This article looks at 18 flowers that start with the letter E. We’ll learn about their various characteristics, how they survive, their requirements including hardiness zones, blooming periods, and sunlight needs.
18 Flowers that start with the letter E
1 Euphorbia
- Scientific name: Euphorbia
- Bloom period: Varies widely among species; generally spring to summer
- Hardiness zone: Varies by species, generally 4 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the species
Euphorbia is a diverse genus that includes over 2,000 species, ranging from annuals and perennials to shrubs and succulents. These plants are found in a variety of habitats across the United States, with species adapted to everything from deserts to moist forests. Euphorbias are known for their unique appearance, often having leaves that are tightly clustered around stems and sometimes producing small flowers encased in colorful bracts.
One of the most distinctive features of many euphorbias is their milky sap, which can be an irritant to the skin and is toxic if ingested. Despite this, they are popular in gardens for their drought tolerance and interesting structure, often used in rock gardens and as border plants. Their adaptability to various environments makes them a versatile choice for many landscapers and gardeners.
2 Eastern purple coneflower
- Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
- Bloom period: Early summer to late summer
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Eastern purple coneflower is a staple in many North American gardens. This native prairie plant is common throughout the eastern and central United States, particularly thriving in hardiness zones 3 through 9.
It is easily recognized by its tall stems topped with large, daisy-like purple flowers and prominent, spiky central cones. These blooms appear from early to late summer and are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, making them excellent for pollinator gardens.
Echinacea is also widely celebrated for its medicinal properties, particularly in boosting immune system health. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is drought-resistant once established, making it both a resilient and beautiful addition to sustainable landscapes.
3 English daisy
- Scientific name: Bellis perennis
- Bloom period: Spring and summer
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The English daisy is a familiar sight in many temperate climates across the country, particularly in regions with cooler summers. Native to Europe, this small perennial is commonly seen in lawns, meadows, and garden borders, where it often grows densely to form a low carpet of foliage. The English daisy features spoon-shaped, bright green leaves and classic daisy flowers—white petals around a yellow disk—which bloom throughout spring and summer.
Although often considered a weed in lawns due to its aggressive growth, the English daisy is also cultivated for its quaint appearance in ornamental gardening. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions.
4 Evening primrose
- Scientific name: Oenothera
- Bloom period: Summer
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Evening primroses are notable for their unique blooming pattern; the flowers typically open in the evening and stay open until the next morning, making it a favorite in moon gardens where nighttime visibility is desired. Evening primrose is common throughout many parts of the United States, thriving in well-drained soils in full sun.
It produces tall spikes of fragrant yellow, pink, or white flowers throughout the summer months. Known for its rapid growth and self-seeding capabilities, evening primrose can spread quickly, making it ideal for covering large areas. The plant is also valued for its oil, which is used in various cosmetic and medicinal products for its essential fatty acids.
5 Eucalyptus
- Scientific name: Eucalyptus
- Bloom period: Varies by species; generally in late winter or spring.
- Hardiness zone: Generally 8 to 11, depending on the species.
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Eucalyptus has become prevalent, particularly in California, where its rapid growth and tolerance to drought have made it a common choice for reforestation and ornamental purposes.
Known for its aromatic leaves, eucalyptus trees can vary greatly in size, from small shrubs to towering giants. The trees are recognized by their peeling bark and lance-shaped leaves, which change from blue-green to a more elongated, dull green as they mature.
Eucalyptus is valued not only for its wood and oil, which are used in various industries but also for its ability to reduce waterlogging by drying out soggy areas. The leaves and oil have potent medicinal properties, popular in treatments for everything from colds to arthritis.
6 Ear-leaved tickseed
- Scientific name: Coreopsis auriculata ‘Nana’
- Bloom period: Spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Ear-leaved tickseed is native to the southeastern United States and is appreciated for its ease of growth and cheerful yellow flowers. It typically blooms from spring to early summer, featuring distinctive orange-yellow blossoms with toothed edges and small lobes at the base, which resemble ears—hence the name “ear-leaved.”
The plant usually grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and prefers full sun, thriving in well-drained soil. Ear-leaved tickseed is commonly used in garden borders and wildflower meadows, where its bright blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
7 Easter lily
- Scientific name: Lilium longiflorum
- Bloom period: Naturally blooms in late spring to early summer; commercially forced to bloom for Easter
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Easter lily is renowned for its role as a traditional symbol of Easter due to its pure white, trumpet-shaped blossoms that coincide with the holiday season. Originally native to Japan and Taiwan, the majority of Easter lily bulbs now cultivated in the United States are grown along the border of California and Oregon, known as the “Easter Lily Capital of the World.”
These lilies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, though they are forced to bloom earlier for the Easter market. The plants are about 1 to 3 feet tall and prefer well-drained soils, full sun to partial shade, and cool, temperate climates. Easter lilies are often used in religious ceremonies and as festive decorations, symbolizing purity, virtue, and rebirth.
8 Edelweiss
- Scientific name: Leontopodium nivale
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 7
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Edelweiss is famously known as a symbol of the Alps. Native to Europe, this small mountainous plant is rarely found wild in the United States but is cultivated in rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Edelweiss is characterized by its distinctive star-shaped flowers covered in white, woolly hairs, which help protect it from the cold. The plant typically blooms in late spring to early summer and grows well in rocky, limestone soils at high altitudes.
Despite its rugged appearance, edelweiss is delicate and requires specific conditions to thrive, including full sun and excellent drainage. The flower has become a symbol of rugged beauty and purity, often celebrated in folklore and music.
9 Eglantine
- Scientific name: Eglantine
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Eglantine is a wild rose species cherished for its fragrant foliage and flowers. This shrub is native to Europe and western Asia but has naturalized in parts of the northeastern and northwestern United States.
Eglantine typically grows as a dense shrub with arching stems, thorny branches, and leaves that release a pleasant apple-like scent when crushed. Its flowers are pink and modest, blooming in late spring to early summer, followed by bright red rosehips that persist into winter.
These rosehips are rich in vitamin C and are often used in teas and jams. Eglantine is valued not only for its ornamental and aromatic qualities but also for its utility in hedging and wildlife habitats, providing shelter and food for various bird species.
10 Everlasting flower
- Scientific name: Helichrysum bracteatum
- Bloom period: Early summer to fall
- Hardiness zone: 9 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Everlasting flower, commonly referred to as strawflower is renowned for its vibrant, papery blooms that resemble daisies and are known to retain their color and shape long after being picked, hence the name “everlasting.” While native to Australia, strawflowers are commonly cultivated in gardens across the United States for their durability and visual appeal.
They typically bloom from early summer to fall, presenting a spectrum of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Everlasting flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them excellent for dry, sunny areas. Their unique texture and long-lasting nature make them popular in dried floral arrangements and crafts.
11 Egyptian star flower
- Scientific name: Pentas lanceolata
- Bloom period: Continuously throughout the year in warmer climates; summer to fall in cooler areas.
- Hardiness zone: 10 to 11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Egyptian star flower is valued for its star-shaped clusters of flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of red, white, pink, and purple. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the Egyptian star flower is commonly grown in the warmer climates of the southern United States, particularly Florida and Texas, where it thrives year-round.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for butterfly gardens due to its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant’s bushy, compact growth habit and continuous blooming nature make it an excellent addition to borders, and containers, and as a bedding plant in sunny garden spots.
12 Elderflower
- Scientific name: Sambucus
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Elderflower is widely recognized for its clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Elder trees are common across the United States, thriving in both wild and cultivated settings, particularly in areas with moist, well-drained soil. They can grow as shrubs or small trees, often reaching up to 30 feet tall.
The flowers are known for their sweet fragrance and are used in making syrups, liqueurs, and teas, celebrated for both their flavor and potential health benefits. Following the flowering period, elder trees produce dark berries that attract wildlife and are also harvested for various culinary uses, although raw berries are toxic to humans.
13 Elecampane
- Scientific name: Inula helenium
- Bloom period: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 7
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Originally from Europe and parts of Asia, this herbaceous perennial is now found throughout many regions of the United States, particularly thriving in zones 3 to 7. Elecampane grows up to 4 to 6 feet tall, featuring large, coarse leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Elecampane is noted for its medicinal properties, historically used for treating respiratory ailments. Its root contains inulin, a type of fiber that supports digestive health. Gardeners value elecampane for its robust size and flowers, which add visual interest and a touch of old-world charm to gardens.
14 Elephant ears
- Scientific name: Colocasia
- Bloom period: Flowers are rare and not the main attraction; foliage is perennial in warm climates.
- Hardiness zone: 8 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full shade
Elephant ears are famed for their large, broad leaves which resemble the shape of an elephant’s ears. Commonly cultivated in the warmer, humid regions of the United States such as Florida and Hawaii, elephant ears thrive in damp, shady environments, making them ideal for waterside plantings or as dramatic focal points in garden settings. The plant can reach up to 6 feet in height and is equally wide, often overshadowing neighboring plants with its massive leaf spread.
While the leaves are the main attraction, elephant ears also produce inconspicuous flowers that are seldom noticed. These plants require consistent moisture and do not tolerate frost, but their quick growth and tropical flair make them popular among gardeners looking to add an exotic touch to their landscapes.
15 English bluebell
- Scientific name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Bloom period: Late spring
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full shade
The English bluebell is celebrated for its enchanting presence in woodlands across its native Britain. In the United States, it is less common and primarily grown in gardens that replicate its natural woodland setting. English bluebells bloom in late spring, producing delicate bell-shaped, violet-blue flowers that droop elegantly from one side of the stem, creating a distinctive arching effect.
The flowers emit a sweet fragrance, which adds to their allure, making them a favorite for woodland gardens. They prefer cool, shady environments and well-drained, moist soil, thriving under deciduous trees that provide dappled sunlight. Although beautiful, English bluebells can be easily outcompeted by the more vigorous Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, in garden settings.
16 Epimedium
- Scientific name: Epimedium
- Bloom period: Early to mid-spring
- Hardiness zone: 5 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Partial to full shade
Epimedium, also known as barrenwort or bishop’s hat. This perennial is prized in temperate regions for its durability and the delicate appearance of its flowers. Epimedium is native to China and the Mediterranean but has become a popular ground cover in shady American gardens, particularly in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and dainty, spider-like flowers that come in various colors, including yellow, pink, and purple, which bloom in early to mid-spring.
Epimedium grows best in well-drained soil with partial to full shade, making it ideal for understory plantings and woodland gardens. It’s valued not only for its visual appeal but also for its ability to thrive in low-light and dry conditions, where other plants might struggle.
17 Erica
- Scientific name: Erica
- Bloom period: Varies by species; Erica carnea (winter heath) blooms from late winter to early spring.
- Hardiness zone: Typically 4 to 8, depending on the species.
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Erica flower is commonly known as heath. This broad genus includes many species, most notably Erica carnea, the winter heath. Erica plants are native to South Africa and Europe but have been cultivated in the United States, thriving particularly in the Pacific Northwest due to its similar climate. Characterized by their needle-like foliage and dense clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers, Erica blooms can vary in color from white and pink to red and purple.
They typically bloom from late winter to early spring, providing color when most other plants are dormant. Erica prefers acidic, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is often used in rock gardens, as ground cover, or in containers, appreciated for its evergreen presence and resilience to harsh conditions.
18 Everlasting daisy
- Scientific name: Xerochrysum bracteatum
- Bloom period: Late spring to summer
- Hardiness zone: 8 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Native to Australia, this plant is admired for its vibrant, colorful flowers which resemble daisies with papery textures, making them popular in dried floral arrangements due to their ability to retain color and shape for long periods. Although less common in wild settings in the USA, they are cultivated in gardens, particularly in areas with warm climates.
Everlasting daisies bloom from late spring through summer, featuring a range of hues including yellow, pink, and white. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are drought-resistant once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.