15 Annuals That Bloom With Pretty White Flowers

When you're attempting to brighten up a yard or accentuate a walkway, there are countless plant and sunflower varieties that will do the job. While colorful blooms like vibrant yellow daisies or whimsical purple pansies are great options, there is definitely something to be said about white annuals. Not only are white flowers inviting with their clean, bright, and upscale feel but they can also be of great benefit when you're looking for a stunning floral display. 

According to Tilly, annuals bloom faster and longer than their perennial counterparts. They are also more affordable, as they typically only bloom for one season instead of multiple years. Plus, these types of flowers are incredibly easy to grow from seeds and even self-seed, which means you don't necessarily need to plant an entire new flowerbed the following year. 

White annuals make for a classy-looking garden that you'll love to spend time around and, of course, will impress visitors, too. Ultimately, they are a great choice for those who want a beautiful blooming garden quickly or for those who enjoy switching the look of their flowerbeds year after year.

Torenia (Torenia fournieri) is a delicate white flower that sometimes features subtle purple or yellow accents. Their appearance looks as if someone brushed a little bit of color on them with a paintbrush, with the focal point still being a beautiful white bloom. 

Torenias thrive in the shade, making them ideal for a variety of climates. They can also be used in both landscapes and potted containers, according to Proven Winners.

• Bloom season: spring to fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 2-11
• Growing conditions: shade
• Soil type: rich loamy soil that is well-drained
• Size: 12 to 15 inches tall

The white periwinkle plant (Vinca minor 'Alba') is a low-to-the-ground flower that spreads generously. Its five round petals form pointed tips and are held together with dainty yellow centers. 

According to Oakland Nurseries, since this flower blooms close to the ground, it is recommended for use as ground cover, border edging, or in container gardens. In some regions, periwinkles are considered to be an invasive species, so check before you plant. 

• Bloom season: mid-spring to early summer
• USDA hardiness zone: 4-8
• Growing conditions: partial sunlight or shade
• Soil type: any 
• Size: 6 inches tall, 18-inch spread 

The rare coconut ice sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a beautiful white version of its more famous deep yellow counterpart. According to Plants of Distinction, these beautiful sunflowers bloom in a creamy vanilla hue and then quickly turn to a bright white while growing. 

Like more standard sunflowers, the coconut ice varieties retain the classic giant brown centers, and the white petals are striking among standard yellow sunflowers or any other tall or climbing annuals or perennials.

• Bloom season: June-September
• USDA hardiness zone: 4-9
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: well-drained soil 
• Size: 4 to 5 feet tall

The white spider flower (Cleome spinosa) is a unique-looking annual that will stand out well. They grow well in temperate climates in the U.S. and abroad. 

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this flower is a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and moths. Bats even visit these clusters in tropical climates. Certain varieties are decidedly fragrant, and they can grow tall and wide.  

• Bloom season: late spring to early fall 
• USDA hardiness zone: 10 and 11 
• Growing conditions: bright sunlight
• Soil type: average garden soil or rich, well-drained garden loam
• Size: 60 inches tall

Double click snow puff cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) are, despite their long name, adorably fluffy little flowers. Their cream-colored centers pale into a purer white as the petals extend out, perched upon curved green stems that stretch as tall as 4 feet. 

According to Swallowtail Garden Seeds, these frilly flowers are perfect for cutting and placing into vases, thanks to their tall stature.

• Bloom season: early summer to fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 2-11
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: average, well-drained soil
• Size: 3 to 4 feet tall

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are hardy, full flowers that start to show off in the late spring and will continue to bloom through first frost. In addition to their pure white petals, one of their beauty brags is lush green leaves that provide a stunning contrast. 

According to Plant Care Today, these low-maintenance plants are pest-resistant and do just fine with humidity. 

• Bloom season: spring to early fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 1-10
• Growing conditions: shade to full sunlight
• Soil type: chalk, clay, loam, or sand
• Size: 10 inches to 2 feet tall

Babywing begonias (Begonia) are just as adorable as their name suggests, with their pure white blooms and happy yellow centers. According to White Flower Farm, begonias also feature glossy green leaves that are unique to this popular flower due to its potentially patterned foliage. Really, how many flowers can brag about having polka-dot leaves? 

While begonias come in many different colors, the white ones really stand out in a crowd.

• Bloom season: June to October
• USDA hardiness zone: 2-10
• Growing conditions: sunlight to shade
• Soil type: well-drained soil high in organic matter
• Size: 12 to 15 inches tall

Moonflower vines (Ipomoea alba) are unique annuals, as they feature flowers that bloom at night. With their white petals and heart-shaped leaves, these pretty flowers prefer a trellis or wall to climb. 

According to North Carolina State University, the vines are relatively frost-resistant, and it can be fun to camp out and watch bats drop by and pollinate the blooms after dark. 

• Bloom season: spring to fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 10-12
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: Clay, loam, or sand
• Size: 10 to 15 feet tall

The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a lovely little flower that blooms on vines. The Swan Lake variety is pure white in color and grows in small clusters. According to Premier Seeds Direct, this evergreen likes to have company, so consider planting it alongside other sweet pea varieties. 

Its light scent is an inviting touch to any garden trellis or patio arrangement. Make note — all sweet peas are toxic to pets.

• Bloom season: late spring to early summer
• USDA hardiness zone: 1-7
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: alkaline 
• Size: 3 to 6 feet tall

Daisies are such friendly flowers, but unfortunately, many of them fail to thrive during the summer heat. Enter the White Butterfly Argyranthemum (Argyranthemum frutescens). This high-performing little daisy bush can thrive in both warm and cooler temperatures and does great in both containers and landscape environments.

According to Proven Winners, no deadheading is needed for these flowers, which means more beauty and less work for you.

• Bloom season: summer
• USDA hardiness zone: 10-11
• Growing conditions: partial or full sunlight
• Soil Type: average
• Size: 1.5 to 3 feet tall

Butterflies and bees love sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), and a quick cut back produces even more booming blooms. You'll also enjoy its scent, which has been compared to honey. 

While this flower might be tiny, it smells amazing and comes in a beautiful white variety. According to Costa Farms, sweet alyssum will grow and spread quickly, making it great for groundcover and landscaping, although it also does just fine in large containers.

• Bloom season: June to October
• USDA hardiness zone: 5-9
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: rich and well-drained
• Size: 6 to 10 inches tall

This flower looks mighty and royal with its crown-shaped white blooms. Additionally, cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) comes in vibrant colors like red and fuschia, so plant them near each other to really make the white petals pop.

While sometimes considered a hardy perennial, Costa Farms categorizes cyclamen as an annual due to its bold and long blooming season. Besides the pretty white petals, you'll also enjoy the appearance of its rich, large green leaves.

• Bloom season: spring to fall 
• USDA hardiness zone: 5
• Growing conditions: partial to full sunlight
• Soil type: moist and well-drained
• Size: 6 to 16 inches tall

Lobularia is a low-maintenance, fast-blooming annual that comes in many different varieties. Its typical look is large clusters of tiny white flowers that burst out of green stem mounds. Unlike similar flowers like alyssum, Flower Power Daily explains that Lobularia can handle a little neglect. It's an ideal flower for first-time gardeners or those who love the look of a healthy garden but lack a significant amount of time to accomplish it.

• Bloom season: spring to fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 5
• Growing conditions: partial sunlight
• Soil type: loamy, well-drained
• Size: 2 to 6 inches tall

They aren't just petunias; they're supertunias! The supertunia (still scientifically known as petunia) is a larger, bolder petunia that has been cultivated to bloom longer and stronger. 

The mini vista variety ranges from white to very pale pink and has deep sunken yellow-green centers. According to Home Depot, they are amazing landscape plants and attract plenty of garden pollinators. 

• Bloom season: late spring to early fall
• USDA hardiness zone: 2-11
• Growing conditions: full sunlight
• Soil type: well-drained soil mix
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall

Diamond Frost euphorbia (Inneuphdia) plants are a thick collection of small flower bundles that cluster together to form what looks almost like snow dusting green foliage beneath. They do well as a houseplant and can be grown both indoors and out. 

According to Plant Addicts, euphorbia can be cut to be used in flower arrangements in lieu of a baby's breath. This flower is also heat and drought-resistant. 

• Bloom season: spring to fall 
• USDA hardiness zone: 10-11
• Growing conditions: partial or full sunlight 
• Soil type: average, well-drained
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall