Favorite Silver & White Plants

Rob D. Brodman

Hint of Frost

The silvery blue rosettes of Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' are naturally tinged with white, giving them a snow-dusted appearance. A hardy succulent, the plant takes minimal water and does best in locations that get full sun to filtered shade. For our tabletop display, we planted sedums from four six-packs in a white glazed earthenware bowl. Hallon bowl, 13¾ in. wide, 3½ in. deep; $10; www.ikea.com for store locations.

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Rob D. Brodman

Patio snow

Fluffy white azaleas and hydrangeas piled in containers resemble snowballs. Forced into flower for the holidays, both plants are sold at nurseries, garden centers, and grocery stores, usually in 6-inch containers (www.hanabayflowers.com for store locations). Lightweight fiberglass-clay planters, 16 and 20 in. wide; from $69; www.smithandhawken.com or 800/981-9888.

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Rob D. Brodman

Icy trio

Dusty millerfills three glazed ivory pots. To finish the frosty look, we covered the potting soil around each plant with glacial blue tumbled glass. Display the pots in full sun, on entry steps or on a patio table. Water regularly. Plommon pot, 5½ in. tall and wide; $3; www.ikea.com

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Saxon Holt

More choice whites: narcissus

Given regular water, these plants can last several weeks in mild climates.

Narcissus: Paperwhites, with perfumed flowers, bloom over a two-week period. Grow the plants in a bright, cool area (in cold-winter climates, display indoors). Sunset climate zones 5-24.

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Thomas J. Story

More choice whites: hydrangea

Given regular water, these plants can last several weeks in mild climates.

Hydrangea: 'Shooting Star', the lace-cap variety pictured here, bears double flowers that stay white for four to six weeks before maturing to a greenish hue. Zones 3b-9, 14-24, H1.

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Jerry Pavia

More choice whites: camellia

Given regular water, these plants can last several weeks in mild climates.

Camellia: Bloomers include C. japonica, 'Nuccio's Gem' (pictured), and cold-hardy hybrids such as 'Polar Ice'. Zones 4-9, 12, 14-24.

Other snowy blossoms include:

Crab cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). 'White Christmas' has flowers with spreading, pointed petals.

Cymbidiums. The long-blooming orchids are among the easiest to grow.

Kalanchoe. Hybrids and named varieties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana come in various sizes. Tiny flowers grow in tight clusters above succulent green leaves.

Miniature roses. Buds open to small, perfectly formed roses among deep green foliage.

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6 favorite white & silver plants

Hint of Frost

Patio snow

Icy trio

More choice whites: narcissus

More choice whites: hydrangea

More choice whites: camellia