Krinkled White' Peony

A cut-flower favorite, the petals of the single herbaceous peony cultivar 'Krinkled White' have a delicate texture reminiscent of crepe paper. The bright yellow center adds a sunny contrast. It blooms in late spring or early summer.

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil

Size: Up to 34 inches tall

Zones: 3–7

Candytuft

Perennial candytuft (Iberis) brings airy white down to earth, forming a low mat of green covered by small flowers from late spring to early summer. Its low profile and the flowers' light fragrance makes the plant a perfect front-of-border choice.

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established

Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 18 inches wide

Zones: 3–8

Virginal Mock Orange

From late spring to early summer, mock orange (Philadelphus) offers a burst of snowy white blooms on arching branches. True to the name, the flowers have a refreshing citrus scent. Virginal mock orange (shown) produces fluffy double flowers reminiscent of roses, while native mock orange has sweet single flowers.

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil

Size: 2 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 8 feet wide

Zones: 4–8

'Snowdrift' Rose

White roses have an elegance that befits a classic English garden, mixing with soft shades of lavender and pink. Of the hundreds of white roses to choose from, 'Snowdrift' (shown) shrub rose (also known as 'BAIrift') is a special charmer. The full flowers open from light apricot-hued buds.

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide

Zones: 4–9

'Sonata White' Cosmo

In the garden and the vase, the daisy-like flowers of 'Sonata White' cosmos epitomize the carefree vibes of summer. The award-winning annual grows easily from seed and has tall, sturdy stems perfect for cutting.

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide

Flowering Tobacco

For a garden that shines in the moonlight, try flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris). Its star-shaped flowers open in the evening, releasing a sweet, jasmine-like scent. A great choice for containers as well as beds, it blooms from summer into fall.

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Zones: 10–11 (grown as an annual elsewhere)

'Annabelle' Hydrangea

Native to eastern North America, 'Annabelle' hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) features fluffy snowball-shaped flowers that can reach up to a foot across. This type of hydrangea's flower color is not affected by soil acidity.

Growing conditions: Part shade and well-drained soil

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide

Zones: 3–9

'Double White' Angel's Trumpet

The pendulous, bright white flowers of 'Double White' angel's trumpet (Brugmansia x candida) make any garden feel like a tropical escape. So, too, does the plant's sweet scent, which it releases in the evening. Plant this in the ground or a container near where you like to hang out after dark to enjoy the fragrance.

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil

Size: 12 to 16 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide (will stay smaller in container)

Zones: 7–10

All parts of the angel’s trumpet plant are toxic1. Take care when planting or touching it, and avoid areas where children or pets frequent.

'Tsuki Yori No Shisha' Dahlia

The Japanese semi-cactus dahlia 'Tsuki Yori No Shisha' (which means "messenger of the moon") is beloved by gardeners for its whirling, creamy white petals. Flowers are large and showy, reaching up to 7 inches wide.

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: 3 to 4 feet tall

Zones: 3–10