22 Unique Flowers to Grow in Your Garden

While all flowers are beautiful, some unique flowers are truly eye-catching. These blooms are unique, vibrant, and striking, making a statement when planning your garden. Many of these flowers are also rare, only growing in specific regions.

Some unique flowers have stunning bicolored petals; in others, the blooms will be oddly shaped or grow large blooms. Growing these plants is a wonderful way to add color and texture to your yard and bring visual interest to your garden that you likely won't see in many other places.

Here are some of the most unique flowers to grow in the garden.

Warning

Some of the plants on this list are toxic to people and pets. Before planting in your garden, ensure you and your family will be safe.

01 of 22
Bird of Paradise

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The flowers of the bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) aren’t just beautifully colored; they’re also uniquely shaped. The plant gets its name from its bloom which resembles the bird species of the same name. This tropical plant is indigenous to South Africa, growing in hot, humid jungle climates. Northern gardeners can grow it as an annual or attempt to overwinter it indoors.
- Name: Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Flower Color Varieties: Orange, white
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic
- Mature Size: 3.5-6 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
02 of 22
Red Camellia

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Red camellias (Camellia spp.) may not be the rarest of flowers but the timing of their bright and brilliant bloom through the winter makes them unique. Consider the aptly named 'Yuletide', a hybrid camellia with large, single blooms whose centers have bright golden-yellow stamens.
- Name: Red camellia (Camellia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Flower Color Varieties: Red
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist but well-drained
- Mature Size: 8–10 ft. tall, 2–10 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
03 of 22
Corpse Flower

Getty Images/Afriandi

Corpse flower (Titan arum) has a reputation for being one of the stinkiest plants on the planet, with a scent similar to rotting flesh. This putrid scent is critical in its ability to attract pollinators It may take up to seven years to bloom and the pod swells over for a month before blooming, with the flower weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Name: Corpse flower (Titan arum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10
- Flower Color Varieties: Deep red
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, fertile
- Mature Size: 6 ft. tall
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
04 of 22
Blue Poppy

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

The unique flowers of the blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) resemble blue umbrellas with a fuzzy yellow center. These showy blooms stretch 4 to 5 inches across and appear in the summertime. This plant is somewhat temperamental to grow. Give blue poppies consistent moisture without letting the soil become soggy. Grow this plant in an area with summer temperatures below 80 degrees and winter temperatures above 50 degrees.
- Name: Blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
- Flower Color Varieties: Blue
- Light: Partial
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral
- Mature Size: 3–4 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
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05 of 22
Ghost Orchid

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Ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is a striking orchid plant that produces dramatic white blooms with a light, apple-like fragrance. This endangered flower is native to Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba. It typically grows on trees, with its bare roots taking hold on branches and trunks.
- Name: Ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Flower Color Varieties: White
- Light: Partial shade
- Planting medium: Bare root on cork or wood
- Mature Size: 5 ft. wide, 15 ft. tall
06 of 22
Crown Imperial

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a tall-growing spring bulb plant. The flowers stink, but they are beautifully unique with clusters of bell-shaped blooms that form a "crown" atop the plant. Cut the foliage to the ground after the plant goes dormant in the summer. Mulch the plant for the winter to insulate it.
- Name: Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, well-drained, acidic to alkaline
- Mature Size: 1–3 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
07 of 22
Secret Lust Coneflower

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Secret Lust (Echinacea 'Secret Lust') belies its common name of coneflower. Rather than displaying a cone at the flower's center, it sports a puffy center disk. The fragrant colorful flowers stretch roughly 1 to 3 inches across. They’re also good for attracting birds once they go to seed. Select a spot with good drainage for this plant, as it tolerates most conditions except soggy soil.
- Name: Secret Lust (Echinacea 'Secret Lust')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Flower Color Varieties: Red-orange
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 8 in.–3 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
08 of 22
Purple Pitcher Plant

Guenter Fischer / Getty Images

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is a unique specimen that grows near a pond. Like the better-known Venus fly trap, it’s a carnivorous plant that traps insects in its pitcher-shaped leaves. Its flowers start as a tight ball before unfurling into their interesting shape. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist for this plant, as its natural environment is boggy soil.
- Name: Purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
- Flower Color Varieties: Purple
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, acidic
- Mature Size: 8–12 in. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
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09 of 22
Sundew

jonathanfilskov-photography / Getty Images

Sundew (Drosera capensis) is another unique carnivorous plant. Insects are tricked into thinking its faux flowers are real by the namesake dewdrops that glisten on its tiny stalks; they look like drops of nectar to insects. But when the insects land on them, they become trapped in the sticky drops. Like the purple pitcher plant, sundew prefers boggy conditions, so keep the soil consistently moist.
- Name: Sundew (Drosera capensis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Flower Color Varieties: White, pink
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Sandy, moist, acidic
- Mature Size: Less than 1 ft. tall and wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
10 of 22
Red Hot Poker Plant

Andrea Ricordi / Getty Images

Red hot poker plants (Kniphofia spp.) get their name from their cylindrical shape and the warm tones of their tall, narrow flower spikes. Some varieties even have bicolored flowers that look almost like flames. This plant benefits from deadheading (removing spent blooms) to encourage further flowering.
- Name: Red hot poker plant (Kniphofia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, neutral
- Mature Size: 2–4 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
11 of 22
Snake Lily

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Snake lily (Amorphophallus konjac) grows from a corm, which is also cooked and used as a food source in some places, namely China and Japan. Each corm sends up one giant leaf and one flower stem yearly in the spring. The flower has an unpleasant smell of rot that attracts flies and other pollinators; once pollination has occurred the smell dissipates. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy through the growing season and then back off on watering for winter dormancy.
- Name: Snake lily (Amorphophallus konjac)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-11
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, purple, brown
- Light: Partial shade to shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, moist but well-drained, acidic to alkaline
- Mature Size: 4 ft. tall and wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
12 of 22
Amethyst in Snow

David Beaulieu

Amethyst in Snow (Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow') provides an overabundance of interesting flowers in the spring and summer. The delicate bicolored blooms feature white petals surrounding a purple center. This plant is ideal as a ground cover because of its spreading nature. Divide it every few years to limit its spread and promote fresh, healthy growth.
- Name: Amethyst in Snow (Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Flower Color Varieties: White with purple centers
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline
- Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 12–18 in. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
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13 of 22
Batik Iris

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

The Iris genus contains some of the toughest, prettiest, and most fragrant flowers in the plant world. Iris germanica 'Batik' stands out among its gorgeous crowd with bicolored flowers featuring irregular streaks and blotches of purple and white. This plant has a clumping growth habit. Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous and blooming profusely.
- Name: Batik iris (Iris germanica 'Batik')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Flower Color Varieties: Purple/white
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, neutral
- Mature Size: Up to 2 ft. tall and wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
14 of 22
Perfect Storm Hibiscus

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Perfect Storm hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Perfect Storm') is a hybrid hardy hibiscus cultivar that is more compact than its larger cousins. Thus, it’s good for small gardens and likely won’t need any staking to keep it upright. Its bicolored, showy blooms appear in the late summer and stretch to an impressive 7 to 8 inches across. Even when it’s not in bloom, its dark green foliage in the garden provides ample visual appeal. Fertilize annually in the spring to promote blooming and healthy growth.
- Name: Perfect Storm hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Perfect Storm')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Flower Color Varieties: White/pink
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic
- Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
15 of 22
Nora Leigh Garden Phlox

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Nora Leigh garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh') has variegated leaves and bicolored flowers—an unusual combination. Even though the blooms and foliage are small, their bright colors cause them to pop in the garden. The flowers also have a mild, pleasant fragrance to attract hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden. Plus, thanks to their sturdy stems, they are excellent cut flowers. If you deadhead the spent blooms, this will help to prolong the flowering period.
- Name: Nora Leigh garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Flower Color Varieties: White/pink
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist but well-drained, neutral
- Mature Size: 2 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
16 of 22
Rodger's Flower

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Rodger’s flower (Rodgersia pinnata) offers irregularly shaped plumes of flowers stretching to 18 inches long. And just as unique as the flower cluster is the foliage. It gives you a perennial with leaves looking ever so much like those on horse chestnut trees (Aesculus). Rodger’s flower is also a big enough plant to make a statement in the landscape. It does have high water needs, so make sure the soil remains consistently moist.
- Name: Rodger’s flower (Rodgersia pinnata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Flower Color Varieties: Pink, ivory
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, clay, moist, acidic
- Mature Size: 3–4 ft. tall and wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
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17 of 22
Jade Vine

Getty Images/Arif Maulana / 500px

Jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is a creeping plant with mesmerizing clusters of greenish-blue, emerald flowers that twist and dangle off a central vine. It reaches up to 50 feet and grows enthusiastically in the right climate. In its natural habitat, deforestation is its biggest threat.
- Name: Jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Flower Color Varieties: Greenish-blue
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, peat-based potting mix
- Mature Size: Up to 50 ft. long
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
18 of 22
Chocolate Cosmos

Getty Images/Eva Lechner

The velvety dark red blooms of chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) are rich and sumptuous, and, while you may think the name is due to its almost dark chocolate color, it's actually because of its chocolaty-vanilla fragrance. These unique flowers are native to Mexico, growing best in full sun.
- Name: Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Flower Color Varieties: Dark red
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
- Mature Size: 30 in. tall
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
19 of 22
Parrot’s Beak

Getty Images/Connie Pinson

The contrast in color from the parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii) is striking, with crimson red, warm blooms that resemble the beak of a tropical bird emerging from cool-toned, silvery-green spiky leaves. This perennial climber blooms during the cooler spring and early summer months before ending its show as the temperatures climb.
- Name: Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Flower Color Varieties: Crimson red, orange
- Light: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loam, sand, well-drained
- Mature Size: 8 in.-1 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
20 of 22
Black Bat Flower

Getty Images/Francisco Herrera

When you catch a glimpse of the black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), you see that its name fits. The bloom looks like bat wings, while the seed pods resemble a bat face. This unusual plant is native to Asia and Australia and grows in the understory. It blooms from late spring through early fall when grown in the proper environment.
- Name: Black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Flower Color Varieties: Dark purple, black
- Light: Partial shade to dappled shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained
- Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
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21 of 22
Queen of the Night

Getty Images/Milton Wheeler / 500px

The brilliant white, fragrant blooms of the queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) flower look like something out of a painting. Native to Central and South America, this flower is a member of the cactus family. Its blooms put on a show only at night, creating a striking contrast against the darkness.
- Name: Queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Flower Color Varieties: White
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
- Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall
- Deer-Resistant: Yes
22 of 22
Corpse Lily

Getty Images/Gerald Graves

Not to be confused with the corpse flower, the corpse lily (Rafflesia arnoldii) proves that there's room for more than one flower that smells like decaying flesh to attract pollinators. This dramatic and giant flower resides in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, and its massive cluster of flowers is the largest ever recorded.
- Name: Corpse lily (Rafflesia arnoldii)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 13
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist
- Mature Size: 3 ft. diameter
- Deer-Resistant: Yes

The Rarest Flower in the World

'Middlemist’s Red' is a rare Camellia flower known for its stunning red-pink rose-like flower and rich green foliage. The horticulturalist John Middlemist brought the plant to England in 1804 from its native China. The species became extinct in China and only two plants exist today—one at the Chiswick House & Gardens in West London and one in New Zealand.

Growing Unique Flowers in Your Garden

If you want your unique flowers to be a focal point in your garden, make sure to take into account their mature size, as well as the mature size of nearby plants. That way, the other plants won’t impede your view of your special plants.

Many of these unique flowers are rare, and their growing requirements may be incredibly specific. Before you decide to invest in a rare plant, make sure that the flowers are suitable for your growing region. If you don't have the right conditions but want a special plant, consider a rare houseplant instead. Also, check whether the species is invasive to the area before planting.

FAQ

What is the most commonly gifted flower?

The rose is the most gifted flower. While all of these unique flowers are gorgeous, the flowers commonly given as gifts are more readily available and not so rare.
What is the rarest type of rose flower?

The Juliet rose is considered one of the rarest rose varieties. It has apricot-colored flowers with a peach-like fragrance. The rose was bred by David Austen in 1978.
What flower blooms every 100 years?

American aloe (Agave americana) blooms once every 100 years, which is why it is also called the century plant. This sun-loving plant grows up to 6 feet tall.

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