10 Plants With Big Flowers

How large big flowers can bloom? The enormous Indonesian corpse flower, which may reach three feet in diameter, is not a plant that most gardeners can (or would want to) cultivate. There are numerous more beautiful huge blooms you may cultivate in your garden that will make a strong statement while also quickly filling flower vases with cut big flowers.

Depending on the climate in which you are gardening, here are ten large blooms to consider for your yard.

1. Tree Peony: Paeonia suffruticosa

Tree peonies, unlike other tree peony varieties, come with blooms that may reach ten inches in diameter on woody stems that do not die back in the winter. Plant an early-flowering tree peony variety; it might take four years for a one-year-old plant to bloom. Plant the more common varieties of tree peonies, such as ‘Mrs. Fry,’ in the ground or containers. They are slower to mature than other varieties but make lovely bouquets when they do bloom.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 4 to 8

Color Varieties include White, red, pink, purple, yellow

Sun Exposure required is from Full sun to part shade

They need Fertile loam, well-drained soil

2. Oriental Poppy: Papaver orientale

The Goliath varieties of poppies are the brightest, reddest ones in the world. They have large tap roots that help them establish a long life in your spring garden. More than seven inches in diameter is not uncommon. To care for your poppies, full sun and excellent drainage are the most important factors to consider.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 3 to 7

Color Varietiesinclude Orange, pink, salmon, peach, red, purple, white, maroon.

Full sun exposure is required

The soil required should be Fertile, well-drained soil with average moisture

3. Hydrangea: Hydrangea spp.

In the world of hydrangea hybridization, the big flowers keep getting better. This genus of plants contains a variety of species that are frequently used in landscaping and are known for having enormous blooms. Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle,’ for example, produces 12-inch flower heads that are a beautiful staple in many shade gardens. However, because it also blooms on new wood and has stronger stems, ‘Incrediball’ is gaining popularity. H. aborescens has several cultivars, but other varieties of H. macrophylla, H. serrata, H. paniculata, and H. quercifolia are well-known for their beautiful big flowers. A shaded location will allow your hydrangeas to gleam throughout the season.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 3 to 9 (depends on species)

Color Varieties includes Blue, pink, white, red, purple

Sun Exposure required is from Full sun to part shade

They need Rich, porous, rich soil; pH can affect the bloom color of some species.

4. Dinner-plate Dahlia: Dahlia hybrids

The term dinner-plate dahlia refers to any dahlia with big, stunning blooms that are at least eight inches in diameter. Hybrid cultivars are the most common dinner-plate dahlias. If you’ve ever grown dahlias before, your effort to produce dinner-plate cultivars like ‘Belle of Barmera’ or ‘Lady Darlene’ will be simple. Because dahlias are big flowers, they require more of everything: sun, water, and nutrients. To allow plants to concentrate their energy on a few enormous blooms, remove side buds. Expect the big flowers to develop in late summer if you stake them and feed them frequently.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 8 to 11; grown as an annual in colder climates

Color Varieties include White, pink, red, yellow, cream, orange, purple, maroon; solid and bi-colors

Sun Exposure required is Full sun (some afternoon shade helps in very warm climates)

They need moist but not soggy, rich, well-draining soil

5. Giant Water Lily: Nymphaeaceae Genera

There are about 70 species in at least five different genera within the category of water lilies. They may be found all around the world, although tropical cultivars are most commonly marketed commercially. 

The majority of species have big flowers, but certain types are known as giants because of their big flowers and leaves. For example, the Victoria amazonica night-blooming big flowers try to keep up with its ten-foot leaves, which may support a small person’s weight. Its basketball-sized blooms live for only a few days in order to fulfill their reproductive mission.

Although you can’t grow it in a regular water garden, you may view wonderful examples of the huge water lily at botanical gardens such as Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 10 to 11 (V. amazonica)

Color Varieties include White to pink/purple

Full sun exposure required

Need submerged rich loam of soil

6. Orienpet Lily: Lilium Orania

Orienpet lilies are becoming increasingly popular, both as individual hybrids and as part of hybridizations of trumpet and Oriental lilies. Their massive fragrant blooms emerge on sturdy five-foot stems in late summer. Try ‘Big Brother,’ a pale yellow variety with 15 inch big flowers that live up to its name. Orienpet lilies, like other lilies, flourish best when planted in late fall or early spring. In neutral or alkaline soils, applying an acid-enhanced fertilizer will aid their development.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 5 to 9

Color Varieties include White, yellow, pink, apricot, burgundy, red, and bi-colors

Sun Exposure requirement is from Full sun to part shade

They need Medium-moisture, well-drained soil; thrive in slightly acidic soil.

7. Amaryllis: Hippeastrum group

The Red Amaryllis is popular to cultivate for the winter holidays, but it comes in a variety of hues and shapes. Larger bulbs result in larger plants and blooms, so spend a little more on high-quality bulbs from recognized vendors. Double record with red and white streaking may create eight-inch blooms for indoor enjoyment. Commercial amaryllis bulbs are cultivars produced from hybrid Hippeastrum species over many years. Amaryllis thrives best in a cool room (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) with bright, indirect light.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 8 to 10; normally planted as an annual, even in warm climates because a winter chilling period is required

Color Varieties include Red, pink, white, salmon; solid, striped, and bi-colored

Sun Exposure required is from Full sun to part shade

They need Humusy, well-drained potting soil; rich, well-drained soil when planted in the garden.

8. Common Sunflower: Helianthus annuus big flowers

Not all sunflowers are created equal when it comes to size, however, sunflowers may set the bar for spectacular blooms in the flower garden. Daniele, the owner of Bountiful Gardens in California’s Central Coast region, is a member of the Near-Mud Flat Farming Association. Daniele grows many types of kale and other vegetables for the market. However, he is most known for his ‘Mammoth’ rutabaga, which produces 12-inch flower heads. Sunzilla is a new hybrid developed to grow a robust 16-foot stalk that can support huge blooms. Sunflowers are drought-resistant, but continuous moisture and rich soil will produce the big flowers.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from these are true annuals in all climates

Color Varieties include Yellow, cream, gold, white, maroon, brown; bi-color and solid

Need Full sun exposure

They need Average, moist, well-drained soil

9. Hardy Hibiscus: Hibiscus moscheutos

Although common potted hibiscus plants are tropical species that can’t withstand even a hint of frost, exotic flower enthusiasts may rejoice—the hardy mallow plant Hibiscus moscheutos will survive zone 4 or 5 winters while still producing big flowers with diameter sizes exceeding ten inches. To enhance the ornamental aspect, some selections include bronze or purple leaves. The stunning dark magenta eye of the lovely pink-flowered ‘Summer Storm’ is one of its features. Mulch and straw can be used to protect the roots during the winter in cold areas, particularly when the garden plant is young.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 4 or 5 through 9

Color Varieties includes White, red, pink

Require Full sun exposure

They need a Well-drained loam of soil

10. Moonflower: Ipomoea alba

The moonflower vine’s nocturnal blooms, which open at dusk to expose six-inch white big flowers, will appeal only to night owls. The evening blossoms remain open all night. It is possible for seeds to germinate in as little as a week if they are nicked or dampened. Combine the fast-growing vines with morning glories for a hummingbird and hummingbird moth-pleasing combination.

USDA Hardiness Zones is from 10 to 12; usually grown as an annual

Color Varieties include White only

Sun Exposure required is Full sun

They tolerate any soil type