait to cultivate the stunning Rembrandt tulips, known for their striking and varied patterns.

You can also find a great selection of white summer flowers in Gladioli, Dahlias and more here