All-White Flower Gardens

Moonflowers

• Ipomoea alba have fragrant 4- to 6-inch blossoms that are funnel-shaped and similar to morning glories. They are vines with big heart-shaped flowers that do well on trellises or arbors. The flowers open at dusk and close just after dawn. They enjoy full sun or partial shade. Plant moonflowers in well-drained loamy soil. In cooler climates, plant moonflowers in containers or in protected areas. They are tender plants that need protection at temperatures of less than 40 degrees F. The spreading plants enjoy soil that is moist but not soggy, and they grow best in warm weather. They attract nocturnal moths and hummingbirds.

Candytuft

• Iberis sempervirens is a broad-leafed, finely textured evergreen that grows in spreading mats. Use them in containers or as groundcover to fill in spaces between other plants. Candytuft prefers rich moist soil in sites that have good drainage. Plant them in sunny spots in plant hardiness zones 4 to 9. Shear them after bloom time if you want to keep them compact. Several cultivars of white candytuft are available. 'Summer Snow' has larger flowers, and 'October Glory' blooms in spring and fall. Smaller varieties include 'Little Gem' and 'Snowflake'. 'Alexander's White' blooms early and flowers heavily.

Sweet Alyssum

• Lobularia maritime are honey-sweet, low-growing flowers that are often planted under taller specimens such as roses to add texture and background interest. Use them beside walkways to take advantage of their fragrance. They prefer partial to full sun and dry environments. Alyssum are hardy right up to zone 1, and they are real workhorses, blooming from May to September. They are spreading annuals in most areas and will occasionally escape the garden. They take little care, have no natural pests and are deer resistant. The dainty flowers are a favorite with butterflies.