27 Unique Flowers for a Garden That Makes You Smile
Planting unique flowers adds a cheerful touch to any garden, ensuring it's a space that always makes you smile.
These 27 flower varieties offer vibrant colors and unusual forms, guaranteed to enhance the visual appeal and mood of your garden. Read on to know what they are!
Bearded Iris (Iris Germanica)
Bearded irises bring a touch of elegance to any garden with their rich colors and soft ruffles.
These flowers bloom in May, adding beauty when many other plants are just starting to grow. Full sun is necessary for their best performance, along with soil that has good drainage and plenty of nutrients.
Known for representing friendship and dignity, they also thrive in growing zones 3 to 10 while tolerating dry conditions well. Their striking appearance makes them a favorite choice among gardeners looking for something special.
Tetraploid Daylily (Hemerocallis Golden Tear Drops)
Low-maintenance yet beautiful, the Tetraploid Daylily brings charm to any garden.
This flower symbolizes flirtatiousness and motherhood, making it a lovely addition. Medium water requirements suit many gardeners, while average soil with good drainage keeps it healthy.
Blooming from May to June, this plant thrives in growing zones 3 to 9 under full sun or part shade conditions. Choosing a cultivar with unique traits like ruffled edges or multiple colors adds an exciting twist to your outdoor space.
Hollyhock (Alcea Rosea Nigra)
Dark flowers add a rare beauty to gardens, and the hollyhock stands out with its deep maroon petals that can appear nearly black.
This flower grows tall, bringing an air of elegance to any space. Full sun will help it thrive during its blooming season from July to August.
Average soil with good drainage works well for this plant, which tolerates various soil types. Symbolizing fertility and ambition, hollyhocks inspire admiration in any garden setting across growing zones 2 to 9.
Checquered Lily (Fritillaria Meleagris)
Chequered lilies, known for their lovely muted purple and white petals, resemble a chessboard.
These delicate flowers reach under 12 inches in height, making them suitable for planting in groups or near paths where people can admire them. Blooming in April, they thrive best with full sun to part shade and require medium water and fertile soil with good drainage.
Growing zones range from 3 to 8, allowing many gardeners to enjoy their beauty. Symbolically linked to joyful suffering and strength during tough times adds depth to their charm.
Marvel of the World (Mirabilis Jalapa)
Marvel of the World flowers, with their beautiful dappled petals, add a special touch to any garden.
These blooms open each afternoon and close in the morning, creating a lovely daily rhythm. Full sun or partial shade keeps them happy while they thrive in average soil that drains well.
Suitable for growing zones 9 to 11, these flowers bloom from June until frost arrives. Planting them can attract hummingbirds, making your outdoor space even more lively and enjoyable.
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea Paniculata Renhy Vanilla Strawberry)
The Vanilla Strawberry cultivar of panicle hydrangea stands out with its changing colors.
Initially, flowers appear as creamy white and gradually turn into a rich strawberry pink. This plant thrives in growing zones 3 to 8, needing full sun to part shade for the best growth.
Medium water levels and fertile soil with good drainage keep it healthy from July through September. Enjoy this lovely addition that brings freshness throughout the seasons while symbolizing self-confidence and determination.
Bee Balm (Monarda Gardenview Scarlet)
Bee balm, known as Monarda Gardenview Scarlet, flourishes in growing zones 4 to 9.
This flower thrives under full sun to part shade and requires medium to wet soil with good moisture retention. Blooming from June to August, it attracts delightful pollinators like hummingbirds when planted in groups.
Its spiky petals radiate vibrant energy while the red-tinted bracts highlight stunning red blooms. The intricate structure of these flowers resembles a beautiful sculpture that adds charm to any garden space.
Spider Lily (Lycoris Radiata)
Long, arcing stamens give the Spider Lily a graceful look that enhances any garden.
Blooming from August to September, these flowers symbolize farewells and pleasant surprises. Rich soil with good drainage helps them thrive in zones 6 to 10.
Full sun or partial shade provides the light they need for growth. Observing their beauty brings joy as summer transitions into fall, marking both endings and fresh starts.
Ornamental Onion (Allium Giganteum)
Softball-sized flowers of the ornamental onion catch attention easily.
This plant, known as Allium giganteum, thrives in full sun and grows best in average soil that drains well. Blooming from May to June, it adds a refreshing touch to gardens during late spring.
Symbolizing rejuvenation and healing, this flower has roots in Himalayan folk medicine for winter preparation. Growing zones 5 to 8 provide an ideal climate for its vibrant display while requiring medium water needs for optimal health.
Floribunda Rose (Rosa Jacpurr Purple Tiger)
The Purple Tiger rose brings a splash of extraordinary color to any garden.
Featuring unique purple and white streaks, each bloom stands out as its own masterpiece. Enjoy the beauty of these flowers from May until frost with their long blooming period.
This variety thrives in full sun and prefers slightly acidic loamy soil that drains well. Love, hope, and charming beauty are what this rose symbolizes, making it a wonderful addition to your outdoor space.
Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandiflorus Komachi)
Balloon flowers, known scientifically as Platycodon Grandiflorus Komachi, add a playful touch to any garden.
These blooms symbolize good health and lasting friendships. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and prefer average soil that drains well.
Blooming occurs from June to August, bringing joy throughout the summer months. Plant them at the front of your garden for an engaging display that lasts into fall without deflating like other varieties do.
Zulu Giant (Stapelia Gigantea)
The Zulu Giant flower features pale blooms that resemble starfish, making it a standout choice for any garden.
Growing in zones 9 to 10, this plant thrives in sandy soil with excellent drainage and enjoys full sun exposure. Its unusual charm extends beyond looks; the flower relies on flies for pollination and emits an off-putting scent to attract them.
Water requirements are modest, tolerating dry conditions well. Blooming occurs from September to October, adding interest during the fall months while symbolizing protection against evil and restoring sanity.
Eastern Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla Patens)
Eastern pasqueflower shines with its soft, floppy blooms that glow when touched by morning light.
This flower thrives in gritty soil and requires full sun, making it a great choice for gardens in growing zones 3 to 7. Water needs are minimal, ranging from dry to medium conditions.
Known for symbolizing freedom and joy during Easter, this plant also carries a special history as a Native American remedy for headaches. Adding these unique flowers can enhance your garden while promoting clarity of thought.
Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus Teddy Bear)
Sunflowers brighten up gardens across the United States.
The 'Teddy Bear' variety features a lovely, fluffy bloom that adds charm to any space. This flower grows well in full sunlight and flourishes from July to August.
With its shorter stature, it offers joy for both kids and adults alike. Tolerating dry conditions makes it easy to care for, thriving in various soil types while symbolizing protection and faithful love.
Firewheel (Gaillardia Pulchella)
Bright flowers can bring joy to any garden, especially during summer.
Firewheel blooms from June until frost, creating a lively atmosphere with its trumpet-shaped petals. This flower thrives in sandy soil that drains well and requires little water, tolerating dry conditions easily.
Full sun is essential for optimal growth, making it perfect for warm areas ranging from zones 2 to 11. Adding these cheerful plants just before Independence Day will surely enhance your outdoor space without much effort needed for care.
Lollipop Flower (Pachystachys Lutea)
The lollipop flower showcases stunning white blooms alongside striking yellow columns.
Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, this plant thrives in full sunlight and prefers fertile soil with excellent drainage. During the months of June to August, it adds a cheerful touch to gardens.
In warmer regions, these flowers can grow tall enough to serve as a hedge. For those in cooler climates, they introduce an exciting tropical feel to garden borders.
Pantaloon Flower (Dicentra Cucullaria)
Pantaloon flowers, resembling upside-down pants, add a playful touch to any garden.
These blooms thrive in rich soil that drains well and prefer part shade to full shade. March marks their blooming season, bringing joy during springtime.
Medium water needs keep them healthy while they flourish in growing zones 3 to 7. Though not bright in color, their unique shape brings charm and warmth to your outdoor space.
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis Blue Wonder)
Toad lilies, known for their intricate violet-blue spots against creamy white petals, add beauty to shaded areas.
These small flowers deserve a close look, as their details truly shine. Requiring medium to wet soil and slightly acidic conditions with good drainage supports healthy growth.
Blooming from August to October, they thrive in growing zones 5 to 8 under part shade or full shade. Symbolically linked to bliss and good luck, these enchanting plants also bring a sense of forgiveness into the garden.
Fringed Rosemallow (Hibiscus Schizopetalus)
A garden flourishes with the addition of fringed rosemallows, showcasing beautiful flowers.
These plants thrive in warm climates, making them perfect for a dramatic hedge. Lacy petals curve gracefully while the stamen hangs down, creating an eye-catching appearance.
Full sun and fertile soils with good drainage help these shrubs grow well. Blooming happens seasonally, adding delightful colors that can brighten any space.
Mickey Mouse Bush (Ochna Serrulata)
A Mickey Mouse bush adds excitement to any garden, especially with its bright yellow flowers in spring.
As the season progresses, these cheerful blooms give way to deep red petals and round fruits that resemble Mickey Mouse. Kids adore this unique feature, making it a fun choice for families.
This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires fertile soil with good drainage. It can flourish in growing zones 9 to 11 while needing only moderate water—resilient enough to withstand dry spells.
Coneflower (Echinacea Hot Papaya)
The ‘Hot Papaya’ variety of coneflower adds a bold splash to any garden.
Known for its large, double blooms in bright red-orange, this flower certainly attracts attention. Symbolizing protection from illness and purifying the air makes it even more special.
It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers average soil with good drainage. June through August marks the blooming season for this resilient plant, which grows well in zones 4 to 9 with moderate watering needs.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum Superbum Beaute Nivelloise)
The Shasta Daisy brings a refreshing twist to any garden with its wild, snowy-white petals and bright yellow center.
This flower symbolizes innocence and loyalty, reflecting a carefree spirit that can uplift your mood. Thriving in full sun, it flourishes best in average soil with good drainage while needing little water once established.
Blooming from June to August, this variety fits well in growing zones 4 through 9. Adding these daisies enhances the beauty of your outdoor space effortlessly.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum Jasminoides)
Star jasmine enchants gardens with its lovely star-shaped flowers that bloom from May to June.
This plant thrives in zones 8 to 10 and enjoys full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable for various spaces. A medium amount of water keeps it happy, while loamy soil with good drainage supports healthy growth.
The delightful fragrance adds an inviting touch, enhancing the overall atmosphere of your outdoor space. Versatile by nature, star jasmine can spread across the ground or climb structures beautifully.
Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia Reginae)
The bird of paradise flower stands out with its striking shape and bright colors.
This plant symbolizes elegance, loyalty, and renewal. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers loamy soil that drains well.
While it requires moderate watering, it can handle dry spells too. Growing best in zones 10 to 12, this flower blooms seasonally, adding a tropical touch to your garden that sparks joy for all who see it.
Hedgehog Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea Coconut Lime)
A garden can feel like a tropical paradise with the hedgehog coneflower, which has a striking lime green center surrounded by white petals.
This flower blooms from June to August and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows well in zones 3 to 8 and requires average soil that drains well, even tolerating clay.
Watering needs are low, as it prefers dry to medium conditions and withstands drought easily. Symbolically, this plant represents soothing pain and protection while promoting long life—an appealing choice for any gardener looking for something different.
Flame Lily (Gloriosa Superba Rothschildiana)
The vining flame lily, known for its captivating appearance, shines brightly from July to September.
This flower thrives in rich soil that drains well and prefers full sun or partial shade. Watering needs are moderate, ensuring the plant remains healthy without becoming waterlogged.
Gardeners who seek a challenge will find this beauty rewarding despite its tricky nature. Its enchanting blooms resemble flames dancing in the garden, bringing joy and blissful happiness to any space.
Double Daffodil (Narcissus Southern Hospitality)
Double daffodils add a delightful twist to any spring garden.
With their ruffled centers, these blooms bring extra beauty without requiring much care. Symbolizing admiration and youth, they flourish from March to April in zones 6 to 10.
Rich soil with good drainage supports their growth, while full sun or part shade enhances their charm. Water needs remain moderate for these lovely flowers that can brighten up your outdoor space effortlessly.
