Some jewels like the diamond are rare, but some flowers are even rarer! If you’ve always wondered what these unusual and extraordinary blooms look like, then look no further!
We’ve curated 25 remarkable blossoms due to their appearance, availability, and ease of growth. Plus, we’ve made sure to list where you can find them in case you have plants on your plans for your next trip!
Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare ●●○○○ |
| Country | Native to the Canary Islands |
| Unique Features | Bright red-orange, parrot-like flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial groundcover |
| Possible Issues | Susceptible to root rot if overwatered |
Parrot’s Beak grows well in warm, arid climates and prefers well-draining soil, full sun, and minimal watering. Found on rocky slopes in its native Canary Islands, it faces challenges from habitat loss and overcollection.
Considered endangered, it attracts bees and hummingbirds. Plus, this plant has traditional medicinal uses and holds cultural significance in its home country.
Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●●●○ |
| Country | Originally from Central America |
| Unique Features | Fragrant, large white night-blooming flowers |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic cactus |
| Possible Issues | Susceptible to root rot if overwatered |
The Queen of the Night is a cactus known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night. This cactus, adapted to grow in tree crevices, is ideal for hanging baskets with well-draining soil.
It prefers indirect light, partial shade, and careful watering to avoid root rot. Currently, it’s widely cultivated, leading to hybrids with different flower colors.
Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Cuba, the Bahamas, and Florida |
| Unique Features | Leafless, ethereal white flowers |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic orchid |
| Possible Issues | Highly sensitive to habitat disturbance |
The Ghost Orchid is unique as it lacks leaves and gets nutrients from its roots. White flowers appear in dark swamps, making the orchid rare and hard to find in remote places.
It’s named after Charles L. Linden, an orchid enthusiast, and its pollinator, the giant sphinx moth, was a mystery for years.
Jade Vine (Strongylodon Macrobotrys)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Native to the Philippines |
| Unique Features | Turquoise blue, claw-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Woody, perennial vine |
| Possible Issues | Requires specific conditions for growth |
The Jade Vine, a rare vine from the Philippines, has turquoise claw-shaped flowers that can grow up to 3 feet. When grown, it requires sunny and partially shaded areas, consistently moist soil, and support for climbing.
In its natural home, it’s endangered due to habitat loss, relying on bats for pollination. Conservation works to protect and grow this species, with hybrids expanding the flower colors and shapes.
White Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium candidum)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Native to North America |
| Unique Features | White slipper-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial orchid |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat loss and overcollection |
The Small White Lady’s Slipper, or White Lady Slipper Orchid, is a rare North American orchid with white slipper-shaped flowers. It likes calcareous woodlands and prairies with good drainage.
It grows slowly and tricks pollinators without giving rewards. Legally protected in many areas, it’s culturally important to some Native American tribes, representing beauty and spirituality.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●○○○ |
| Country | Native to Mexico |
| Unique Features | Dark chocolate-scented, maroon-brown flowers |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Possible Issues | Susceptible to powdery mildew |
Chocolate Cosmos, originating from Mexico, does well in well-drained soil and likes full sun to partial shade. Despite the name, it doesn’t give edible chocolate but has a cocoa-like scent from maroon-brown flowers.
Though not wild, it’s popular in gardens, attracting pollinators. Once considered extinct, it’s now grown through division or cuttings by gardeners.
Juliet Rose (Rosa ‘Sweet Juliet’)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●○○○ |
| Country | Bred and cultivated globally |
| Unique Features | Apricot-orange, cup-shaped blooms |
| Plant Type | Shrub rose |
| Possible Issues | Prone to common rose diseases |
The Juliet Rose is a shrub rose with apricot-orange blooms and a sweet fragrance. David Austin bred it, selling it for $5 million, blending old and modern rose traits.
It loves well-drained soil, sunlight, and needs pruning in gardens, borders, and containers. With a fruity scent and global awards, it’s a cherished rose.
Corpse Flower (Titan arum)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●○○○ |
| Country | Originally from Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Unique Features | Giant inflorescence, foul odor |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous flowering plant |
| Possible Issues | Challenging to cultivate in non-native climates |
The Corpse Flower, a giant from Sumatra, Indonesia, reaches ten feet and smells bad. It’s hard to grow outside its home rainforests.
Shown in gardens worldwide, it blooms rarely, is the world’s biggest flower, and produces heat during blooming.
Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Now extinct in the wild, originally from the United States |
| Unique Features | Fragrant white flowers, deciduous nature |
| Plant Type | Small deciduous tree |
| Possible Issues | Highly endangered due to habitat loss |
The Franklin Tree, or Lost Camellia, is a rare, endangered deciduous tree celebrated for its fragrant white flowers. Discovered in 1765, it was named after Benjamin Franklin.
The Franklin tree, part of the tea family, is now extinct in the wild, surviving through plants descended from seeds preserved in the 1700s. The cup-shaped white petals with vibrant yellow emit a pleasant honeysuckle-like aroma.
Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum rothschildianum)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Native to Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia |
| Unique Features | Large, golden-yellow flowers, slipper-shaped |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial orchid |
| Possible Issues | Highly threatened by habitat loss |
Known as Gold Of Kinabalu, this orchid is rare and found on Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia. It has large golden-yellow flowers and a slipper-shaped pouch. To grow it, mimic its natural conditions with cool temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soil.
Despite being rare, it’s popular among enthusiasts, even on the Malaysian 50 Ringgit banknote, symbolizing Borneo.
Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Native to Southeast Asian tropical forests |
| Unique Features | Black, bat-shaped bracts and long whiskers |
| Plant Type | Perennial herbaceous plant |
| Possible Issues | Requires specific humidity and warmth |
The Black Bat Flower, native to Southeast Asian forests, has bat-shaped black bracts and needs humidity and warmth. It grows slowly, often in containers with well-draining soil.
Despite being rare in the wild, it’s prized for ornamentation in gardens and collections globally. The bracts resemble bats, possibly mimicking bat pollinators.
Gibraltar Campion (Silene tomentosa)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Native to Gibraltar |
| Unique Features | Compact rosettes, silvery leaves |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Possible Issues | Highly threatened by habitat loss |
Gibraltar Campion, or Pride Of Britain, is a rare herb with silvery leaves. Conservation involves recreating its habitat and restoring suitable areas.
It’s endangered, found in a few places, and conservation includes cultivating it outside its natural habitat. Gibraltar features it on their 50-pence coin as a symbol of conservation.
Youtan Poluo (Udumbara)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Asian countries |
| Unique Features | Tiny, fragrant flowers without visible roots |
| Plant Type | Controversial, potentially fungal |
| Possible Issues | Disputed identity, short lifespan |
Youtan Poluo is a rare find, with tiny flowers appearing mysteriously. These small white or yellow orbs emit a subtle fragrance and are seen on non-floral surfaces like leaves and stones.
In Buddhism, it’s believed to bloom every 3,000 years, but its scientific identity is debated, with some thinking it might be a type of fungus.
Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Grows in Southeast Asian rainforests |
| Unique Features | Enormous, foul-smelling flowers without leaves |
| Plant Type | Parasitic flowering plant |
| Possible Issues | Threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade |
Rafflesia is a rare parasitic plant that’s known for its huge, smelly flowers without leaves. These large blooms, some over three feet wide, have intricate patterns and last only a few days.
Discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles in the 19th century, it grows in Southeast Asian rainforests, relying on specific hosts and facing threats like habitat loss. Despite being endangered, Rafflesia is a tourist attraction in some areas.
Middlemist’s Red Camellia (Camellia ‘Middlemist’s Red’)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Originally brought from China to England, current initiatives in China, New Zealand, and Great Britain |
| Unique Features | Deep red, double-petaled flowers |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Possible Issues | Limited distribution, conservation concern |
Camellia ‘Middlemist’s Red’ is a rare evergreen shrub known for its deep red double flowers. Its unique history dates back to the 19th century when it was brought from China to England by John Middlemist.
Despite its initial cultivation, the plant is exceptionally rare today. It remains extremely rare, with initiatives to preserve it in China and other suitable regions like New Zealand and Great Britain.
Nagapushpa (Ephedra foliata)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare ●●●○○ |
| Country | Native to India |
| Unique Features | Jointed stem, reduced leaves, cone-bearing |
| Plant Type | Gymnosperm shrub in the Ephedraceae family |
| Possible Issues | Overharvesting for traditional medicine |
The Nagapushpa is an Indian shrub known for jointed stems and cones. It’s significant in Ayurvedic medicine for ephedrine – a stimulant.
Overharvesting poses a threat, so sustainable practices are vital. It prefers dry areas and struggles in overly moist conditions.
Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare ●●●○○ |
| Country | Native to North America, Asia, and Europe |
| Unique Features | Mycoheterotrophic (no chlorophyll), white, ghostly appearance |
| Plant Type | Mycoheterotrophic herb |
| Possible Issues | Susceptible to habitat disturbance |
Ghost Pipe is an uncommon herb with no chlorophyll, standing out due to its ghostly appearance and growth habits. It has waxy, translucent stems and a single flower, relying on mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for nutrients.
Native to North America and parts of Asia and Europe, it thrives in shaded woodlands. Cultivating Ghost Pipe is challenging, mainly found in natural habitats.
Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Endemic to the Philippines |
| Unique Features | Gigantic pitcher traps, carnivorous habit |
| Plant Type | Carnivorous pitcher plant |
| Possible Issues | Threatened by habitat loss |
Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant, found in the Philippines in 2007, is a carnivorous plant named after Sir David Attenborough. It grows in poor soil, catching and digesting insects for nutrients.
Thriving in mossy forests, it has large pitchers and is unique to the Philippines, showcasing the country’s diverse plant life.
Black Diamond Truffle Orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Native to Australia |
| Unique Features | Subterranean growth, mycoheterotrophic |
| Plant Type | Orchid with subterranean lifestyle |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat disturbance |
The Black Diamond Truffle Orchid is a rare underground orchid from Australia. Discovered in 1928, it’s named after botanist Charles Austin Gardner.
It lacks leaves and relies on fungi for nutrients as this orchid’s subterranean lifestyle is an adaptation to nutrient-poor soils. While it’s challenging to cultivate, its fragrant flowers emerge above ground during the flowering season.
Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers (Cypripedium calceolus var. parviflorum)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare ●●●○○ |
| Country | Orchids found in North America |
| Unique Features | Slipper-shaped flowers, orchid family |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial orchid |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat loss and collection |
Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers, from the Cypripedium genus, lure pollinators into their pouch-like blooms. These flowers, ranging from yellow to purple, are tricky to grow because they have specific habitat requirements and are sensitive to disruption.
Lady Slippers are at risk due to habitat loss and collection, making conservation crucial as they are not common.
Helmet Orchid (Corybas boholensis)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare ●●●●● |
| Country | Found only in the Philippines, specifically on Bohol Island |
| Unique Features | Unusual flower morphology, ground-dwelling |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial orchid |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable due to habitat loss and collection |
The Corybas boholensis, a rare Helmet Orchid, is unique to the Philippines, found on Bohol Island. It grows on the forest floor in shaded, moist areas.
Growing it can be challenging as it requires specific conditions like shade and humidity. Sadly, it’s rare and vulnerable due to deforestation and collection for gardening.
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Found in the Western Ghats of India |
| Unique Features | Vibrant purple flowers, mass flowering event |
| Plant Type | Perennial shrub in the Western Ghats |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change |
Neelakurinji is a shrub with purple flowers that blooms every 12 years in India’s Western Ghats. It has lance-shaped leaves and follows a unique cycle of blooming, setting seeds, and dying.
Despite not being globally endangered, there’s a need for conservation due to habitat loss from development and climate change. The shrub is culturally and regionally important in the Western Ghats for its rare blooming event and vulnerability.
Blue Vanda Orchid (Vanda coerulea)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Rare ●●●●○ |
| Country | Native to Southeast Asia |
| Unique Features | Stunning blue flowers, monopodial growth |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic orchid |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat loss and illegal trade |
The Blue Vanda Orchid grows on a single stem, displaying big blue flowers and using aerial roots for its epiphytic life. It’s from Southeast Asia but is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade.
Conservation works to save its habitats and promote careful cultivation. The orchid’s rarity and blue color make it popular, adding to global orchid diversity.
Silversword (Argyroxiphium spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●○○○ |
| Country | Endemic to Hawaii |
| Unique Features | Rosette of silvery leaves, remarkable flowering stalk |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change |
Silversword is a Hawaiian plant with long, silver leaves found in high places and blooms every few years with a unique flower stalk. Growing on volcanic slopes, it’s picky about where it lives.
Cultivating it is hard because it grows slowly and has specific needs. Silverswords live a long time, are only found in Hawaii, have silvery hairs that reflect sunlight, are culturally important, and show the health of the ecosystem.
Queen Victoria’s Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
| Factor | Information |
| Rarity | Moderately Rare to Common ●●○○○ |
| Country | Native to northeastern Mexico |
| Unique Features | Compact rosette, distinctive white markings |
| Plant Type | Succulent perennial in the Agavaceae family |
| Possible Issues | Vulnerable to overwatering, slow growth |
Queen Victoria’s Agave is a popular succulent with a compact rosette and white markings. Named after England’s monarch, it grows slowly, blooms after several years, and often dies afterward.
Native to northeastern Mexico, it thrives in arid regions with well-drained soil, making it favored for its ornamental value. Cultivating this plant is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water, making it a sought-after choice for succulent enthusiasts.
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