Flowers feed pollinators, conserve soil, purify water, and even remove toxins from the air. But the thing many of us adore the most about these astonishing plants is their beauty, and simply admiring them can make us feel happier. In fact, Psychology Today states that flowers trigger the “happy brain chemicals,” such as dopamine and oxytocin. As if we needed another reason to fill our homes and gardens with beautiful blooms.
We spoke with gardening experts and added a few of our favorite picks to create a list of the most enchanting flowers in the world, so you can turn your indoor living space and landscape into a floral wonderland.
Moth Orchids

“Elegant, captivating, stunning—there aren’t enough words to describe the one and only moth orchid of the Phalaenopsis genus,” says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. These flowers come in various colors, such as purple, yellow, white, and pink, and you can also find variegated variants.
“Gardeners adore this plant for its gorgeous blooms that can persevere for months in the right conditions. Although this beauty looks high-maintenance, it’s easy to care for, and that’s why it has taken the world by storm,” she says.
Moth orchids prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. However, you can always grow them indoors if you live in a colder climate, as long as you provide them with the proper care and conditions.
Bougainvillea

This enchanting cascading flower has beautiful bright petals with a papery texture. It comes in an array of colors, such as magenta, white, purple, orange, and red, and some hybrid types are two-tone. Make sure to get the right type for where you will be growing it because some varieties can grow up to 40 feet tall!
“This climbing stunner thrives on heat and drought, filling your space with vibrant color,” says Marek Bowers, an expert gardener and owner of Bolder Green. This is the perfect pick for those that live in warmer climates.
African Violet

Borisevich says that the African violet may be hard to please but is more than worth the effort. If you give them enough love and affection, African violets can bloom all year long on your north or east-facing windows. One of the huge advantages this flower has is that it likes being reasonably pot-bound. This flower has bushy greenery and comes in various colors, including white, pink, yellow, and violet.
Because the flower is small, it even makes a great addition to a compact space like a studio apartment. “African violets are non-toxic to pets, so you can make yourself happy and keep your furry friends safe all at the same time by choosing to care for this plant,” she advises.
Dahlia

Bowers says these enchanting flowers feature showy layered blooms in a variety of vibrant, eye-catching colors. “Every petal is a burst of beauty, and dahlias truly bring drama to the landscape,” he adds.
These flowers are native to Mexico and Central America, so of course, they prosper in warmer climates with cooler nights. If you live in the right climate, they can be perennials, which means they come back every year. However, many people grow them in gardens as annuals in other regions because of their whimsical appearance.
Blue Passionflower

This delightful climbing flower is perfect for growing on fences and trellises. It can also be grown in pots for those who want to keep it contained. Blue passionflowers like warm and humid climates and require plenty of sunlight.
Bowers describes this flower as adorned with exotic blue and white petals with intricate filaments. “Its unique structure feels straight out of a fantasy world, and it’s a favorite for butterflies,” he says. This makes it a must-have for those trying to grow a pollinator garden.
Bearded Iris

These enchanting flowers are grown in gardens around the globe. Although bearded irises look tropical, they’re cold-tolerant and can live in climates where temperatures drop below freezing. Plus, they come back every year, and some varieties can even put on a beautiful blooming display twice a year.
Bowers brags about the pretty upright petals, which come in all sorts of colors, including royal hues of purple, blue, and white. “Bearded irises are elegant and drought-tolerant; they bring grace and resilience to any garden,” he says.
Sunflower

These flowers will brighten up anyone’s day with their sunny yellow faces. There are actually over 70 species of sunflowers you can choose from that range in height and colors. For example, Goliath Sunflowers can tower around 12 feet tall, while the Sunflower Elf reaches about 16 inches tall.
“Sunflowers follow the sun, bringing warmth and joy, and they’re a favorite among pollinators,” says Bowers. It’s no surprise that they need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to prosper, so make sure you plant them in a sunny location.
Bird of Paradise

This plant lives up to its name because it features bright orange and blue flowers shaped like tropical birds. “With its bold, exotic look, it brings a touch of the tropics to any garden, making it impossible to miss,” explains Bowers. Although this exotic flower is native to South Africa, it also grows in southern parts of Florida and California.
This plant can be grown indoors but must get enough light to display its vibrant blooms. It also prefers humid conditions, so you may want to use a humidifier to keep it happy if you try to grow one inside.
Peace Lily

Borisevich says that the peace lily is one of the most popular houseplants all over the world. These flowers are native to tropical rainforests, which is why most people opt for growing them indoors. They have an alluring fragrance, luscious green foliage, and showy white flowers that start blooming in the spring season.
“The peace lily is a godsend for those who are looking to renovate their living space because it goes well with any interior design style. It looks exceptionally good combined with exotic plants,” she shares. They are generally easy to care for, and their average lifespan is between 3 and 5 years. However, these are toxic plants, and you should avoid them if you have children or pets.
Rose

When I was little, my neighbor had one of the most enchanting rose gardens I had ever seen. I felt like I was walking through a secret garden with rows and rows of various rose bushes as tall as I was. Roses are also known to be among the most romantic flowers in the world, which is why they couldn’t be left off the list.
These glorious flowers come in soft pastel and bright bold colors that will add glamor to any garden. They are quite adaptable but grow best in warm temperatures and enjoy direct morning sunlight.
Peonies

I can attest that peonies are among the most enchanting flowering bushes you can grow in your garden. The size of the plant and flowers will depend on which species you decide to plant. One of my favorites, which Gardeners World features as one of the most beautiful peonies to grow, is the Sarah Bernhardt Peony. It consists of wide double flower heads with elegant ruffled petals and is usually a soft pink color.
However, there are many different types of peonies to choose from, and they come in a variety of colors. These bushes need plenty of space to grow and can expand to about 2 to 4 feet wide. Similar to roses, they like at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Chinese Wisteria

This elegant flowering vine is breathtaking. Its cascading blooms drape from woody vines and can be lavender, white, violet, blue, or purple in color. “Its fairy-tale-like tendrils create a dreamscape, transforming any structure into a magical retreat,” shares Bowers. It thrives in warmer temperatures and can grow in full sun and partial shade.
However, it is considered invasive in some parts of the United States and can rapidly spread. Because it’s so aggressive, you will have to consistently prune and train it where to grow. Be sure to keep that in mind if you consider adding it to any outdoor space.
Adenium

This is another lovely plant that will add color to your interior space. Even better, given the right conditions, it can bloom all year round. The flowers range in color and can be red, white, pink, or yellow.
“Taking care of Adenium is generally a breeze, as it doesn’t require much of your time or effort. Its talent to thrive in harsh environments has even earned it the nickname desert rose,” according to Borisevich.
In fact, she advises that the plant can go a day or two without water, but overwatering can cause root and stem rot, leading to its death. Since it’s toxic, it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Camellia

These flowers are native to Asia but can be grown in various parts of the Pacific Northwest and southern United States. They are also an optimal choice if you have a greenhouse. Camellias actually prefer shade over sun, so keep that in mind when planting, too.
Bowers says these flowers have glossy dark green leaves with elegant rose-like blooms. “Camellias bloom in winter, offering timeless beauty when little else is in flower,” he says.