These Are the 27 Prettiest Flowers in the World, According to Gardening Experts Learn how to use each of these beauties in your garden. Close Credit: Aimin Tang / GETTY IMAGES Gardeners often choose flowers for their practical benefits, like marigolds to deter pests or bee balm to invite pollinators into their gardens. However, the quest for sheer beauty remains a priority for many. With nearly limitless options available, whether you're cultivating a cut garden for stunning bouquets or a border garden to boost curb appeal, experts have identified some of the world's prettiest flowers to adorn your garden. Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist and bulb expert for Flowerbulb.eu, a website dedicated to flower bulbs Karl Gercens, east conservatory manager at Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden in Kennett Square, Pa. How to Find Your Gardening Zone—Plus, the Best Plants to Grow in Your Region 01 of 27 Parrot Tulips Credit: Elena Vilkova / GETTY IMAGES Tulips are a popular cut flower, but some cultivars are showier than others—and parrot tulips (Tulipa gesneriana var. draconti) are a sight to behold. "There is nothing quite like these frilly, color-stained blossoms, and every color parrot is worth growing," says Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturist with Flowerbulb.eu. "They have been prized for hundreds of years." Zones: 3 to 8Size: 20 to 22 inches tall x 20 to 22 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 02 of 27 Delphinium Credit: happykamill / Getty Images Popular in cottage gardens and cut flower gardens, delphiniums (Delphinium elatum) are known for their towering beauty. The spikes of purple, blue, pink, or white make a statement in a perennial border and can be planted as annuals in warmer climates. Staking is recommended to prevent stems from sagging in the wind. Zones: 3 to 7Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; rich, well-drained soil 03 of 27 Amaryllis Credit: lamyai / GETTY IMAGES A popular Christmas flower, Amaryllis (Hippeastrum), produces beautiful bulbs that are often seen growing indoors during winter months. “If you live in USDA zones 8 to 10, then you can plant these outside and enjoy the exotic flowers year after year,” says Karl Gercens, east conservatory manager at Longwood Gardens. “Many are familiar with the traditional red and white, but breeding breakthroughs have delivered unusual flower shapes (double and spider), as well as a range of colors from salmon to pink and even chartreuse.” Give these bulbs plenty of light and keep them hydrated while they’re growing. Zones: 8 to 11Size: Varies by varietyCare requirements: Bright light; well-drained soil Plant These 10 Flowers in Your Garden for Good Luck 04 of 27 Summer-Tulip Credit: lekchangply / GETTY IMAGES Despite its name, summer-tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) isn’t related to tulips at all. "This ginger relative comes from Southeast Asia where the temperatures are almost always hot and sticky and that’s just what this plant needs to perform its best," says Gercens. "They make fantastic cut flowers and grow well in containers. It’s no wonder these have taken over in popularity across the globe." Zones: 8 to 9Size: 12 to 15 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist but well-drained soil 05 of 27 Dutch Iris Credit: rai / GETTY IMAGES Available in a range of colors from purple to white, Dutch iris (Iris hollandica) has a unique shape that adds to its timeless beauty. The flower, which has long been associated with royalty, brings a delicate and regal note to any garden, says Montgomery. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 25 inches tall x 6 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 06 of 27 Calla Lily Credit: FlowerBulbs.com While simple, white calla lily (Zantedeschia) is elegance personified, new breading work has brought a stunning array of colors to complement any garden aesthetic, says Montgomery. "They are ideal container plants, perfect for balconies and all other garden rooms," she says. "When I start to see the flowers coming, I move the pots to our most used outdoor room so we can appreciate their beauty up close." Zones: 4 to 9Size: 25 inches tall x 6 inches wideGrowing conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil 07 of 27 Fall Crocus Credit: Erhard Nerger/Getty Images Fall crocus (Colchicum 'Waterlily') is an heirloom bulb that has been around since 1928. Each bulb produces five to 10 gorgeous double blossoms. "They simply shine in the sharp fall light," says Montgomery. The foliage emerges in spring and shouldn't be cut back until early summer. "Then I typically forget about them until one day in fall, they pop up and surprise me," she says. Zones: 5 to 8Size: 6 to 8 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 08 of 27 Poppies Credit: kenansavas / GETTY IMAGES Poppies will help you achieve the English cottage garden look in your backyard. Like zinnias, these flowers are easily grown from seed and come in just about every color. Deadhead poppies throughout the growing season to encourage them to produce more flowers. Zones: 2 to 9Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x up to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; water lightly 09 of 27 Hydrangea Credit: schnuddel / GETTY IMAGES One of the most well-known flowers around, the beauty of hydrangeas is undeniable. “Hydrangeas have always been a favorite for gardeners and why not? The big, beautiful blooms are produced in summer when everyone is so happy to get outside,” says Gercens, who is especially fond of bicolored varieties. “Recent crosses with hydrangea macrophylla and hydrangea serrata give us the showy blooms we love on plants that are much more winter hardy,” he says. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 2 feet tall x 6 feet wideCare requirements: Full to part sun; rich, humus-based soil A Visual Guide to the Most Popular Types of Hydrangeas 10 of 27 Orchids Credit: Lemiuex / GETTY IMAGES Orchids (Orchidaceae) have captured the amazement of gardeners and admirers around the world for hundreds of years, says Gercens. This group of plants is so diverse—from tropical vanda orchids that need hot and humid conditions to the delicate "lady slipper" that needs deep woodland soil. “Orchis italica is one of the loveliest of them all with a total height of around 8 inches tall and beautiful bicolored blossoms of pink and white,” says Gercens. Zones: 3 to 10Size: Varies by variety Care requirements: Varies by variety 11 of 27 Gladiolus Credit: Jacky Parker Photography / GETTY IMAGES Gladiolus has long, sword-like flower stems covered by up to 20 individual blooms. "The colors available are absolutely endless, and many have a contrasting eye color," says Montgomery. "They are as impressive in the garden as they are in a vase." Taller varieties need to be staked and are best planted near the back of a border garden. "Planting with taller ornamental grasses also helps to keep them from flopping over," says Montgomery. Zones: 3 to 10Size: 30 to 50 inches tall x 1 foot wideCare requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil 12 of 27 Crown Imperial Credit: goce / GETTY IMAGES These interesting blooms look as if they're growing upside down. The tall, strong stems of crown imperial (Fritilaria imperialis) are capped with a crown of orange or red bell-shaped flowers and topped by a pineapple-like tuft of leaves, says Montgomery. The impressive flowers are deer- and rabbit-resistant. Zones: 3 to 8Mature size: 32 to 40 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil 13 of 27 Dahlia Credit: FlowerBulbs.com There's no denying that dahlias are one of the most beautiful flowers around. The flower forms are endless, with some just a few inches wide while others grow bigger than dinner plates, says Montgomery. Adding to their versatility, you can grow dahlias in a variety of colors, from deeply saturated to delicate pastels. Zones: 8 to 10Size: 1 to 6 feet tall x 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 14 of 27 Queen-of-the-Night Credit: Firdausiah Mamat / GETTY IMAGES An epiphytic cactus that thrives indoors, queen-of-the-night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) produces blossoms during summer with late-night "bloom parties" to celebrate the opening of the flower, says Gercens. The cacti is best grown as a container plant and can be easily propagated, so you can enjoy its beauty more than once. Zones: 9 to 10Size: 6 feet tall x 3 feet wideCare requirements: Bright, indirect light; well-drained soil rich in organic material 15 of 27 Cosmos Credit: geargodz / GETTY IMAGES A flower Martha grows in her garden every summer, cosmos are a member of the daisy family and feature delicate foliage and whimsical blooms. Available in shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, and beyond, these flowers are also self-seeders and will germinate on their own the following year. Zones: 2 to 11Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 6 Summer Flowers Martha Grows Year After Year, According to Her Head Gardener 16 of 27 Chrysanthemums Credit: Darwin Brandis / GETTY IMAGES Chrysanthemums are the star of fall for a reason—their beautiful blooms, which are available in a range of colors, are truly remarkable. The plant has hundreds of varieties, from new hybrids to older types with exotic blooms. “Pinching mums through early July keeps them compact,” says Gercens. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 17 of 27 Angel's Trumpet Credit: Lcc54613 / GETTY IMAGES These captivating cornets come in many colors, including orange, salmon, white, and pink, says Gercens. Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia) starts blooming at a young age and is typically tended to as a seasonal container plant where it thrives in soilless media with plenty of fertilizer. “The scent is seductive on a warm summer evening. Place these close to a pathway where you can enjoy their perfume,” says Gercens. Zones: 9 to 10Size: 3 to 8 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; soilless media with ample fertilizer 18 of 27 Painted Tongue Credit: Aimin Tang / GETTY IMAGES A relative of petunia, painted tongue (Salpiglossis sinuataI) is an upright grower that thrives as a summer annual in gardens with cool nights. “Place them away from strong winds and ensure they are in very bright light with a little afternoon shade,” says Gercens. Zones: 2 to 11Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; moist but well-drained 19 of 27 Snapdragons Credit: Boana / Getty Images Another self-seeding plant, snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are one of the first flowers to fill gardens with color during spring. Taller varieties make a beautiful addition to a cutting garden or can be mixed in amongst your other plantings. Zones: 7 to 11Size: 6 to 48 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Partial to full sun; well-drained soil 20 of 27 Kohleria Credit: aimintang / GETTY IMAGES Kohleria is characterized by its small reddish trumpet-shaped blooms that are spotted on the inside and have a soft fuzz deep inside the throat. "Kohleria thrive in average home conditions around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and benefit from a grow light in the darkest days of winter," says Gercens. You can also grow these beauties outdoors in zone 10. Zones: 10Size: 2 feet tall x 1 foot wideCare requirements: Part sun; well-drained soil 21 of 27 Tower-of-Jewels Credit: Maria Mosolova / GETTY IMAGES Bring a truly whimsical feel to your landscape with tower-of-jewels (Echium wildpretii). "These lofty spires can soar as high as 6 feet but are very specific as to where they can be grown," says Gercens. The West Coast is where these beauties grow best. "The first year in the garden is a silvery 18-inch rosette of narrow and hairy leaves, and the second year is when you’ll see the central spike emerge," he says. Zones: 8 to 10Size: 6 feet tall x 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 22 of 27 Lily of the Nile Credit: Shelly Chapman/Getty Images Lily of the Nile's (Agapanthus) vivid blue flowers and round flower heads will fill your landscape with endless charm. It makes for a wonderful container plant but should be brought inside during winter if you live in a colder climate. Not only is it beautiful, but Lily of the Nile is also deer-resistant and attracts pollinators. Zones: 8 to 11Size: 4 feet tall x 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 23 of 27 Roses A. Martin UW Photography/Getty Images. Considered by many to be the world's most popular flower in the world, roses (Rosa) come in various colors, shapes, and sizes and can be grown in the garden or in containers. Their lovely fragrance fills gardens with a sweet, inviting scent from spring to summer. Zones: 5 to 11Size: Depends on varietyCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 24 of 27 Foxtail Lily Credit: Kate Gadsby/Photolibrary/Getty Images Despite its name, foxtail lily (Eremurus) is not a true lily. "The long graceful stems are 3 feet to 5 feet tall with densely packed flowers that are 1 foot long or more and open from the bottom to the top in May and June," says Montgomery. "They come in colors ranging from pink to yellow and orange. There isn’t any other flower that looks quite like these." Zones: 6 to 10Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 25 of 27 Pink Lilies Credit: FlowerBulbs.com As one of the oldest cultivated plants, lilies (Lilium) are beloved for their opulent flowers and fragrance—especially pink varieties. "A single stem produces many flowers and can perfume an entire room," says Montgomery. "It is best to get Asiatic lilies if you do not like the fragrance." The easy-to-grow bulb is best planted during fall, and taller varieties enjoy being planted in the back of border gardens and staked. Zones: 3 to 8Size: 36 to 48 inches tall x 8 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil 26 of 27 Zinnias Credit: Anton Nikitinskiy / Getty Images Zinnias will fill your garden with endless color, coming in shades of yellow, pink, purple, orange, and beyond. They're one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed and can largely be planted and forgotten about until they sprout. They're beautiful filler flowers and will easily (and quickly) add cheer to any blank spot in your garden. Zones: 3 to 10Size: 1 to 4 feet tall x 6 to 18 inches wide Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil How to Grow and Care for Zinnias, an Easy Flower That Blooms All Summer 27 of 27 Ranunculus Credit: Abby Lanes / Getty Images Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) is beloved for its layers of petals and rich color range—from buttery yellow and bright orange to soft pink and deep red. The rose-like blooms are a favorite for cut floral arrangements at weddings. They're often grown as annuals in cooler climates. Zones: 8 to 10Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; rich, well-drained soil Explore more: Garden Flower Gardens