In the ever-changing world of gardening, some flowers fade into obscurity while others take center stage. Yet, many of the old-fashioned blooms that once graced grandmother’s garden still have immense beauty, fragrance, and resilience to offer. These heritage flowers were once staples in cottage gardens, Victorian landscapes, and homestead borders—only to be replaced by modern hybrids.

Today, it’s time to bring them back! If you love heirloom gardening, vintage charm, and time-tested plants, consider reviving these forgotten flowers in your garden.

1. Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate (Polygonum orientale)

A romantic favorite of Thomas Jefferson, this graceful, arching annual produces long, cascading clusters of pink flowers that sway in the breeze. It was a staple in colonial gardens but has nearly vanished from modern landscapes.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Easy to grow, self-seeds freely, and provides height and movement in the garden.
Growing Tip: Prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil.

2. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena)

A Victorian-era treasure, Love-in-a-Mist produces delicate, airy blue flowers surrounded by feathery foliage. After blooming, it forms ornamental seed pods perfect for dried arrangements.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Pest-resistant, low-maintenance, and adds an ethereal quality to garden beds.
Growing Tip: Direct sow in early spring; thrives in poor soil and full sun.

3. Stock (Matthiola incana)

Once a staple of fragrant cutting gardens, Stock flowers emit an intoxicating scent and bloom in soft pastels to deep jewel tones. They were a favorite in Victorian bouquets but have become less common in modern gardens.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Unmatched fragrance, early spring blooms, and ideal for cut flower arrangements.
Growing Tip: Prefers cool weather—plant in late winter or early spring for best results.

4. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)

A hardy heirloom favorite that thrives in warm climates, Four O’Clocks open in the late afternoon, releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and moths.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Drought-tolerant, easy to grow from seed, and self-seeding for continuous blooms year after year.
Growing Tip: Loves full sun and well-drained soil—ideal for hot, dry regions.

5. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)

Once known as the “Cherry Pie Plant” for its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, heliotrope was a Victorian garden favorite. It produces clusters of purple, lavender, or white blooms and thrives in containers or borders.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Fragrant, long-lasting blooms that attract butterflies and bees.
Growing Tip: Requires rich, well-drained soil and regular watering—best grown in pots in cooler climates.

6. Maltese Cross (Lychnis chalcedonica)

A brilliant red heirloom flower, Maltese Cross was a staple in cottage gardens for centuries. Its bright, clustered blooms attract hummingbirds and stand out in any perennial border.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and brings bold color to the garden.
Growing Tip: Plant in full sun to part shade—tolerates a wide range of soil types.

7. Toadflax (Linaria purpurea)

With delicate, spiky purple flowers, toadflax was once a beloved wildflower in European gardens. It naturalizes easily and provides a wispy, airy contrast to structured garden beds.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Loved by bees and butterflies, thrives in neglected soils, and reseeds for naturalized beauty.
Growing Tip: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil—ideal for cottage gardens and meadow plantings.

8. Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)

A scented biennial once common in old homesteads, Sweet Rocket resembles phlox but emits a spicy-clove fragrance in the evening. It was often grown in moon gardens due to its nighttime scent.
Why It Deserves a Comeback: Pollinator-friendly, self-seeds easily, and thrives in poor soil.
Growing Tip: Plant in fall for early spring blooms—cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush.

Why Grow Forgotten Flowers?

Bringing heritage flowers back into our gardens helps preserve botanical history while adding unique beauty and fragrance. These time-honored blooms often require less maintenance, resist pests naturally, and support pollinators—a perfect choice for today’s eco-conscious gardeners.

If you’re looking to create a vintage-inspired garden, consider incorporating these forgotten flowers and reviving their timeless charm!

What’s Your Favorite Forgotten Flower?

Have you grown any of these heritage blooms? Let us know in the comments below!