Nature never fails to surprise us with its beauty — from vibrant petals to unique scents, flowers are among the most captivating creations on Earth. Yet, some blooms are so rare that few people ever get to see them in person.
Here are the top 5 rarest flowers in the world, each with a fascinating story of beauty, mystery, and survival.
1. Kadupul Flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Location: Sri Lanka
Also Known As: “Queen of the Night”
This delicate white flower is known for its magical quality — it blooms only at night and wilts before dawn. Because it cannot be picked or preserved, the Kadupul Flower is considered priceless. Its fleeting beauty has made it a symbol of purity, mystery, and the transient nature of life.
Fun Fact: The Kadupul is a type of cactus flower and releases a sweet, soothing fragrance when it blooms.
2. Middlemist Red (Camellia)
Location: Originally from China, now found only in the UK and New Zealand
With only two known plants left in existence, the Middlemist Red is often called the rarest flower in the world. Despite its name, its petals are actually a beautiful deep pink. It was brought to England in 1804 by a gardener named John Middlemist — and has remained a botanical treasure ever since.
Did You Know? One of the surviving Middlemist Red plants grows inside a greenhouse in London’s Chiswick House Gardens.
3. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
Location: Florida, USA & Cuba
The Ghost Orchid is one of the most mysterious flowers on Earth. It’s leafless and appears to be floating in the air — hence its name. It can only bloom under perfect conditions, usually in humid swamps, and it’s nearly impossible to cultivate outside its natural habitat.
Why It’s Rare: Habitat loss and illegal collection have made the Ghost Orchid an endangered species.
4. Juliet Rose (Rosa ‘Juliet’)
Location: United Kingdom
The Juliet Rose is known as the world’s most expensive rose, valued at over $5 million when it was first unveiled. It took British rose breeder David Austin 15 years to create this soft peach-colored flower. Its layered petals and subtle fragrance have made it a global symbol of elegance and luxury.
Interesting Fact: It was introduced at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2006, earning instant fame among flower lovers.
5. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
Location: Indonesia (Sumatra)
As striking as it is smelly, the Corpse Flower is one of the largest and rarest flowers in the world. It blooms once every 7 to 10 years and releases a strong odor — similar to rotting flesh — to attract pollinators like beetles and flies.
Unique Trait: The flower can reach over 10 feet tall, making it one of the tallest blooms ever recorded