In the Garden

Colors evoke emotions. A garden is a place to escape and relax. It should include colors that evoke serenity. It can be comforting by itself or mixed with soft pastels. White goes with everything and even brings out the bold colors of other plants. White flowers stand out anytime, day or night. Many night-bloomers are very fragrant which gives them an added bonus. Moonflowers are a fragrant, easy-to-grow vine with large white flowers that open in late afternoon. Some other nightbloomers are Angel’s Trumpet, four o’clocks, and nicotiana.

To incorporate white flowers into the garden, start by using them as a border. White ianthus, lantana, flowering vinca, or agapanthus can be used along a path. Place flowering plants behind them and watch those colors stand out. Coleus, petunias, and salvias are a few of the plants that pop when planted next to a white-flowered plant. Evergreens look great with white flowers planted in front of them. White plants don’t compete, they

Photo by Karen DorseƩ Moonflower Shasta daisy

add to the garden. Soft foliage plants like Dusty Miller or artemesia provide a soothing effect when planted next to white flowers. White roses are a beautiful addition to the garden. Roses can be added to provide interest and to break up the monotony in the garden. White roses bring out emotions. They represent purity, innocence, and youthfulness.

White flowers are also great when used in containers. There are many easy-to-grow white annuals. You can buy them by the six-pack or grow them from seed. Try sweet alyssum, cleome, nicotiana, zinnias, begonias, snapdragons, and petunias. White geraniums do well in containers in a protected area in Zone 8. There are many white-flowering shrubs available. Azaleas, camellias, oakleaf hydrangea, flowering quince, viburnum, gardenia, Rose of Sharon, and spirea are just a few. Be sure to look for plants that bloom at different times during the season. Don’t forget the old favorites, like Shasta daisies, clematis, bacopa, angelonia, chrysanthemums, and calibrachoa.

The Brunswick County Botanical Garden in Bolivia has a completely white-flowering garden called the Celebration Garden. It’s a relaxing spot to sit during hot summer days. You can even plan a wedding or party in the garden. The Celebration Garden is located in the back of the Botanical Garden on the left. When the COVID restrictions allow, stop by and spend some time in this “happy place.” For any questions, call Brunswick County Extension 910-253-2610. Special thanks to Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Jeanne Pavero for contributing to this article.