There are many different types of flowers. Some come in a wide range of colors, while others are associated with admiration, innocence, sympathy, and good luck. There are even flowers so fragrant that you’ll find them as a key ingredient in perfumes. Basically, the world of flowers is vast, and in this article, you’ll get to know more about them!
Most Popular Types of Flowers
You’ve likely heard of many of the most popular flowers. You see them at celebrations, such as weddings and anniversaries. You might even have received a bouquet of these flowers as a gift! Let’s look at several different types of flowers you may have in a vase at home or growing in your yard.
1. Lavender
One of the most popular flowers is lavender. You might already know it for its deep purple color, but did you know that it has a gentle, calming aroma? As a matter of fact, it has several health benefits, including decreasing anxiety.
If you want to grow lavender in your garden, here are some lavender growing tips:
- Plant in the spring in full sun.
- Plant 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Mulch to avoid weeds.
- Water twice a week until fully grown, then only as needed. If the leaves become yellow, you are watering too often.
2. Lilies
The lily (Lilium) is a stunning flower with dazzling trumpet-like blossoms. Unlike lavenders, they emit a stronger but pleasant scent and are often used as cut flowers. There are 8,000 varieties of lilies, but the common ones are Easter, Orientals, Asiatics, Trumpet, Tiger, and Orienpets.
Lilies are planted as bulbs and are easy to grow inside in a pot or outside in the ground. When planting outside, you can follow these guidelines:
- Plant in the fall. Lilies need the cold winter snap to bloom beautifully.
- Place lilies in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant the bulbs about 12 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart.
- Water often, especially if rain is lacking.
As lilies grow taller, they will lean toward the sun which can cause them to fall over. Planting in full sun eliminates this problem.
3. Tulips
As one of the first flowers you see blooming in the spring, tulips can brighten your day. They are delicate-looking flowers with one flower per stem and only 3 to 4 petals on each flower. They have a very light scent and come in a variety of colors.
Most people associate tulips with Holland. However, the tulip, which was a wildflower once, originated in Central Asia.
When planting tulips, you’ll force bulbs into the ground. Here’s how to safely plant tulips for a colorful spring:
- Plant in the fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost (September or October in cold climates and December in warm climates).
- Plant 8 inches deep and about 5 inches apart with the pointy end of the bulb facing up.
- Water once a week if there is no rain. Once the frost hits, you can stop watering.
Tulips won’t do well with too much water, so be careful. After bloom time is over and the tulips die, you can cut them down and wait for them to return the following spring.
4. Orchid
An orchid may be one of the most unusual flowers you can find. The blooms are delicate; however, they are prolific when taken care of properly. When you think an orchid is finished blooming, more flowers show up.
There are over 25,000 species of orchids, and they grow everywhere (except Antarctica). In the wild, you will see them sprouting out of tree trunks, but at home, they grow best in a pot inside the house. Orchids need a lot of air around the roots, which is why there are special orchid pots with slats or holes along the sides. You can also find special orchid potting soil that is more aerated than traditional potting soil.
Contrary to popular belief, placing ice cubes on the orchid’s soil for light watering is not wise. The cold ice isn’t healthy for tropical orchid flowers.
5. Marigold
Marigolds are lovely flowers that come in shades of orange and yellow. There are 50 species of marigolds, and the blossoms closely resemble carnations. They proliferate, stay low to the ground, and make beautiful borders around gardens and other flowers. As a bonus, rabbits do not like the taste of marigolds, so plant them liberally near other flowers, such as tulips, which rabbits love to destroy.
Many marigolds have little aroma; however, the French and American varieties have a strong scent. They love full sunshine and heat, so feel free to plant marigolds right in the sun and let them enjoy the dog days of summer.
If you want to grow marigolds, plant from seed and follow these tips:
- Plant in full sun.
- Plant 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart for seeds and 3 inches deep and 10 inches apart for plants.
- Water at the base only when the soil is dry and the temperatures are hot.
- Use mulch to keep weeds at bay.
6. Daisies
Daisies are known as cheerful flowers with their classic shape and yellow center. The word “daisy” comes from an old English phrase, “day’s eye,” since, believe it or not, daisies close up at night. There are more daisy-shaped flowers than any other kind of flower, though not everything that looks like a daisy truly is a daisy.
Some daisies are perennials, meaning you can plant them once, and they will bloom over and over every spring, while others are annuals, meaning you must plant them every year. Gerbera, African, Gloriosa, and the Painted daisy are some of the most popular daisy varieties.
7. Poppies
The poppy is a bright and cheerful flower that surprises us in early spring as it turns toward the sun with open-faced blossoms in various colors. The petals are delicate, like tissue paper, and the poppy welcomes butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Poppies are known as a symbol of remembrance, which stems from seeing them blossom on battlefields after the World Wars. In the U.S., the red poppy is by far the most popular and adds interest to any flower garden.
8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are a rare treat in the fall when all the summer flowers have gone. They add splashes of bold jewel tones in yellow, orange, purple, white, bronze, pink, purple, and red to our yards.
If you plant your mums correctly, they will soon spread and create plants that are up to three feet in diameter. The best part is that mums are perennials that will return the following fall. Southerners are fortunate enough to get two mum shows each year: once in the spring and once in the fall.
Use the following guidelines to plant and care for chrysanthemums:
- Plant in early spring.
- Dig a hole the same size as the pot the plant is in.
- Place plants nearly 3 feet apart. Remember, they will spread.
- Mums like water, so keep the soil must, but avoid watering the leaves.
- Pinch off the smaller buds as they grow and let the larger buds flourish.
Tip: Although you may enjoy potted mums on your front porch, it isn’t the best place for them. Give them full sun.
9. Peony
If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy cottage with billowing bushes of fragrant flowers, you might have pictured peonies in your mind. The giant bushes blossom in the spring and early summer, and if you have any near your house, you will want to open the windows to enjoy the peony perfume.
Once fully grown, you can count on your peonies to bloom for generations to come. Of all the different types of flowers, they make some of the most beautiful arrangements and are easy to cut and enjoy indoors. Years ago, peonies were only seen in basic pink and white shades, but today, you will find them in thousands of colors.
10. Azalea
Azaleas have a nickname, “The royalty of the garden,” thanks to their colorful clusters that bloom in the spring and last for weeks. There are a few varieties, including deciduous azaleas, which are the hardiest; ground cover azaleas, which grow low to the ground; and weeping azaleas, which have flowers that tilt, looking like they are weeping.
Late spring or early fall is the best time to plant azalea plants. Here’s how to properly plant azaleas:
- Plant in well-draining soil in a hole dug twice the size of the root ball.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain moisture.
- Water when dry while the plant is young.
Once established, azaleas take care of themselves.
11. Dahlia
Dahlias are glorious flowers with many tiny petals, tightly woven together to create a bold flower in several delightful colors. When you plant them in late spring, dahlias will bloom throughout the summer and even into the fall.
The most challenging part of dahlias is that there are so many sizes and colors that it’s tough to choose. They range from petite flowers of only 2 inches to larger ones as big as 15 inches in diameter. They make great bouquets, so feel free to cut your dahlias and bring them inside. They also create a perfect garden border since they won’t make a lot of shade over vegetables.
12. Calla Lily
Calla lilies are known as elegant flowers for their unusual tube shape and smooth petals. They attract birds and butterflies and add grace and sophistication to any area you plant them.
They do best in warmer climates and can’t handle much cold; however, they grow well in containers, so you can enjoy calla lilies in your home no matter where you live.
Here are some tips for planting calla lilies:
- Plant in the spring when there is no danger of frost.
- Plant about 2 to 3 inches deep.
- They like moisture, so water your calla lilies well, but make sure the soil drains easily.
Tip: Calla lilies won’t survive winter, so dig them up and plant them in pots inside if you want to keep them. You can also cut calla lilies at the stem to enjoy in arrangements.
13. Rose
The rose. Is there any more iconic flower? Roses represent love and romance and are the most popular choice when sending bouquets of flowers. The aroma is incomparable, and the shape of a rose may be the most recognizable flower shape in the world.
Interestingly, although the rose looks delicate and lovely, the thorny stems are painful when not handled properly.
Roses grow outside as a bush and do very well once they mature. When planted properly, you will enjoy a rose bush for many years. Let’s look at how to best plant and care for the beautiful rose:
- Plant roses as soon as the soil is workable after winter.
- Soak bare-root roses for 8 hours before planting.
- Plant in a sunny area where they will get at least 5 or 6 hours of sunshine.
- Plant in a hole about 15 inches wide and 15 inches deep.
- Water well after planting.
If you order bare-root roses, it will look like you received a package of sticks. Don’t worry. They aren’t dead, just dormant.
14. Hyacinth
If you enjoy floral aromas, you may want to keep potted hyacinths in your home. They have a beautiful floral fragrance and come in a rainbow of colors, including purple, white, pink, rose, lavender, and red.
When growing hyacinth, you begin with a bulb, which you can plant indoors or outside. They prefer full sun but will also do well in a slightly shaded area. They love the cold snap, so a hyacinth is a flower you can count on in northern climates.
15. Sunflower
Certain sunflower species can grow up to 12 feet tall, but did you know that there are smaller sunflowers that grow to only 2 feet tall? When planting sunflowers, you will start with sunflower seeds. Here’s how to plant them:
- Place the seeds into warm soil (no frost allowed) about 1 inch deep and keep the seeds 6 inches apart. For multiple rows, space rows 30 inches apart.
- Keep the roots moist by watering around them when they get dry.
- Support tall sunflowers with bamboo steaks as they grow.
After they bloom in summer and the season ends, collect the sunflower seeds to feed birds and plant more flowers next year. There are also many recipes you can use to enjoy the seeds yourself.
16. Carnation
Carnations are part of the dianthus (which means “divine flower”) family. They come in 300 varieties and have long been the go-to for wedding and prom boutonnieres and corsages. They are perfect on their own or for filling in spots in mixed bouquets. And best of all, carnations are available in every color and smell sweet and lovely.
17. Aster
During summer, most flowers fade away. But not asters – they bloom in late summer. Plus, these colorful flowers thrive in colder climates. They prefer the cool, moist soil of mild summer evenings and only enjoy partial sun.
For successful aster growing, follow these tips:
- Plant aster in the spring after the frost is done.
- Plant deep enough to cover the roots and space plants at least 3 feet apart.
- Add mulch to retain moisture and water well.
- Use stakes to support aster as it grows tall.
18. Daffodil
Daffodils are the first flowers you see as you stroll through the neighborhood at the beginning of spring
There are thousands of varieties of daffodils; however, they are most known for their bright yellow color. Although tulips bloom early as well, a benefit of the daffodil is that animals don’t like how they taste (unlike tulips, which rabbits and deer love).
Bulbs are the best way to plant daffodils, and you can easily grow them outside and watch them bloom each spring or plant them inside in pots. Here are some tips for planting daffodils:
- Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall in a sunny area before the ground freezes.
- Plant pointy side up in a hole double the bulb’s size.
- Cover with at least 3 inches of soil and plant 3 to 6 inches apart.
- Water lightly after planting, then leave them alone until spring.
Types of Flowers by Life Cycle
There are five stages to a flower’s life cycle: seed germination, growth, reproduction, pollination, and seed spreading. A flower’s life cycle varies depending on the type of flower it is, such as perennials, annuals, or biennials. Let’s take a closer look at each type of life cycle.
Annuals
Annual flowers must be planted yearly. For example, petunias and marigolds are planted in the spring, and the blossoms are enjoyed all summer. Then, they are removed at the end of the season since they won’t survive the cold. To enjoy them again, new ones are planted in the spring. The entire life cycle from seed to seed spreading is one year.
- Petunia
- Begonia
- Celosia
- Zinnias
- Angelonia
- Cosmos
- Geraniums
- Marigold
- Snapdragons
- Dahlias
- Sunflower
- Aaron Caladium
Perennials
Perennial flowers are planted once and then return each year. Tulips are an example of perennial flowers. You plant the bulbs one time; they bloom in the spring, become dormant in the fall and winter, and then return the following spring. There is no need to replant. Although perennials become dormant and then return, each life cycle is one year.
- Shasta Daisy
- Coneflower
- Phlox
- Salvia
- Aster
- Catmint
- Wild Indigo
- Daylily
- Mother of Thyme
- Blue Star
- Bee Balms
Biennials
Unlike annuals and perennials, which complete a cycle in one year, biennials take two years to complete a life cycle. They are like perennials since you do not need to replant them to enjoy them yearly. Examples of biennials are Hollyhock and black-eyed Susan.
- Foxglove
- Canterbury bells
- Sweet Williams
- Digitalis purpure
- Angelica sylvestris
- Teasels
- Hollyhocks
- Aquilegias
- Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis)
Type of Flower by Color
When choosing flowers for an arrangement or planting in your yard, you probably consider what colors you want. Let’s look closer at how we view the different types of flowers by color.
White
White flowers are a symbol of loyalty, purity, and respect. You see them often at weddings and in bouquets. Popular white flowers are baby’s breath and daisies.
- Lily-of-the-Valley
- Iceberg Rose
- Annabelle Hydrangea
- Baby’s Breath
- Japanese Anemone
- (White) Lilac
- Calla
- Shasta Daisy
- Annual Vinca
Yellow
Yellow represents positivity and optimism. People often describe yellow flowers as “cheery.” They add a ray of sunshine to any room, yard, or bouquet. Popular yellow flowers are sunflowers and tulips.
- Sunflowers
- (Yellow) Petunia
- (Yellow)Calibrachoa
- African Daisy
- Wishbone Flower
- Begonia
- Strawflower
- Mecardonia
- Bidens
- Lantana
- Nemesia
- Canna Lily
Purple
Purple symbolizes success and pride. You might see purple flowers at a graduation ceremony. Purple varies in shades from light lavender to a deep, dark purple. Popular purple flowers are violets and hyacinths.
- Lavender
- Violets
- Petunia
- Allium
- Crocus tommasinianus
- Catmint
- Delphinium
- Irises
- Larkspur
- Morning Glory
Blue
The color blue reminds us of loyalty and courage. Blue hydrangeas and bluebells are popular blue flowers.
- Clematis
- Iris
- Blue Hydrangea
- Heart-leaf Brunnera
- Bluestar
- Leadwort
- Bellflower
- Brunnera macrophylla
- Lily of the Nile
Green
Green isn’t only found in the stems of flowers. Some flowers are green themselves, though not many. They symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, which makes perfect sense since green reminds us of spring. The most popular green flowers are the bells of Ireland and some types of orchids.
- Bells of Ireland
- Green Trick Dianthus
- Green Hellebore
- Green Cymbidium Orchid
- Gladiolus
- Chrysanthemum
- Mediterranean Spurge
Orange
Orange symbolizes happiness and joy. Orange flowers you may recognize are tiger lilies and marigolds.
- Tiger lilies
- Bird of paradise
- California Poppy
- Gerbera daisy
- Marigolds
- Orange Tulips
- Canna Lily
- Gerbera Daisies
- Helenium
Pink
Pink is a unique color since it symbolizes both sweetness and seduction. For this reason, some say it is the perfect color flower for a woman. Popular pink flowers are peonies and hydrangeas.
- Rose Thrift
- ‘Alice du Pont’ Mandevilla
- ‘Raspberry Wine’ Bee Balm
- Achillea Appleblossom
- Hollyhock
- Astilbe Chinensis Var. Pumila
- Carefree Beauty Rose
- Rose of Sharon
- Ranunculus
- Camellias
- Dahlias
- Peonies
- Hydrangeas
- Carnations
Red
Red may be the most recognizable symbol of passion and love. The red rose is a classic romantic gesture when given as a bouquet. Red tulips are common as well.
- Roses
- Red Emperor Tulip
- Oriental Poppy
- Carnations
- Amaryllis
- Hibiscus
- Azalea
- Gerbera Daisies
Types of Flowers by Shape
What do you imagine in your mind when you envision a flower? Is it a rose? A tulip? Or maybe a fluffy peony? Flowers come in all kinds of shapes. Let’s look at some common petal arrangements. Keep in mind that some shapes can overlap.
Cruciform
Cruciform flowers have four petals that are in a crisscross shape (like a plus sign or an x). They are often overlooked since many cruciform flowers are tiny and white. An example is a bedstraw.
- Bedstraw
- Alyssum
- Wallflower
- Candytuft
Stellate
A stellate flower has several petals coming out separately from one central point. It’s the flower shape that many people enjoy drawing, even as a young child. The Daylily is a stellate flower because of the star-like pattern of its petals.
- Daylily
- Star Jasmine
- Star of Bethlehem
- Borage
Campanulate
Bell-shaped flowers are in the campanulate family. The flowers resemble bells and sometimes hang like a bell from the stem. A few flowers have a bell shape, including the Canterbury bells.
- Canterbury bells
- Harebell
- Foxglove
- Heath
Salverform
Salverform flowers are narrow, tube-like flowers with petals at the end that stick out relatively straight, almost abruptly, and usually tiny. Common salveform flowers are primrose and phlox.
- Phlox
- Primrose
- Pentas
- Blue star creeper
- Plumbago
Tubulate
Tubulate flowers look like tubes, making them easy to spot. The petals don’t stick out or open up like other flowers. The cigar flower is a tubulate.
- Trumpet Vine
- Trumpet Creeper
- Fuchsia
- Penstemon
- Columbine
- Cigar Flower
Ligulate
Ligulate flowers have flat or linear strap-like petals. The daisy is the best example of a ligulate flower.
- Daisy
- Dandelion
- Chicory
- Aster
- Hawkweed
