A white rose or tulip is pretty but these exquisitely unique white flowers are jaw-dropping and beautifully rare.
Travel to interesting places around the world, and even your own backyard to discover these supreme white beauties.
Check out Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring white flowers.
16 Exquisitely Unique White Flowers (Including Photos)
Long called the most beautiful of all flowers, the calla lily and white rose are pretty commonplace. Although they are stunning flowers, they are not rare or unique.
The delicate petals of the many species of orchids are acclaimed as the most exotic flowers on earth. But, are they?
Flower Lovers Want to Know
What is the most beautiful white flower?
While this is subjective, there are several commonly named the most beautiful
- Calla lily
- Rose
- Chrysanthemum
What is the most exotic white flower?
- Ghost orchid – because of the rapid destruction of its natural habitat
Why is it called Ghost Orchid?
- Can easily be camouflaged among the trees making it difficult to be spotted
What is the rarest white flower?
- Dutchman’s pipe cactus
What is the meaning of a white flower?
- Traditionally white means purity and virtue – found in many bridal bouquets
- White represents harmony and hope
- Can also mean sympathy in recognition of loss and this could stem from many funeral flowers being white. They should never be sent to someone who is ill as it can be seen as a bad omen in the Chinese culture.
Exquisitely Unique White Perennials
Large Perennials
1-Anthurium
This happens to be my favorite flower. The giant white anthurium with its heart-shaped blooms is often referred to as the flamingo flower.
This is very easy to care for the flower. Place it in a well-lit room (not in direct sunlight though). Keep it away from any drafts or radiators. Water it once per week. Anthurium loves a humid environment and would do really well in your bathroom.
Take good care of your plant and it will be around for at least 5 years and will grow between 12 – 18 inches tall. Be careful when handling your buds as this plant is toxic to animals and may cause skin irritations to humans.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 11 – 12 |
| Light Exposure | Partial sun |
| Watering | Keep the soil slightly moist (avoid drying out) |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, acidic |
| Found In | Central, South America, and Caribbean |
| Blooms | All year |
| Botanical Name | Anthurium spp |
| Commonly Called | Anthurium, tail flower, flamingo flower, laceleaf |
Small Perennials
2-Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
Named the ghost orchid because it resembles a sheet blowing in the wind. Because its long petals resemble the long legs of a frog leaping through the air, it is also referred to as the Frog Orchid.
Since it contains very little green to create photosynthesis to feed itself, this plant is very difficult to grow. This flower requires a very hot and humid climate. The perfect combination of the two will allow this flower to thrive. While it is only 3-6 inches tall, this plant is considered an endangered species and it is now illegal to pick these flowers in the wild in Florida.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 8 – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Bright indirect sunlight |
| Watering | Misting every couple of weeks |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, slightly acidic |
| Found In | Southern USA, Cuba, Bahamas |
| Blooms | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Dendrophylax lindenii |
| Commonly Called | Ghost orchid, frog orchid |
3-Udumbara (youtan polu)
Probably the world’s tiniest flowers that are often mistaken for aphids or tiny bugs because they are only 0.004 inches big. This flower sits on the end of a tiny silk thread-like stem. It blooms once every 3000 years. So, not only is it the smallest, it is the rarest of white flowers. Legend has it that Buddhists revere this rare beauty as the flower from heaven signifying the arrival of the Holy King (Lord Buddha) who turns the wheel. Ironically, this flower was discovered in the late 1990’s around 3000 years after Buddhism was established.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 6 – 10 |
| Light Exposure | Partial sunlight |
| Watering | As needed |
| Soil | Moist soil |
| Found In | South Korea |
| Blooms | Every 3000 years |
| Botanical Name | Youtan polu |
| Commonly Called | Udumbara |
4-Bouvardia (Bouvardia Longiflora)
This small star-shaped white flower is held up by a thin stem growing no more than 1 inch long although the plant itself can grow up to 4 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. A cluster of these tubular flowers make up the full bulb. Being a pretty hardy plant, it is one that will grow nicely indoors and out. In warmer climates, the Bouvardia can stay outside year-round. The scent of this unique bud will fill your home with a sweet fruity fragrance. This exquisitely unique white flower was named after the personal physician of Louis XIII, Charles Bouvardia.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 – 12 |
| Light Exposure | Full sunlight |
| Watering | 1 to 2 times per week (overwatering causes root rot) |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy soil, neutral pH levels |
| Found In | Mexico, Southern USA |
| Blooms | Late summer to early winter |
| Botanical Name | Bouvardia longiflora |
| Commonly Called | Bouvardia, hummingbird flower |
5-Red Indian Pipe Flower (Monotropa Uniflora)
This all-white flower grows almost anywhere in the world. Because it has no chlorophyll to feed itself, this plant is actually a parasite that feeds on tree roots. Like its cousin asparagus, this plant is edible. When cooked properly there is no concern of toxic effects…but, for those with insulin resistance, this can raise blood sugar levels. And, this precious bloom (growing 4 – 6 inches tall) is high in magnesium. Don’t let this little fungi fool you. It is not easy to grow “in captivity”. This plant struggles when transplanted from its natural habitat in the wild will not likely survive the journey to your garden. However, it can be found in wooded areas and may poke it’s head out when you’re out hunting for your Christmas tree.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 6 – 12 |
| Light Exposure | Partial sunlight |
| Watering | Prefers a dry soil |
| Soil | Humus soil conditions |
| Found In | Northern USA and India |
| Blooms | June to September |
| Botanical Name | Monotropa uniflora |
| Commonly Called | Indian pipe flower |
6-Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
The galanthus gets its name from the Greek words gala (meaning milk) and anthos (meaning flower) and the Latin word nivalis (meaning snow-covered). The snowdrop is a 3-petal flower, small in size (3 – 6 inches tall) that is the first sign of spring in cold climates like Canada. This hardy flower does well in colder climates and not so well, in warm climates. It is the first flower to rear its pretty head as the snow begins to melt and the ground thaws. It gives off a sweet honey scent.
Be careful when giving this pretty blossom as a gift because, in the Victorian era, this plant symbolized bad luck. Keep an eye on your pets as these could be toxic if they happen to munch on the petals.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 – 7 |
| Light Exposure | Full to partial sunlight |
| Watering | Not a huge requirement in colder climates |
| Soil | Sandy well-drained humus soil |
| Found In | NorthAmerica, Europe, Middle East |
| Blooms | February to April |
| Botanical Name | Galanthus nivalis |
| Commonly Called | Snowdrop |
7-Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum)
Let’s face it, some climates are just not conducive to growing beautiful flowers until this one came along. This flower just loves sandy terrain. It had luxurious long back petals (growing up to 12 inches tall) that surround the shorter front ones. Because this is an endangered species, many countries do not allow flowers to be picked. However, this is one of the easiest of the exquisitely unique white flowers to grow. Throw the seed pods into the sandy earth. Keep the soil moist and watch it sprout in about 4 to 6 weeks. Patience is a virtue with this flower as it can take three to four years to bloom if growing from seeds.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 8 |
| Light Exposure | Full to partial sunlight |
| Watering | Prefer drier soil |
| Soil | Sandy well-drained humus soil |
| Found In | Southwestern Mediterranean, seaside |
| Blooms | June to August |
| Botanical Name | Pancratium maritimum |
| Commonly Called | Sea daffodils |
8-Skeleton Flower (Diphylleia grayi)
This delicate white (36 inch tall) flower has magical power. You can watch turn from pure white to totally transparent. Just add water! Every time it rains, these flowers seem to disappear into the background. The transformation is due to the large and spread-out cells in the petals that fill with fluid when they get wet, making them magically turn see-through. This rather large plant with small flowers is best grown in a shaded area so if your home gets little direct sunlight, this may be the plant for you.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 4a – 9b |
| Light Exposure | Full to partial shade |
| Watering | Needs consistent moisture levels |
| Soil | Rich moist soil, well-drained, neutral pH |
| Found In | Hawaii, China, Japan |
| Blooms | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Diphylleia grayi |
| Commonly Called | Skeleton flower |
Succulents
9-Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Known as the night orchid, the Dutchman’s pipe cactus grows from the cactus. Two rows of pointy white center petals are surrounded by longer back petals (like a crown). This is a very easy flower to grow – like most cacti. However, it is considered the rarest of flowers since the cactus blooms only at night and only once per year. Keep your eye out between mid-June and mid-July for this spectacular vision so you don’t miss it. Having said that, small buds will form when it is ready to flower. As a result of the rarity of the actual flowers this cactus is very fragrant when in bloom. This species can grow up to a massive 6 feet as it adapts to the size of the pot it lays in.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 – 12b |
| Light Exposure | Direct sunlight |
| Watering | Small amounts every 10 to 12 days |
| Soil | Very well drained soil |
| Found In | India, Sri Lanka |
| Blooms | June to July |
| Botanical Name | Epiphyllum oxypetalum |
| Commonly Called | Dutchman’s pipe cactus |
Shrubs
10-King Protea (protea spp)
Commonly called the Emperor Flower, it has one of the largest floral heads with flattened leaves (5 – 12 inches). This beauty can survive forest fires and regenerate itself in the toughest of circumstances. No wonder this is the oldest flower recorded in history, being more than 300 million years old. Be careful not to have your pets chomp on the King Protea because it is poisonous if consumed. For those folks who have sensitivity to fragrances, this gorgeous flower is for you as it gives off no scents at all.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 – 12 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | Every 2 weeks for established plants |
| Soil | Well drained sand or loam, acidic pH levels |
| Found In | South Africa |
| Blooms | Late winter to spring |
| Botanical Name | Protea spp |
| Commonly Called | King protea, Emperor flower |
11-Jacobinia (justicia carnea)
This pretty white flowering shrub is easy to grow(reaching 8 inches in height). It is a super hardy plant that blooms in the late summer or early fall. However, this does not bloom indoors. This plant is perfect for container gardens, and apartment balconies that have bright indirect sunlight. The Justicia has been used medicinally to help with ailments such as inflammation, fever, and pain relief, as well as diabetes and liver disease.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 8b – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Partial sun |
| Watering | When necessary to keep soil moist |
| Soil | Well drained moist soil |
| Found In | Brazil |
| Blooms | Late summer to early autumn |
| Botanical Name | Justicia Carnea |
| Commonly Called | Jacobinia, Brazilian plume, blood of Jesus plant |
12-Powderpuff Flower (Calliandra haematocephala)
This giant tree can reach heights of 8 feet when planted outdoors. The powder puffs are approximately 3 inches big. Reminds you of a dandelion in bloom.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 8b – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Bright sunlight |
| Watering | When necessary to keep soil moist |
| Soil | Well drained moist soil with pH of 6 – 7.5 |
| Found In | Bolivia, Brazil |
| Blooms | Summer to autumn |
| Botanical Name | Calliandra haematocephala |
| Commonly Called | Powderpuff flower |
Vines
13-Moon Flower (ipomoea alba)
This strongly fragrant flower blooms at night. Hence the name – Moon Flower. This climbing plant is perfect for any trellis or gazebo. It is important to remove the dead flower heads before the seed pop if you don’t want these flowers to invade your whole garden. Depending on where they are planted, moon flowers can grow between 12 and 48 inches tall.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 – 12 |
| Light Exposure | Full sunlight |
| Watering | When topsoil is dry |
| Soil | Well drained moist soil with pH of 6 – 7.5 |
| Found In | Mexico, Argentina, Caribbean, Hawaii |
| Blooms | Summer to autumn |
| Botanical Name | Ipomoea alba |
| Commonly Called | Moon flower |
14-Snake Gourd (trichosanthes cucumerina)
From the cucumber family, these delicate flowers have petals like silk threads. Although these exquisitely unique white flowers are very fragrant they have a life span of only one day. Because the fruit this plant bears is very heavy, a sturdy trellis or fence will be required for support. The plant can grow up to 6.5 feet in length.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 11 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | Moist ground not soaking wet |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy to clay loam |
| Found In | Korea, India, China |
| Blooms | Early summer |
| Botanical Name | Trichosanthes cucumerina |
| Commonly Called | Snake gourd |
Tree
15-Mexican Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
Spiral-shaped flowers that are fused together. Each white flower is unique. No two are ever identical. This is a massive tree that grows up to 30 feet tall and will do well in a large backyard or garden.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-9 |
| Light Exposure | Partial to full sun |
| Watering | Lots of water during heat waves otherwise ensure soil does not dry out |
| Soil | Well-drained acidic soil |
| Found In | North & Central America |
| Blooms | Mid-spring |
| Botanical Name | Cornus florida |
| Commonly Called | Mexican flowering dogwood, American box |
Exquisitely Unique White Flower Houseplant
16-Jungle Velvet Calathea (calathea warscewiczii)
This is a really hardy green plant that grows really well indoors. It will need some room to stretch as it can get as large as 4 feet. However, it does not bloom when kept inside. Outdoor plants will bloom in spring, summer, or fall with each bloom lasting 2-3 months. This plant needs water but not always on a set schedule. The best time to water is when the top soil feels dry to the touch. Jungle velvet performs a “pollination” ritual with bees who force it to open so they can excrete the plant’s nectar. In turn this action causes the plant to sneeze and expel its pollen for the bees.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 11-12 |
| Light Exposure | Partial sun |
| Watering | When the top soil is dried out |
| Soil | well-drained soil, neutral pH levels |
| Found In | Central America |
| Blooms | Spring to Autumn |
| Botanical Name | Calathea warscewiczii |
| Commonly Called | Jungle velvet calathea |
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
There are so many exquisitely unique white flowers found all over the world. And, some of them are really easy for you to grow in your own garden. Why stick to the usual suspects when you can be the talk of the neighborhood with your rare beauties?
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Author: MT Huggins 
