White gardens have always been very fashionable.
Done correctly they offer real elegance and sophistication, while also creating a serene and calming atmosphere.
They are perfect for tasteful summer garden parties and even weddings!
In this guide, we’ll explore the art of designing a white garden, including design ideas and a selection of white flowers suitable for continuous blooming throughout the year.
Additionally, we’ll provide essential care information for each plant to ensure your white garden remains vibrant and flourishing.
When planning your white garden, start with a clear vision. Aim to create contrast, layering and depth using foliage as well as flowers. Include a variety of plants that bloom in different seasons and don’t forget white flowering trees and climbers for vertical interest.
Design Ideas and Tips
Start With A Clear Vision
- Before diving into plant selection, take the time to think about the overall look and feel of your white garden.
- Consider the size of your space, the desired ambience, and any specific themes or focal points you wish to incorporate.
- Create a plan to visualise the placement of plants, trees and other elements.
Create Contrast, Layering And Depth
- While the main focus is on white blooms, you can also include contrasting elements such as foliage texture, shape, and height. This can add more visual interest and depth to your garden.
- Consider using dark green foliage, silver foliage, or even variegated leaves to create striking contrasts against the white flowers.
- Spiky leaves with white flowers, such as yucca gloriosa, can offer an interesting structural element while keeping to the theme.
- To create a lush and dynamic garden, use layering techniques by planting flowers and shrubs of varying heights.
- This creates depth and dimension within the garden, drawing the eye to different levels.
Consider Seasonal Interest
- Aim to include plants that offer interest throughout the seasons, ensuring your white garden remains beautiful year-round.
- Integrate early spring bulbs, summer-blooming perennials, autumn-flowering shrubs, trees and climbers to maintain a consistent display of white blooms.
- A good tip is to include a tree with a white bark, such as a silver birch. This will add a different dimension to the white theme and create an interesting structure during the winter.
- Achieve a sense of balance and harmony by carefully arranging plants in a symmetrical or asymmetrical layout.
- Pay attention to spacing, ensuring each plant has enough room to grow without overcrowding.
Accessorise With Non-Plant Elements
- Enhance the beauty of your white garden with thoughtfully chosen non-plant elements such as white decorative stones, benches, sculptures, or architectural features.
- Use white arbours or trellises against dark fences to showcase climbers and vines.
- These elements can complement the natural beauty of the white blooms and add interest to the overall design.
White Flowers For Year-Round Blooming
Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.):
- Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring
- Care: Often the first sign of long-awaited spring! Plant in well-draining soil in partial shade. Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis):
- Flowering Time: Early to mid-spring
- Care: These flowers smell amazing when they bloom! Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Roses (Rosa spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to summer
- Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming. Regular watering and fertilization are essential.
Cerastium (Cerastium spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to summer
- Care: With it’s common name “snow-in-summer” Cerastium is a great option for ground cover. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Water regularly but allow soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Lilies (Lilium spp.):
- Flowering Time: Summer
- Care: Calla lilies are a great choice here. Plant in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Provide support for tall stems to prevent breakage. Water deeply and consistently, especially during the growing season.
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.):
- Flowering Time: Summer to late autumn
- Care: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Prune older plants in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and encourage new growth. A nice white variety to try is ‘Annabelle’.
Cosmos (Cosmos spp.):
- Flowering Time: Summer to winter
- Care: Cosmos prefer well-drained soil with good fertility. Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. Water young plants regularly to help establish a strong root system. Once established, cosmos can tolerate some drought but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Tall varieties of cosmos may need support, especially in exposed areas or when grown in containers. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. Deadheading also keeps the plants looking neat and tidy.
Hellebores (Helleborus spp.):
- Flowering Time: Winter to early spring
- Care: Often known as the “Christmas Rose” or “Lenten Rose”. Plant in rich, moist soil with good drainage. Provide partial shade. Remove old foliage in late winter to allow new growth.
Trees And Climbers
Trees and climbers are essential elements in white gardens as they provide vertical interest, shade, and privacy, and when white-flowered, they add elegance and charm to the landscape.
Here are some white-flowering trees and climbers that can contribute to a visually stunning white garden and bloom all year round:
White Flowering Trees
Magnolia (Magnolia spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to early summer
- Care: Plant in well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.
Cherry Blossom (Prunus spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Care: With many white varieties alongside the common pink, this a perfect choice for spring blooms. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Water regularly during the growing season. Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood. Protect from frost if needed.
Camellia (Camellia spp.):
- Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring
- Care: Due to their quick growth, Camellia bushes can swiftly become small trees and offer a wonderful evergreen foliage as well as stunning flowers. Plant in well-drained, acidic soil in partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Prune lightly after flowering to shape.
White Flowering Climbers
Clematis (Clematis spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to autumn
- Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season. Provide support for climbing stems. Prune in late winter to early spring to promote new growth.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to summer
- Care: Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) offers delicate fragrant white flowers and an evergreen foliage. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season. Prune after flowering to control growth and maintain shape. Protect from frost in colder climates.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.):
- Flowering Time: Spring to autumn
- Care: Lonicera albiflora (Western white honeysuckle) is a great option. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season. Provide support for climbing stems. Prune after flowering to control growth and maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
Designing and maintaining a white garden requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to ongoing care.
By following the design ideas, tips, and plant recommendations outlined in this guide, you can create a stunning white garden that enchants and inspires year-round.
Remember to adapt your garden to suit your specific climate and soil conditions.
Check out our other garden design articles if you are looking to create a tropical, Mediterranean, rooftop or flower garden.