In this article, we will explore flowers that start with the letter “S,” such as the popular Sunflower, known for its delicious edible seeds, and the Safflower, famous for its vegetable oil extraction. These are just a few examples on our list, so let’s discover more about other flowers in this article. We will learn about their unique characteristics, how they survive, and their requirements to thrive, including hardiness zone, sunlight needs, and blooming seasons.
13 Flowers that start with letter S
1 Sunflower
- Scientific name: Helianthus annuus
- Bloom period: Summer to early fall
- Hardiness zone: 4-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Sunflowers, known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers, are not only beautiful but also symbolize adoration and loyalty. They are associated with Kansas, known as the Sunflower State.
These flowers can grow to impressive heights, sometimes reaching over 6 feet tall, and their large flower heads can measure up to 12 inches in diameter. Sunflowers are commonly found in the central and western parts of the United States, where they thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
2 Safflower
- Scientific name: Carthamus tinctorius
- Bloom period: Summer to early fall
- Hardiness zone: 3-10
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Safflowers are known for their vibrant orange or yellow flowers. These flowers are commonly grown for their seeds, which are used to produce safflower oil, a healthy cooking oil. Safflowers are annual plants that can grow up to 3 feet tall and have spiny leaves.
They are native to the Middle East but are now cultivated worldwide, including in the central United States. Safflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a popular choice for gardens and farms.
3 Sweet alyssum
- Scientific name: Lobularia maritima
- Bloom period: Spring to fall
- Hardiness zone: 5-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Sweet alyssum is a delicate and fragrant flowering plant. They are native to the Mediterranean region but are commonly cultivated in gardens across the United States. This plant is known for its small clusters of flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Sweet alyssum is often used as a ground cover or in borders due to its low-growing and spreading nature. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and fragrance to their landscapes.
4 Sweet pea
- Scientific name: Lathyrus spp.
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 3-11 (usually grown as an annual)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Sweet peas are charming and fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, white, and red. Sweet peas are popular for their beautiful blooms and sweet scent. These flowers are climbing plants that can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, making them ideal for trellises or fences.
They prefer cool weather and can be grown as annuals in most climates. They are a favorite among gardeners for their lovely appearance and delightful fragrance.
5 Sedum
- Scientific name: Sedum spp.
- Bloom period: Summer to fall
- Hardiness zone: 3-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a diverse genus of flowering plants that are known for their succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers. Sedums are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. These plants are well-adapted to dry, rocky environments and are commonly found in gardens and landscapes as ground covers or in rock gardens.
Sedums come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with some varieties growing only a few inches tall and others reaching up to two feet in height. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
6 Shasta daisy
- Scientific name: Leucanthemum x superbum
- Bloom period: Late spring to early fall
- Hardiness zone: 5-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Shasta daisies are classic garden flowers known for their white petals and bright yellow centers. Shasta daisies are a hybrid of several daisy species and were first developed in the late 19th century. These flowers are easy to grow and are often used in gardens and landscapes as border plants or in flower beds.
They bloom from early summer to early fall and attract butterflies to the garden. Shasta daisies can grow up to 3 feet tall and prefer full sun to partial shade. They are low-maintenance plants that add a cheerful touch to any garden.
7 Shooting star
- Scientific name: Dodecatheon meadia
- Bloom period: Spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 3-8
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Shooting star flowers are unique wildflowers known for their distinctive appearance. They are native to North America and are commonly found in meadows, woodlands, and prairies. These flowers have elongated petals that curve back, giving them the appearance of shooting stars.
They bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white in the spring and early summer. Shooting star flowers prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They are an important source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
8 Sage
- Scientific name: Salvia spp.
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 4-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Sage flowers, belonging to the Salvia genus, are known for their aromatic foliage and colorful blooms. This is a diverse genus with many species that are native to various regions around the world. In the United States, sage is commonly found in the western states such as California and Arizona.
These flowers come in a range of colors including blue, purple, pink, and white, depending on the species. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are popular for their culinary and medicinal uses, as well as their attractiveness to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
9 Sanvitalia
- Scientific name: Sanvitalia spp.
- Bloom period: Summer to fall
- Hardiness zone: 8-11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Sanvitalia flowers, commonly known as creeping zinnias, are small, daisy-like flowers that are native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. They are not designated as the state flower of any U.S. state. Sanvitalia flowers are low-growing plants that produce an abundance of bright yellow or orange flowers throughout the summer and fall.
They are often used as ground cover or in containers and hanging baskets due to their trailing growth habit. Sanvitalia flowers are easy to grow and require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and attract butterflies to the garden.
10 Sasanqua
- Scientific name: Camellia sasanqua
- Bloom period: Fall to early winter
- Hardiness zones: 7-9
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade to full sun
The Sasanqua flower, also known as Camellia sasanqua, is admired for its beauty and versatility. Native to Japan and China, it is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in states like Georgia and South Carolina.
Sasanquas are evergreen shrubs with glossy, dark green leaves and flowers that bloom in fall to early winter, featuring single or double petals in shades of white, pink, or red. These flowers are smaller and less formal than other camellias, making them popular in gardens and landscapes for their graceful appearance.
11 Scabiosa
- Scientific name: Scabiosa
- Bloom period: Late spring to early fall
- Hardiness zones: 3-7 (varies by species)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Scabiosa flower, commonly known as the pincushion flower is well-loved for its delicate beauty. Found frequently in gardens across the United States, particularly in states with milder climates like California and Texas, Scabiosa blooms from late spring to early fall.
These flowers feature round, pincushion-like centers surrounded by soft petals in colors ranging from white and pink to blue and purple. Scabiosa plants typically grow to about 1-2 feet tall, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
12 Scille
- Scientific name: Scilla spp.
- Bloom period: Early spring
- Hardiness zones: 3-8
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade to full sun
The Scilla flower, also known as squill is appreciated for its early spring blooms. Common in gardens and woodlands across the northeastern United States, particularly in states like New York and Pennsylvania, Scilla features small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and sometimes white.
These flowers grow on slender stems, reaching heights of 6-8 inches, and prefer well-drained soil in partial to full sun. Scilla is often used in rock gardens, borders, and naturalized areas for its delicate appearance and early flowering period.
13 Saffron
- Scientific name: Crocus sativus
- Bloom period: Autumn
- Hardiness zones: 6-9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Saffron flower holds the distinction of being the world’s most expensive spice. While not a state flower, it is highly prized for its culinary and medicinal uses. Originating from Southwest Asia, it’s commonly cultivated in countries like Iran, Greece, and India.
In the United States, it can be found growing in states with Mediterranean-like climates such as California. The Saffron flower blooms in autumn, boasting delicate purple petals with vibrant orange stigmas, which are harvested and dried to produce saffron spice.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.