Top 15+ Rare Flowers That Will Make Your Garden Even More Unique

Hoya Rebecca

The hoya Rebecca (Lacunosa Langawi Island x Obscura) is a creeping tropical plant that produces showstopping buds. "It often has leaves that have a faint multi-coloration of green, white veins, and sometimes orange," says florist Caroline Quinonez. "When it blooms, this plant shows off its pink and yellow flowers in clusters many times throughout the year."

Painted Tongue

For an exceptionally exotic-looking annual flower, add painted tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata) to your garden lineup. "The striking trumpet-shaped flowers occur in vivid hues of violet, blue, red, orange, chocolate, creamy white, and yellow, many with intricate veined patterns," Loughrey says.

Black Ginger

The black ginger plant (Kaempferia parviflora) produces medicinal ginger underground while putting on a show above the soil. "This plant grows beautiful purple and white flowers and has been known to help treat many ailments," says plant expert Jackie Pinkston.

Pineapple Lily

Pineapple lilies (Eucomis) are a rare type of tropical lily native to South Africa. "Instead of the traditional lily shape that we think of, these bulbs produce a flower shaped like a pineapple," Dillon says. "What a welcoming addition to the summer garden! When not in bloom, I find the large foliage striking as well. Pollinators enjoy pineapple lilies for their rich nectar."

Indian Pink

"The Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) is a little-known ornamental perennial that is underutilized in home gardens," Loughrey says. Native to the southeastern United States, this unique wildflower produces vertical clusters of tubular flowers in late spring that are lipstick red with a yellow throat, resembling a miniature fireworks display. 

Passionflower

For a flower that looks like it was born from a sci-fi movie set in the rainforest, look no further than the intriguing passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)—which is actually native to the southeastern United States. "The flower has bright purple petals with stringy filament and exaggerated stigma and anthers," Dillon says. "The vine produces edible fruit called maypops or passionfruit."

Climbing Gloriosa Lily

Another vining plant option is the climbing gloriosa lily (Gloriosa superba), a beautiful and rare flower that’s true to its name. "This climbing tuberous perennial uses tendrils at the ends of its leaves to climb surrounding plants or structures," Stone says. "Known for its stunning, flame-like petals, this exotic flower adds a touch of drama and sophistication to arrangements. Its unusual shape and vibrant colors make it a showstopper."

Love in a Mist/Devil in the Bush

This rare flower (known botanically as Nigella) goes by two names, which refer to its two primary stages. "They are love in a mist when in full bloom—showing off delicate white, blue, and sometimes pink or purple blooms among fern-like foliage (the mist)," Zimmerman says. "Once they shed their petals and form pods, they are referred to as devil in the bush with plum, striped, and green oblong pods topped with a crown of tiny horns." She says this rare flower also looks beautiful when dried and can add interest to wreaths and home décor.

Blue Sea Holly

Steel blue in the garden is something that you don’t often see, but blue sea holly (Eryngium Ppanum) delivers. "The metallic blue color and unique flower shape make this an eye-catching addition to the garden," Dillon says. "They also attract butterflies and bees." She adds that this rare flower makes an excellent choice for your “something blue” in bridal arrangements and is a great candidate for drying.

Monarda

"Monarda (bee balm) is one of our favorite 'weirdo' flowers for its layers of whorled petals that look like a series of bright jester caps and attract pollinators," says Zimmerman. "It also comes in many colors from lavender to magenta to bright red and smells amazing." For this perennial flower, she suggests cutting deep and expecting a second flush of blooms later in the season. 

Persian Lily

The Persian lily (Fritillaria imperialis persica) is a striking addition to any garden thanks to its tall, dramatic spikes of bell-shaped flowers in shades of plum to deep purple. "This elegant plant can serve as a stunning focal point in mixed borders or as a bold statement in a dedicated flower bed," Stone says. "Its unique coloration and towering height make it perfect for adding vertical interest and contrast among more traditionally colored blooms."