Anthocyanidins are common plant pigments. And they are responsible for producing the vibrant and beautiful colors which we so often see in flowers.
When light from the sun hits a plant, the light is absorbed by these pigments, and is then reflected to our eyes at different wavelengths. This is why we see so many different colors in plants and their flowers.
White plants, however, have a reduced or zero anthocyanin pigment content, which explains their lack of color. They are important to many cultures, and are a part of countless traditions.
In Egypt for example, a bouquet of white flowers is gifted to the loved ones of someone who has passed away. But in the United Kingdom, as well as other western cultures, white petals are used for decoration at weddings.
There are some really beautiful ones out there. So in this article, we will look at 8 types of white plants.
White Amaryllis Flowers
Amaryllis is a genus of flowers within the subgroup Amaryllidinae. It is one of the smallest genus of flowering bulbs, and consists of only two species.
Native to South America, they are harvested in the summer , and then chilled to help them prepare for blooming. The shape is similar to that of a woodwind instrument, as it has a tube like flower head, which opens up and peels back at the end.
Each plant will have multiple blooms on a single stem, and white amaryllis are lime green at their center.
White is not the only color in which amaryllis bloom, and they can be found with red, pink, or purple flowers. Flower heads are either single or double formed. And they grow on a tall green stem.
White amaryllis, and amaryllis in general, grows best in well drained soil. It needs full sunlight, and grows in zones 9 to 11 in the United States.
Lily Of The Valley
Lily of the valley is a flowering plant which grows wildly in woodland areas. Its native territories are cool in temperature and climate, and include the Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe.
However, botanists also consider lilies of the valley to be an invasive plant in parts of North America.
The woodland plant is dangerous to humans and animals , as it is highly poisonous if consumed. This is because of cardiac glycosides which affect human and animal hearts.
The spring flower gives off a fragrant scent, for which it is widely cultivated. Along with this, the bell shaped flowers signify a return of happiness.
This dates back to Christian times where the plant appeared in many paintings associated with the return of Jesus Christ.
The bell-shaped flowers hang light bulbs, and are surrounded by bright green leaves.
Lily of the valley likes moist well-drained soil. They grow in full sun and partial shade, and are suited to climates in growing zones 2 to 9.
White Daffodils
Daffodils’ scientific name is narcissus. They are a spring flowering perennial plant of the amaryllis family, and were well known to ancient ancient civilisations.
In some ancient civilizations it was used medicinally, and in others studied botanically. Within the daffodil genus, there are believed to be ten sections containing 50 different species.
Wild daffodils are native to wooded areas in southern Europe and the north of Africa. However, the genus has naturalized into other parts of the world, both naturally and through cultivation.
One such region of the world which saw daffodils introduced through cultivation was the Far East.
Leaves tend to be either white or yellow, and stem shape depends on the species. Some are compressed and flatter, while others are rounder, more tub-like. The stems grow upright and sit between the leaves.
And the flower forms a trumpet-like structure spouting out of a star shaped background.
Daffodils grow well in drained soil, and thrive in full sunlight. Throughout the United States, it grows from zones 3 to 10.
Finally, in some cultures, a bouquet of white daffodils is gifted to
bring good luck and happiness in the future of the recipient’s life.
Magnolia
Magnolias are an extremely well-known white plant and are a symbol of beauty throughout the world, particularly in Western cultures.
Although people often refer to a single plant when they say magnolia, it is actually a genus of roughly 210 species. The genus was named after the Frenchman Pierre Magnol, who was a notable botanist.
Magnolias are either evergreen, deciduous (they lose their leaves) , and spreading. Their characteristic trait is the large rounded-shape flowers which have a fragrant smell.
These are usually a shade of pink, yellow, green, and most famously white. And in magnolias which lose their leaves, blooms often become visible before the leaves do.
In US culture, magnolias have a special place in the hearts of people from Louisiana. It is the state’s official flower, but it is also popular across the rest of the country.
magnolias grow best in well-drained soil. Their light needs are full sunlight/partial shade, and grow in zones 4 to 9.
White Daisy
White daisies are the most well-known type of daisy flower, and are often considered to be the daisy flower. However white daisy flowers are just one species of a humongous 20,000, all of the family Asteraceae.
The white daisy, scientifically known as Bellis Perennis, grows natively in different regions throughout Europe, except southern ones. But over time, it has naturalized in almost all regions with temperate climates.
It is most common for white daisy flowers to bloom at the height of summer. But if conditions are right, then this flowering period can last a long time, and new flowers can be produced into winter, as long as conditions are mild.
Flowers have narrow, oval shaped white petals, which encircle an orange/yellow dome shaped center. And these grow on a smooth and leafless stem.
White daisy flowers are suited to well-drained soil. They need full sun/partial shade, and will grow in zones 3 to 9.
White Carnations
Carnations are the common name for Dianthus caryophyllus, which is a species of Dianthus. And Dianthus is a genus of roughly 300 flowering plants of the family Caryophyllaceae.
Exact native origins are hard to pinpoint. But it is found in Mediterranean regions such as Spain, Croatia, Albania, and Greece. So for this reason, it is assumed that carnations first grew wildly in the Mediterranean.
And botanists say that the uncertainty surrounding its native habitat is the widespread, mass cultivation of carnations that has taken place over the last two millenniums.
Although there are over 300 carnation species, just three are white. These are the:
- Regular white carnations which have big sponge-like blooms atop the stem.
- Spray carnations whose flowers are smaller
- Dwarf carnations which have several flowers on a shorter stem.
White carnations are extensively grown within the floral industry. They are often gifted for their elegant appearance, as well as their welcoming aroma.
For whit carnations to grow, soil must be moist but not sodden, and full sunlight is needed. Across the United States, they grow in zones 3 to 20.
White Tulips
Tulips is the common name for Tulipa, which is a genus of perennial plants. Perennials are plants which live more than two years, and tulips are a type of perennial which blooms in the spring.
They are herbaceous, which means that they have a vascular system and no woody stems above ground, and also produce bulbs.
Due to mass cultivation throughout the years, tulips have spread throughout the world, but their native habitat is the valleys of Tian Shan mountains in Central Asia.
Records show that tulips were cultivated from as early as 1055 in Constantinople (Modern day Istanbul). And within a few centuries it had become a symbol famous within the Ottoman Empire.
White tulips have milky-colored goblet-shaped blossoms and yellow anthers (where the pollen is held. Although tulips have a low pollen count). The stem is sturdy, and can resist strong wind and persistent rain.
These beautiful plants can grow up to 18 inches in height, and along with white, are found in many other colors such as yellow and pink.
For tulips to grow, soil needs to be well drained. This is because they do not get on well with excessive water. They will grow in full sun/partial shade, and in climate zones 3 to 8.
White Orchids
Orchids have huge cultural significance, and are heavily cultivated for commercial reasons. They are used in many perfumes. As well as for food flavorings and enhancers in sweets and baked goods.
White orchids are one of the least common types of orchid. This is despite them growing in thousands of varieties. And they are also known as Dendrobium orchids.
Dendrobium orchids are classified into two groups, hard-canned and soft canned. Hard-canned white orchids are thinner, and the leaves are dark. Whereas soft-canned orchids are evergreen, meaning their leaves do not fall off for years.
Soil needs to be well drained for orchids to survive. They must have access to full sunlight, but not direct, and geo in climate zone 11.
In some Asian cultures orchids have a rich medicinal history. And the Chinese use them as a more natural remedy for a range of conditions.
Some of these are less serious, such as cough/ common cold, others more threatening like kidney and lung problems.
White Plants
White and colored plants please gardeners for differing reasons. Vibrant colors stand out, whereas white flowers scream elegance and class.
Plants have always been a big interest of mine, and I’ve always wanted to learn more about the different types of species. I have gained a vast knowledge of the subject over the years, and I have decided to share this information with others.
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