Flowers cheer people up and brighten up gloomy days. There are thousands of varieties of cream flowers, with something to appeal to all tastes. They come in all shapes and colors and make great additions to homes and gardens.
Cream flowers are popular for their subtlety and represent purity and innocence, but also thoughtfulness and charm. They look gorgeous added to a bride’s bouquet or stand alone as a statement. So, let’s look at some popular cream flowers to purchase or grow.
1. Alstroemerias
These plants, similar to lilies, are high-performing plants available in many colors including cream. They are tubers and once established are hardy plants. In the winter they usually just need mulching and will return in the next season.
The great thing about these plants is that they flower for several months at three separate times. They spread slowly below ground but aren’t invasive. They prefer fertile soil, so it’s important to add organic compost. Furthermore, they require good drainage. They can grow in full sun or part shade.
2. Chrysanthemums
These plants are hardy perennials and provide a good option for late flowering displays. There is a beautiful cream variety and can be grown in containers, as a border, or even as indoor plants.
Chrysanthemums also come in different shapes such as single, reflexed, or pompom. Spray varieties form many flower heads on a single stem.
Early flowering plants will bloom from late summer to Autumn. There are also late-flowering varieties that flower throughout the winter and can be grown as houseplants.
3. Narcissus
Otherwise, known as a daffodil, this springtime flower has a cream outside and yellow internal petals. These beautiful flowers are a sign that spring is on Its way and winter is on its way out. They are also referred to as ‘lent lilies’ as they bloom any time between Ash Wednesday and Easter.
There are 13,000 different varieties of narcissus and are full of symbolism and meaning. They are super easy to grow and thrive in full sun and part shade. Bulbs increase quickly, and you’ll have double what you started with after 2-3 years.
When growing outside ensure you don’t choose soil that will leave water standing, as bulbs are prone to rotting.
For an amazing garden display, plant lots of bulbs together, 6-8 inches deep with plenty of compost and fertilizer.
4. Tulip
Tulips are simple but effective flowers, and cream varieties are especially emotive. These bulb plants emerge in later winter through to early spring. They are tolerant of cold weather, but severe winters may delay growth.
Tulips should be planted in the Autumn, before the frost. For consistent blooms, select varieties that bloom at different times.
They are great as cut flowers and perfect for gifts. They are perennial, however, due to hybrid processes, most gardeners plant them as annuals as the regrowth potential has weakened over years.
Tulips prefer full sun and soil to be well-draining, neutral, or slightly acidic. Tall plants should be protected from winds.
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5. Freesias
Freesias have a lovely cream variety and are tender perennials. They are a great plant for creating borders, or you can grow them in a greenhouse and use them as cut flowers. They are native to South Africa and symbolize innocence. Furthermore, they are also used to mark 7 years of marriage.
Freesias enjoy well-drained, fertile soil, preferably alkaline to neutral. Organic compost greatly improves the soil and gives the plants the best conditions for growth. They grow best when placed in direct sun but can tolerate light shade.
They are best planted in early spring around March or April in a greenhouse or directly outside from May. Flowers appear around four months after planting. Staggering the sowing time will ensure you get a wonderful display throughout the flowering season.
6. Carnations
Carnations are super popular and are often used as cut flowers. Depending on the variety, they can be annuals or perennials and are available in lots of colors, including cream. They are really easy to grow and flower from May to September.
If you decide to grow perennials, plant in the fall or spring and allow 8-10 inches between plants. You can take cuttings from May, or divide in the fall. To start the plants off, sow in March undercover, such as in a greenhouse or tunnel. They can be sown directly into the ground from May.
Carnations are really resilient and require little intervention. They are ideal for use in borders, rocky areas, edges, and containers.
7. Foxtail Lillies
These Lillies are glorious flowers and are hardy perennials, guaranteeing a stunning display year after year. They are a unique plant known for their flower spikes that consist of lots of star-shaped flowers that attract bees. They are tall plants and ideal for adding height at the backs of borders and hedges. Furthermore, they flower for around 3 weeks during June and July.
The best way to grow lilies is at the back of a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Because Foxtails grow so tall, it’s best to stake them if in windy areas to avoid them toppling over. You should feed them each year with a good fertilizer and cut them back after the flowering season, this way they will self-seed.
Foxtail lilies are native to Central and Western Asia and need some cold during the winter months to encourage the best blooms. They require lots of space and don’t cope well when overcrowded.
8. Papaver
Papavers are a type of poppy and can be grown as annuals, perennials, or biennials. They are hardy plants and well-loved for their cup-shaped, distinctive blooms.
They are easy to grow from seed and will look gorgeous in any area of the garden. Furthermore, they also have gorgeous green leaves that sit long and erect.
Papavers bloom from mid-summer through to early autumn. They prefer moist but well-drained soil but are pretty tolerant of most soils. Furthermore, they are drought resistant, making them easy to grow in dry areas. They can be grown in most places, directly in the soil as well as in containers.
9. Euphorbia (Dwarf Cream)
This unusual plant is a climbing shrub and can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. It consists of spiny stems that are dense and straight, as well as slender enough to scramble over plants. Flowers are generally small and petal-like. The dwarf variety grows to about 1 meter tall.
Euphorbias prefer full sun and don’t tolerate frosts, so be cautious when planting them out. They will flower during the warmer months and retreat when temperatures drop.
10. Banksia
Banksias are native to Australia and are beautiful wildflowers seen across the continent. They are versatile and drought tolerant, making them fairly easy to grow. They have tiny blooms that are arranged in cylindrical and round clusters with unique leaves.
The banksia flowers are nonstop, making them a great permanent feature to your garden. Some varieties of Banksias can grow into trees that reach 6-12 feet. The flowers attract all sorts of wildlife, including birds and insects.
They are easy to grow as long as you provide them with full sunlight and well-drained soil. These plants are quite susceptible to root rot, so the right drainage is crucial. You can grow these plants in containers to avoid the problem.
11. Florgeous (Waxflowers)
These plants are popular amongst beginner gardeners. They belong to the Myrtle family and require little maintenance. In fact, the plants thrive better with minimal interference. Unlike other plants, the florgeous flowers throughout spring and winter with some of their best blooms in the depths of winter.
The plant is native to Australia and can adapt to dry and humid conditions throughout the world. They produce flowers constantly and grow fast, so are a favorite in ornamental flower arrangements. They produce a beautiful fragrance and can grow up to 6 feet (1.83 m) high.
The soil needs to be well-drained, and feeding them with organic matter will increase bloom time. They need regular watering, especially in hot climates.
12. Lisianthus
This flower is a beautiful perennial but is more commonly grown as an annual requiring full sun. It is grown to use as a cut flower or as an attractive addition to a flower bed. It is native to North America and takes some effort to grow initially.
Grown from seed, the plant will take around 6 months to reach maturity. The next spring after planting, you will enjoy an awesome display of layered flowers and dark foliage.
The flowers add some dramatic height and color to the summer garden and often reach 1-3 feet in height. The extra effort required to grow lisianthuses is well worth it. They also grow well in containers and make fantastic companion plants with stocks and delphiniums.
13. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a popular summer flowering shrub. There are many varieties, but most start flowering in mid-summer with clusters of flowers in a huge cone shape.
They flower continuously throughout the summer and are easy to care for. All varieties of hydrangeas do best in full sun, but in warm areas, they can tolerate afternoon shade.
Hydrangeas can grow to 6-7 feet and spread 4-5 feet, so they need plenty of room when planting out. They do well in rich well-drained soil, so add some compost to improve the soil condition if poor. If well-watered, hydrangeas will provide flowers a year or 2 after initial planting.
Conclusion
Now you have a good idea of the best cream flowers to grow. Growing flowers is a peaceful and relaxing hobby. Watching things grow is a reminder of the beautiful world we live in.
