My mother’s passion for gardening is one of the things I love about her the most. As soon as her flowers begin to bloom each spring, she starts the day with a walk in the garden, checking on her “children,” admiring their growth and offering words of encouragement.
My sweet mama with her sunflowers.
Credit:
Josh Miller / Southern Living
While she’s a big fan of color—nothing in the rainbow is off limits—she recently shared a secret that adds a “pop” of brightness to flower beds, containers, and window boxes.
Summer’s Hottest Garden Color Isn’t A Color At All
Instead of relying on loud combinations of neon greens, hot pinks, fiery oranges, and tangy corals to add interest, my mom recommends adding a few pops of white—flowers, foliage, or both. “It’s especially nice around dusk,” she told me. “They really stand out then.”
My immediate reaction was one of surprise and doubt. “Won’t that be a little boring?” I thought. But once I tucked a few bright-white guys in my outdoor planters, I knew Mama was right all along. (Why did I even waste time questioning her?)
5 Plants That Will Add A Pop of White To Your Garden
These are a few of my favorite ways to add a pop of white to your garden. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Alyssum
Credit: Georgianna Lane/Getty Images
After my mom suggested that I try adding white to my planters, I found this ground cover at my friend’s garden shop and I couldn’t be more pleased. It blooms basically all summer, loves full sun, and requires little water. We’re a match made in heaven.
White Zinnias
Hot summers make zinnia plants bloom even more profusely.
Credit: Photo: © Marie Iannotti
These hardy flowers from Mexico have had my heart for years; their bold colors simply scream summer. Try mixing up their tutti-fruity pinks, golds, and crimson with a pack of white zinnia seeds. Whether you choose a smaller variety like “Profusion” or a big daddy like “Bernary Giant,” you won’t be disappointed.
Million Bells
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Also known as calibrachoa, this cousin of petunias sports smaller flowers that bloom continuously, and don’t require fervent dead-heading to do so. While it’s easy to be wooed by their more sherbetty tones, the white varieties add a nice pop.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Is there any flower that’s more ethereal and elegant? She’s got style, she’s got grace—she practically floats in your garden. These ladies get pretty tall, so be sure to plant them in an area where they can show out.
Dusty Miller
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minidoll87/Getty Images
Technically this is one of my mom’s favorites. Much like lamb’s ear, this short, fuzzy foliage is nice and sturdy. While it may not be a showstopper on its own, it provides a nice rest for the eye, and provides a cool, textured backdrop that allows your more colorful characters to shine.