10 Plants with white flowers for cottage gardens

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Cottage gardens are well known for their sense of tranquillity, calmness and relaxation. If there is one colour which portrays this theme best, its white.

White colours can project a feeling of peace and create a harmonious atmosphere. This is especially so in shadier parts of the garden or during the twilight hours.

White flowers have an ability to stand out well and draw the eye to specific zones or features. It is also an added benefit that white flowers are generally, fragrantly, scented.

This makes plants with white flowers the perfect addition to cottage garden borders. In this article I will list and display 10 plants with white flowers for cottage gardens. 

1. Phillidelphus

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Also known as 'Mock Orange' phillidelphus is a medium sized, deciduous, shrub with scented, white flowers.

The scent produced by this shrub is sublime and can really create a new dimension to a space. Mock orange is easy to grow and is very tolerant of most conditions. It prefers full sun and a well drained soil. 
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2. Japanese anemone

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This perennial, flowering, plant originally from China is favoured for its late summer and autumn flowers.

The flowers have five lobed petals and typically either white or pink in colour. These hover above the leave mass on tall stems which seem to sway in the breeze.

​They make an excellent addition to any cottage garden flower border. 
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3. Rose

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Although roses come in a wide variety of colours it is easy to select a white flowering variety. Cottage gardens favour traditional roses such as Dave Austin or climbing varieties.

​Not only do roses have extremely beautiful flowers they are also scented too! This makes them perfect for planting around cottage garden paths, patios and borders. 
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4. Elderflower

Elders are large shrubs which are famous for their early summer clusters of white flowers. The flowers have a very pleasant aroma which is favoured for flavouring drinks.

​It late summer Elder produces masses of dark berries which are rich in antioxidants. 

For added interest in the cottage garden border try the purple foliage variety Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’.
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5. Yucca gloriosa

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Native to the southern United States Yucca gloriosa is a rather exotic looking evergreen shrub.

​It is not unknown for cottage gardens to incorporate such exotic looking plants in their borders. This is due to the British empires fascination which plant collecting.

In this architectural evergreen erupts into a cascade of white flowers hanging from a central stem. 
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6. Star jasmine

​The Star Jasmine is an evergreen climbing jasmine which has the most magnificent jasmine scent. It has very glossy leaves which turn fiery shades of orange and red during autumn.

This climber is perfect for growing over pergolas, arches or up sunny walls. Star Jasmine likes a sunny but well drained situation making it perfect for growing in pots. 

7. Clematis Armandii

This evergreen climber is celebrated for its large white flowers which appear in late winter. Originating from China it is tolerant of cold weather buts like a sunny but well drained site. 

Its perfect for growing over arches and structures where its scented flowers and glossy foliage can be enjoyed. 
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8. Oriental lilly

​Oriental lilies are highly prized for their large, Lilly like, flowers which have a sweet scent. These plants can grow to an impressive height of up to 2 metres!

As a perennial bulb, once planted, they will come up every year. However some cultivars are hardier than others and can perish below minus 15 degrees.

The white oriental Lilly is particularly beautiful and works well in cottage garden borders. 
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9. Nicotiana sylvestris 

​Native to South America this tall. annual plant is loved for its large foliage and decorative flowers.

​The long, trumpet like, white, flowers give off a pleasant scent especially during the evening and at night. Growing up to 1.5 metres tall it can bring exotic novelty to the cottage garden border. 
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10. Agapanthus 

Also known as the African Lilly this plant is adored for its circular clusters of attractive flowers.

​Agapanthus has a growing habit very similar to Alliums with a central stem and flowering head. White Agapanthus looks particularly appealing and can add a contemporary look to cottage garden planting. 
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​Thank you reading our article on white flowering plants for cottage gardens.

​If you require cottage garden services do not hesitate to contact us here. I have linked to some other cottage garden articles below you may also find relevant. 

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