Flowers that start with the letter H come in a variety of shapes, colors, and growing conditions. Each one has its own unique traits, from survival adaptations to blooming cycles. If you’re considering adding them to your garden, I’ll cover their sunlight needs, hardiness zones, and when you can expect them to bloom.
20 Flowers that start with the letter H
1 Hydrangea
- Scientific Name: Hydrangea
- Bloom Period: Typically from early spring to late autumn
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 9, depending on the variety
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefer partial shade, though some varieties can tolerate full sun with sufficient moisture
The Hydrangeas are a popular flowering plant known for their large, lush blooms which range in color from blue and purple to pink and white, depending on the soil’s acidity. This plant grows particularly well in regions with mild winters and summer moisture, such as the Pacific Northwest. Hydrangeas are also known by names like hortensia.
These flowers have a unique ability to change color based on the pH levels of their soil, making them a favorite among gardeners for their versatility and visual appeal. The flowers are typically round and clustered, resembling a pompom. Hydrangeas are often used in landscaping due to their ability to grow both as shrubs and climbing plants, making them a flexible choice for garden designs.
2 Hosta
- Scientific Name: Hosta spp.
- Bloom Period: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade
The Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, are primarily known for their attractive foliage rather than their flowers. These perennials are commonly found in gardens across the northeastern states due to their shade tolerance and low maintenance requirements. Hostas display a wide range of leaf colors, from deep green to blueish tones and variegated patterns.
The flowers of hostas are generally tall, slender spikes with tubular, lavender, or white blooms that appear in mid to late summer. They grow in hardiness zones 3 through 9 and prefer environments with partial to full shade, making them excellent for under-canopy layers or north-facing gardens.
3 Hibiscus
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus spp.
- Bloom Period: Typically from late spring to early autumn
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 5 through 11, depending on the species
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
The Hibiscus flower, with its large, vivid blooms, is recognized for both its beauty and utility. The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the state flower of Hawaii. Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, peach, and yellow, and they can reach up to six inches in diameter.
They are commonly found in warm climates across the southern United States, particularly in Florida where they grow due to the tropical conditions. These flowers are not only decorative but are also used in teas and culinary dishes for their flavor and potential health benefits. Hibiscus plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them suitable for a range of garden settings.
4 Heuchera
- Scientific Name: Heuchera spp.
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade; can tolerate morning sun and afternoon shade, more sun in cooler climates
The Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, are favored for their decorative foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers. These perennials are native to North America and are especially common in the woodland areas of the Northeastern United States. Heuchera plants come in a variety of leaf colors, including shades of green, red, bronze, and purple, which makes them popular in garden design for year-round color.
The flowers, which appear on slender, upright stems, range in color from white to pink and red. Heuchera is well-suited to shaded gardens, adding both texture and color with minimal care requirements. They thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 9 and prefer well-drained soils and partial shade, although they can tolerate more sun in cooler climates.
5 Hyacinth
- Scientific Name: Hyacinthus
- Bloom Period: Early to mid-spring
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Hyacinths are well-known for their dense clusters of fragrant flowers. Commonly found throughout temperate regions of the United States, particularly favored in gardens for their early spring blooms, hyacinths offer a variety of colors including blue, pink, purple, white, and yellow. Originating from the eastern Mediterranean, these bulbous plants have a compact form, typically growing up to 10 inches tall.
Each bulb produces a single stalk lined densely with star-shaped flowers, creating a visually appealing column of color. Hyacinths are popular for both garden beds and container planting due to their delightful scent and attractive, orderly appearance. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade conditions.
6 Hollyhock
- Scientific Name: Alcea rosea
- Bloom Period: Mid-summer to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun
The Hollyhocks are a garden classic, particularly prominent in cottage gardens and traditional landscapes. Hollyhocks are tall, stately plants, often reaching heights of 5 to 8 feet. They are common throughout the Midwest and Northeast, where they flourish in the temperate climate.
Hollyhocks produce large, colorful blooms along their erect stems in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are known for attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. These biennial or short-lived perennial plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for back borders or as architectural elements against walls and fences.
7 Heather
- Scientific Name: Calluna vulgaris
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 6
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Heather flower, belonging to the genus Calluna, is valued for its hardiness and the splash of color it adds to landscapes. Heather is most commonly associated with the moorlands of Scotland, but it is also found in the northeastern United States, where its ability to thrive in rocky, acidic soils makes it a popular choice for challenging garden spots. Heather plants are low-growing, usually reaching only 20 to 50 cm in height, and have small, scale-like leaves.
They bloom from late summer to fall, producing clusters of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. Heather is beneficial for wildlife, providing a late-season pollen source for bees and other pollinators. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is an excellent ground cover for erosion control on slopes.
8 Heliotrope
- Scientific Name: Heliotropium
- Bloom Period: Spring to fall
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 9 through 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
The Heliotrope flower, also known as “cherry pie,” is cherished for its sweet vanilla-like fragrance. Originating from Peru, heliotropes are commonly cultivated in gardens across the southern and western United States, flourishing in warm climates. The plant features clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers, which bloom from spring until fall.
Heliotropes are compact and bushy, typically growing up to 15 inches tall, making them suitable for borders or as part of a floral arrangement in gardens. They require well-drained soil and perform best in full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Heliotropes are often planted in areas where their pleasant aroma can be enjoyed.
9 Hyacinth bean vine
- Scientific Name: Lablab purpureus (L.)
- Bloom Period: Summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 10 through 11; often grown as an annual in cooler climates
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun
The Hyacinth bean vine is admired for its rapid growth and ornamental appeal, featuring both attractive foliage and flowers. It produces purple pods that follow its fragrant purple or white flowers, which bloom throughout the summer and into fall. Commonly found in the southern United States due to its preference for warm climates, the Hyacinth Bean Vine can grow up to 10-15 feet in a single season.
This vine is often used to cover trellises, fences, and arbors. It requires full sun and well-drained soil to flourish, and while all parts of the plant are beautiful, they should be consumed with caution as they contain compounds that can be toxic if not prepared correctly.
10 Hoya Carnosa
- Scientific Name: Hoya carnosa
- Bloom Period: Sporadic throughout the year; often in summer
- Hardiness Zone: Typically grown as a houseplant in the U.S.; outdoors in Zones 10-11
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sunlight but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
The Hoya carnosa, commonly known as the wax plant is cherished for its lush, waxy foliage and star-shaped flowers, which are often pink or white and appear in umbrella-like clusters. Native to Eastern Asia and Australia, Hoya carnosa is popular in households across the United States, especially in areas that can provide the warm, humid conditions it prefers.
This plant thrives indoors where temperatures are consistent and bright, indirect light is available. It’s a low-maintenance choice for indoor gardeners, requiring only occasional watering and minimal feeding. The blooms also produce a sweet scent, especially in the evening, adding a pleasant aroma to any space.
11 Hellebore
- Scientific Name: Helleborus spp.
- Bloom Period: Late winter to early spring
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade
The Hellebore, also known as the Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose is a perennial favored for its early blooming, often flowering in late winter or early spring when most other plants are dormant. Hellebores are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the United States with similar mild, moist winter climates.
These plants typically produce cup-shaped flowers ranging from white and green to pink and purple, often with intricate, patterned interiors. The leaves are dark green and leathery, providing a lush backdrop to the subtle blooms. Hellebores are appreciated for their shade tolerance and low maintenance, making them a reliable choice for under-canopy areas in gardens.
12 Hesperis
- Scientific Name: Hesperis matronalis
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Hesperis flower, commonly known as Dame’s Rocket is often found in the wild across the northeastern and midwestern states, growing commonly in meadows, on roadsides, and in woodlands. Hesperis is a biennial plant that can sometimes behave like a perennial, producing tall spikes of small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple during late spring to early summer.
The flowers resemble those of phlox but are distinguished by having four petals, whereas phlox has five. Dame’s Rocket is valued for its sweet scent, especially noticeable in the evening. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to informal or wildflower gardens.
13 Hyssop
- Scientific Name: Hyssopus officinalis
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun
The Hyssop is a herbaceous plant that is part of the mint family and is known for its aromatic leaves and medicinal properties. It is commonly found in herb gardens across the United States, especially favored in regions with temperate climates. The plant typically grows upright with narrow, dark green leaves and produces small, densely packed spikes of purple or blue flowers in the summer.
These flowers are not only attractive to gardeners but also to bees and butterflies, making hyssop a beneficial plant for supporting local pollinators. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its leaves are often used in cooking and herbal medicine, noted for their minty, somewhat bitter flavor.
14 Heliconia
- Scientific Name: Heliconia spp.
- Bloom Period: Primarily in the summer, though it can vary depending on the variety and local conditions.
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 10 through 12; typically grown as a greenhouse or indoor plant in cooler climates.
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade in hotter climates.
The Heliconia is often referred to as lobster-claws due to the shape of its colorful bracts. This tropical plant is typically found in more humid, warmer climates, such as Florida and Hawaii, where conditions mimic its native tropical regions in South America and islands in the Pacific. The most notable feature of Heliconia is its vividly colored and structured bracts, which can range from fiery reds to deep yellows and oranges.
These bracts contain smaller true flowers, which attract a variety of pollinators, notably hummingbirds. Heliconia prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. Its appearance makes it a popular choice for tropical-themed gardens and floral displays.
15 Hardy begonia
- Scientific Name: Begonia grandis
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 6 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade; tolerates more shade than most flowering plants
The Hardy begonia is noted for its resilience in cooler climates compared to other begonias. This perennial is commonly found in shaded garden areas of the Southeastern United States, where it adds color even in low-light conditions.
Hardy begonia produces delicate pink or white flowers from late summer into fall, providing late-season interest when many other plants have finished blooming. Its leaves are green with a distinctive red vein pattern, adding to its visual appeal throughout the growing season. This plant thrives under the canopy of larger trees, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
16 Henbit
- Scientific Name: Lamium amplexicaule
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: Widely adaptable, commonly found in zones 3 through 10
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Henbit is a common sight across many regions, particularly growing as a winter annual in the southern states. This plant is often seen in gardens, fields, and along roadsides, where it grows quickly in cool weather. Henbit is easily recognized by its distinctive purple flowers and rounded, heart-shaped leaves that wrap around the stem.
While often considered a weed due to its rapid spread and ability to dominate spaces, henbit is also appreciated by gardeners for attracting pollinators early in the season. It can provide a crucial food source for bees in early spring when other flowers are not yet in bloom.
17 Hedysarum
- Scientific Name: Hedysarum spp.
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: Typically zones 3 through 7
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Hedysarum, also known as sweetvetch is notable for its attractive and unique flowering clusters. This genus includes various species found across the northern regions of the United States, particularly in meadows and woodlands where the soil is moist and well-drained. Hedysarum flowers are typically pink, red, or purple and grow in dense clusters that can add a splash of color to natural settings.
The plants often feature compound leaves, with multiple small leaflets arranged along a central stem, and they can vary in height, usually depending on the specific species and environment. Hedysarum is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which can improve soil fertility.
18 Hepatica
- Scientific Name: Hepatica
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade
The Hepatica, also known as liverleaf due to the shape of its leaves, is one of the earliest blooming wildflowers in the deciduous woodlands of the northeastern and north-central United States. Hepatica’s flowers emerge in early spring, even before its leaves fully unfold. The blossoms can vary in color, typically appearing in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white.
Each flower is delicate, with narrow petals and a fluffy center of stamens. The plant’s leaves are green, leathery, and lobed, retaining their color throughout the winter. Hepatica prefers shady, wooded areas with well-drained soil, making it a charming addition to shade gardens and naturalized woodland settings.
19 Honesty
- Scientific Name: Lunaria annua
- Bloom Period: Spring
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Honesty flower is also known as the money plant or silver dollar due to its distinctive seed pods. It is commonly found in gardens across the Midwest and Northeast, appreciated for both its blooms and its ornamental seed pods. The flowers of the Honesty plant are simple yet appealing, typically purple or white, blooming in spring.
Following the flowering period, the plant produces circular, translucent seed pods that are highly valued in dried floral arrangements. Honesty is a biennial, which means it grows foliage in its first year and flowers and seeds in its second. It grows in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
20 Hypericum berry
- Scientific Name: Hypericum androsaemum
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: Zones 5 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
The Hypericum, commonly known as St. John’s Wort, is recognized for its vibrant yellow flowers and distinctive, colorful berries that follow. These berries can be yellow, red, or deep burgundy, depending on the species. Common across various regions in the United States, especially in the eastern states, Hypericum is appreciated both in natural settings and cultivated gardens for its medicinal properties as well as its ornamental appeal.
The plant blooms in the summer, producing star-shaped flowers that are followed by clusters of berries in the fall. This perennial is versatile, adapting to both sun and partial shade and preferring well-drained soils. It’s often used in floral arrangements and gardens for its appealing contrast of flowers and berries.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.