This article will explore flowers that start with the letter G. We’ll learn their characteristics, how they thrive, and the environmental conditions they require, such as hardiness zones, sunlight needs, and blooming seasons.
23 Flowers that start with the letter G
1 Gardenia
- Scientific name: Gardenia jasminoides
- Bloom period: Late spring to summer
- Hardiness zone: 8 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade
The Gardenia is renowned for its intense fragrance and waxy, white flowers. Native to Asia, gardenias are commonly grown in the warmer climates of the southern United States, such as Florida and the coastal regions of California. These evergreen shrubs typically reach 2 to 6 feet in height and feature dark green, glossy leaves.
Gardenia flowers bloom from late spring into summer, filling the air with their sweet scent, making gardenias a favorite for both gardens and as indoor plants in cooler regions.
2 Geranium
- Scientific name: Geranium
- Bloom period: Spring to fall
- Hardiness zone: 9 to 12 (often grown as an annual in cooler climates)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Geraniums are native to South Africa but have become a garden staple across much of the United States, particularly favored for their durability and vibrant blooms. Geraniums are popular in container gardens, window boxes, and as bedding plants, producing flowers in a wide range of colors including red, pink, purple, and white. The leaves are typically rounded, often with distinct leaf markings or scents when crushed, which can range from citrusy to minty.
Geraniums bloom from spring until fall and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They are especially valued for their ability to withstand dry conditions, making them a low-maintenance choice for summer gardens.
3 Gerbera daisy
- Scientific name: Gerbera jamesonii
- Bloom period: Spring to summer
- Hardiness zone: 8 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Gerbera daisy originates from South Africa, this plant is widely cultivated across the warmer states of the US, such as California and Florida. Gerbera daisies are known for their large, colorful flowers which range in shades from white, pink, and yellow to deep red. The flowers stand out with their large, eye-catching blooms atop long, slender stems, making them popular both in gardens and as cut flowers.
These daisies bloom primarily in the spring and summer and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They require regular watering and good air circulation to prevent disease. Gerbera daisies are particularly favored for their bright, cheerful appearance and are commonly used in floral arrangements due to their long vase life.
4 Gladiolus
- Scientific name: Gladiolus
- Bloom period: Early to late summer
- Hardiness zone: 7 to 10 (corms need to be lifted in fall in cooler zones)
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Gladiolus, commonly referred to as “glads,” is a beloved summer-blooming plant across the country. Gladiolus is cherished for its showy, tall flower spikes that come in a rainbow of colors, including pink, red, yellow, purple, and white. These flowers grow along one side of a sturdy stalk, which can reach up to 6 feet in height, depending on the variety.
Gladiolus plants are typically planted as corms in the spring and bloom from early summer into late summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are often used in cutting gardens due to their long, straight stems and blooms that make dramatic floral arrangements. Their height and vivid colors make them a popular choice for background plantings in garden beds or borders.
5 Grape hyacinth
- Scientific name: Muscari
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Grape hyacinth is widely appreciated in the US for its distinctive appearance and easy cultivation. These flowers are common in gardens across temperate regions, including various states such as Virginia and Oregon. Grape hyacinths produce dense clusters of small, urn-shaped blue or purple flowers that resemble bunches of grapes, hence their name.
They typically bloom in early spring, providing an early splash of color. Interestingly, despite their common name, grape hyacinths are not related to true hyacinths but belong to the asparagus family. They are low-maintenance, which makes them popular among gardeners looking to add a reliable and colorful element to their landscapes.
6 Goldenrod
- Scientific name: Solidago
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska. This flower is common across much of North America, particularly thriving in open areas like meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. Goldenrods are known for their bright yellow flower clusters that bloom profusely from late summer to fall.
They stand tall, typically ranging from 2 to 5 feet in height, with slender stems and lance-shaped leaves. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod is not a major cause of allergies; its pollen is too heavy to be easily airborne, making it less likely to provoke allergic reactions compared to other plants like ragweed that bloom at the same time.
7 Gaillardia
- Scientific name: Gaillardia
- Bloom Period: Early summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-10
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Gaillardia, commonly known as the blanket flower, is a popular choice in gardens across the US, particularly in states like Texas and Oklahoma due to its resilience and adaptability. Gaillardia features vibrant red, orange, and yellow petals that often appear in a gradient, encircling a central disk resembling a pinwheel. These flowers typically bloom from early summer to fall, offering a long-lasting display of color.
They are remarkably drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them ideal for sunny, dry areas. The plant ranges in height from 8 inches to 2 feet and can spread widely, which is why it’s named a “blanket” flower, as it blankets the ground it grows on.
8 Gloxinia
- Scientific name: Gloxinia
- Bloom Period: Spring and summer
- Hardiness Zone: Not applicable for outdoor growing; typically grown as a houseplant
- Sunlight Requirements: Bright, indirect light
The Gloxinia is primarily grown indoors due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures. Originating from Brazil, Gloxinia thrives in a warm, humid environment, making it a popular houseplant. The plant is renowned for its large, velvety bell-shaped flowers which come in a variety of colors including purple, red, pink, and white.
The leaves are dark green and plush. Gloxinias require indirect light and consistent moisture to flourish, blooming mostly in the spring and summer. After flowering, the plant often enters a dormancy period where it appears to die back, only to regrow from its tuberous base the following season.
9 Gaura
- Scientific name: Gaura
- Bloom Period: Spring through autumn
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 5-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Gaura, also known as wandflower or whirling butterfly, is a resilient perennial native to North America and commonly found in southern states such as Texas and Louisiana. Gauras are characterized by their slender, tall stems that can reach up to 5 feet in height, topped with delicate flowers that flutter in the breeze and resemble butterflies.
These flowers are typically white but can have pink shades and bloom from spring through autumn. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are drought-resistant once established, making them a favored choice for sustainable gardens that aim to conserve water.
10 Globe thistle
- Scientific name: Echinops
- Bloom Period: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Globe thistle is favored for its unique spherical blue or violet flower heads and spiky appearance. This perennial is often seen in gardens across the northern states due to its ability to thrive in cooler climates. Globe thistles are notable for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while being deer-resistant.
They bloom from mid to late summer and can reach heights of up to 4 feet. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it is quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. The steel-blue blooms and deeply cut, thistle-like foliage add a distinctive texture to garden landscapes.
11 Goat’s rue
- Scientific name: Galega officinalis
- Bloom Period: Early to mid-summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4-8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Goat’s rue is an herbaceous perennial that is commonly found in the wild and cultivated in gardens across the northeastern and midwestern US. It is known for its medicinal properties, historically used to stimulate lactation and manage blood sugar levels. Goat’s rue flowers from early to mid-summer, producing small, pea-like flowers that are typically pale lavender or white.
These are clustered along spike-like racemes that rise above the plant’s leafy, bushy foliage. Typically reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet, goat’s rue prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil. Despite its benefits, it should be noted that the plant is toxic if ingested in large quantities and should be handled with care.
12 Golden star
- Scientific name: Chrysogonum virginianum
- Bloom Period: Spring, with sporadic blooms through summer and fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 5-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade, can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture
The Golden star, also known as green-and-gold is a perennial favorite in eastern US, particularly from Florida to Pennsylvania. This plant is recognized for its star-shaped, bright yellow flowers and its lush green foliage. It typically blooms profusely in spring and can continue flowering sporadically throughout the summer and fall if conditions are favorable.
Golden star is a low-growing plant, often reaching only about 6 to 12 inches in height, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. It thrives in partial shade but can also adapt to full sun if kept moist. Its ability to spread and form a dense mat makes it effective at suppressing weeds, while also adding a cheerful splash of color to garden beds and borders.
13 Ground ivy
- Scientific name: Glechoma hederacea
- Bloom Period: Spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun
The Ground ivy, also known as creeping charlie is often regarded as a vigorous weed in many regions of the US, including the Midwest and Northeast. This plant is a perennial ground cover that is easily recognizable by its small, rounded leaves and clusters of tiny, blue-violet flowers that bloom in spring. Ground ivy spreads quickly through its stems that root at the nodes and can rapidly take over large areas, making it a challenge in lawns and gardens where it is not wanted.
Despite its reputation as a nuisance, ground ivy has some uses; it has been historically used in herbal medicine and even as a flavoring in beer before the widespread use of hops.
14 Gayfeather
- Scientific name: Liatris
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Gayfeather also known as blazing star, is popular in the US for its role in native and perennial gardens, especially in the Midwest and Eastern states. The plant is easily identifiable by its tall, narrow spikes with dense purple or white flowers that bloom from the top down, a unique feature among flowering plants. It flowers in late summer to fall and can reach heights of 1 to 5 feet, depending on the variety.
Gayfeather prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a reliable choice for sustainable landscaping. Its blooms attract butterflies and bees, enhancing the garden’s appeal to pollinators.
15 Geum
- Scientific name: Geum
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer, with sporadic reblooms
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4-9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Geum flower, often referred to as avens, is a charming addition to many gardens particularly in the northern states due to its cold hardiness. Geum produces a variety of bright, colorful flowers, typically in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The blooms sit atop long, wiry stems that rise from clumps of hairy, lobed leaves.
Geum flowers from late spring to early summer and can re-bloom sporadically throughout the growing season if deadheaded regularly. This perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s particularly noted for its resilience and ease of growth, making it a popular choice for borders and cottage gardens.
16 Globe amaranth
- Scientific name: Gomphrena globosa
- Bloom Period: Summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 2-11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Globe amaranth is widely cultivated for its durability and vibrant blooms. Commonly seen in the southern states of the US, such as Florida and Texas, this plant thrives in hot, sunny climates. Globe amaranth flowers from summer to fall, producing round, clover-like flower heads in shades of purple, pink, white, and red.
These blooms are not only attractive in gardens but also hold their color well when dried, making them popular for use in dried floral arrangements. The plant is relatively short, usually growing about 12 to 24 inches tall, and is known for its drought resistance and low maintenance requirements, needing only well-drained soil and full sun to flourish.
17 Galanthus
- Scientific name: Galanthus
- Bloom Period: Late winter to early spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-7
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
The Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrop. These small, hardy flowers typically appear when snow is still on the ground, often blooming as early as January or February. Snowdrops feature delicate, nodding white flowers, each hanging from a single, slender green stem.
The leaves are narrow and grayish-green in color. Galanthus is appreciated for its ability to naturalize and spread over time, forming impressive carpets of white in wooded areas and lawns. Despite its fragile appearance, the snowdrop is resilient and can thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil.
18 Glory-of-the-Snow
- Scientific name: Chionodoxa forbesii
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Glory-of-the-snow is beloved for its early spring blooms that often appear while snow is still present, hence its name. Commonly seen in the northeastern states of the US, this plant produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, and pink, which provide a vibrant display against the melting snow.
Its flowers rise from clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. Growing only about 4 to 6 inches tall, Glory-of-the-snow is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and underplanting with deciduous trees. It thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial sun, and it naturalizes easily, spreading over time to create stunning carpets of color early in the gardening season.
19 Grevillea
- Scientific name: Grevillea
- Bloom Period: Varies by species; many bloom year-round in suitable climates
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 9-11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Grevillea flower, a member of the Proteaceae family is an attractive option for gardens in warmer climates, particularly in states like California and Florida. Grevilleas are native to Australia and are known for their unique and intricate flowers, which can range in color from red to orange, pink, and yellow. The flowers are often rich in nectar, making them excellent for attracting birds, especially hummingbirds.
Grevilleas have finely divided leaves that vary widely among species, adding to their visual appeal. These plants are highly adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, and they thrive in full sun, making them suitable for xeriscaping or drought-resistant gardens.
20 Golden marguerite
- Scientific name: Anthemis tinctoria
- Bloom Period: Early to mid-summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-7
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Golden marguerite, also known as yellow chamomile is a popular choice for gardens across the northeastern and northwestern United States due to its bright and cheerful appearance. This perennial features daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals and a central disc, blooming profusely from early to mid-summer. Golden marguerite typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet in height and is prized for its ability to thrive in poor soil and full sun conditions.
Golden marguerite’s foliage is finely divided and aromatic, adding texture and fragrance to garden settings. It’s often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life.
21 Gas plant
- Scientific name: Dictamnus albus
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Gas plant holds interest for its unique characteristics. This perennial is notable for its ability to emit a flammable vapor in hot weather, hence the name “gas plant.” Originating from southern Europe and Asia, it is found in gardens across the temperate zones of the US, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.
The gas plant produces spikes of white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer, and its glossy, dark green leaves have a lemony scent when crushed. It grows up to 2 to 4 feet tall and is as wide. This plant is slow to establish but very long-lived and drought-resistant once mature, making it a reliable choice for perennial borders.
22 Goat’s beard
- Scientific name: Aruncus dioicus
- Bloom Period: Early to mid-summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-7
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
The Goat’s beard is a robust perennial that’s commonly found in the woodlands of the northeastern US. This plant features large, feathery plumes of creamy white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer, making it a favored backdrop in shade gardens. The foliage resembles that of its relative, the fern, with deep, finely divided leaves that add texture to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
Goat’s beard can reach heights of up to 6 feet in ideal conditions, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It’s particularly well-suited to larger spaces due to its size and the dramatic effect of its flowering plumes.
23 Glory lily
- Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba
- Bloom Period: Late spring to mid-summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 9-11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Glory lily is renowned for its dramatic and unusual flowers. Native to Asia and Africa, this climbing perennial is occasionally grown in warmer regions of the US, such as Florida and Hawaii. The Glory lily boasts distinctive, flame-like flowers with reflexed petals that are vivid red and yellow, making it a addition to any tropical or subtropical garden.
It blooms from late spring to mid-summer and can reach up to 6 feet in height, often requiring support to climb. Despite its beauty, it is important to note that all parts of the Gloriosa lily are highly toxic if ingested, requiring careful handling and placement away from children and pets.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.