In this article, we’ll explore a list of flowers that start with the letter M, such as the versatile marigold, known for its edible features and easy maintenance in gardens, and the appealing family of morning glory, which attracts butterflies. Among the interesting flowers on our list, we’ll look into various species, uncovering their unique traits, survival methods, blooming seasons, and sunlight requirements for healthy growth.
23 Flowers that start with the letter M
1 Marigold
- Scientific Name: Tagetes
- Bloom Period: Typically from late spring through fall
- Hardiness Zone: 2 through 11, depending on the species
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun for optimal growth and flowering
The marigold is a vibrant and popular garden flower commonly found across the United States. These plants, recognizable by their bright orange, yellow, and gold blooms, are not designated as a state flower anywhere in the U.S., but they hold significant cultural importance in many regions.
Marigolds are particularly noted for their pungent scent and ability to deter pests, making them a practical choice for natural garden pest control. They grow well in full sun and are often used in celebrations like Dia de los Muertos due to their bold colors and strong fragrance.
2 Mums
- Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum
- Bloom Period: Late summer through fall
- Hardiness Zone: Typically 5 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade for best flowering results
Mums are widely recognized for their role in autumn displays with their vibrant blooms in a variety of colors. These flowers are the state flower of Alaska, symbolizing longevity and rejuvenation. Mums are commonly found across the United States, especially favored for their late blooming cycle that extends color in gardens as other flowers diminish.
They prefer well-drained soil and require full sunlight to partial shade. Their distinctive round flowers can be single or double petal, making them a versatile choice for both garden beds and containers.
3 Morning glory
- Scientific Name: Ipomoea
- Bloom Period: Early summer to the first frost
- Hardiness Zone: 3 through 10
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun for optimal growth and bloom
The Morning Glory is a common sight in many parts of the United States, especially thriving in warmer climates. These flowers are widely cultivated for their ability to quickly cover fences and trellises with vibrant blooms.
Morning Glories are best known for their trumpet-shaped flowers that typically open in the morning and close by the afternoon. They come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, pink, and white. These vines prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and can grow quite rapidly under optimal conditions.
4 Magnolia
- Scientific Name: Magnolia
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: 6 through 10
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade for best growth and flowering
The Magnolia is a prominent and beloved flower, especially in the southern United States. It is the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. This plant is native to the Southeast U.S. and is recognizable by its large, creamy white flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. The magnolia tree can grow to significant heights, often reaching more than 60 feet.
These trees prefer full sun to partial shade and are known for their hardy nature, capable of withstanding both high heat and poor soil conditions. The flower itself emits a subtle, sweet fragrance, adding a sensory appeal to its physical beauty.
5 Milkweed
- Scientific Name: Asclepias
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: 3 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Milkweed, known scientifically as Asclepias, is crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies, serving as the only host plant for their larvae. It is widely appreciated in the U.S. for its ecological role. Common across the United States, especially in prairies and open fields, milkweed produces clusters of pink, orange, or white flowers.
These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also emit a strong fragrance that attracts various pollinators. Milkweed plants contain a sap that is toxic to many species, providing a protective benefit to the monarch butterflies that feed on them and become less palatable to predators.
6 Mock Orange
- Scientific Name: Philadelphus
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering
Mock Orange, or Philadelphus, is known for its delightful scent resembling that of orange blossoms, hence its name. This shrub is widely grown in the US for its decorative appeal and aromatic white flowers. Commonly found in gardens across the temperate regions of the United States, Mock Orange typically blooms in late spring to early summer.
The plant features dense, green foliage and can grow up to 10 feet tall, producing a profusion of white flowers that make it a popular choice for ornamental hedges and wildlife gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
7 Mandevilla
- Scientific Name: Mandevilla
- Bloom Period: Spring to fall
- Hardiness Zone: 9 through 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade for vigorous growth and abundant flowering
Mandevilla, also known as rocktrumpet, is a popular vine known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. Its vibrant blooms make it a favored choice in warmer climates, particularly in southern states. Mandevilla vines can grow several feet in a single season, displaying colors like pink, red, white, and yellow.
These plants require a sturdy support to climb and thrive best in full sun with well-drained soil. They are often used in container gardening and as part of trellises or arbors to add a splash of color and tropical flair to outdoor spaces.
8 Moss rose
- Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: 2 through 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun for best bloom performance
Moss Rose is a favored choice for gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant. This succulent thrives in hot, sunny climates, commonly seen across the southern United States. Moss Rose plants are characterized by their fleshy, needle-like leaves and vibrant flowers that come in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
The blooms typically open in bright sunlight and close in the evening or on cloudy days. Ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers, Moss Rose is appreciated for its ability to grow in poor, gravelly soil and its beautiful, colorful blossoms that last throughout the warm months.
9 Myrtle
- Scientific Name: Myrtus communis
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: 8 through 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Myrtle is celebrated for its aromatic foliage and star-like white flowers. It holds cultural significance in many regions worldwide. Common in the Mediterranean, myrtle is also found in temperate climates across the United States, especially favored in southern gardens.
This evergreen shrub typically grows to about 5 feet tall and wide, featuring dense, glossy green leaves and clusters of fragrant, white blooms in the summer, followed by purple-black berries. Myrtle is often used in landscaping for hedges and topiary, and its leaves are frequently used in culinary dishes for their flavor.
10 Mountain laurel
- Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full sun (in cooler climates)
Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. This native shrub is common in the eastern United States, particularly thriving in the mountainous and forested areas. It features glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring.
The flowers are distinctively shaped, with a unique star-like form in a circular pattern. Mountain Laurel prefers acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It is often used in landscaping for its decorative flowers and evergreen foliage, but care should be taken as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
11 Moonflower
- Scientific Name: Ipomoea alba
- Bloom Period: Summer to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: 10 through 12 (typically grown as an annual in cooler climates)
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Moonflower is well-loved in the U.S. for its nocturnal blooming habits. These flowers are commonly found in warmer U.S. climates and are ideal for night gardens. Moonflower vines produce large, white blooms that unfurl at dusk to release a sweet fragrance, closing again at sunrise.
The plant features heart-shaped leaves and can grow quickly, making it suitable for trellises or fences where it can climb. This night-blooming characteristic makes it a favorite among those who enjoy evening gardening and wish to attract night-time pollinators like moths.
12 Marguerite daisy
- Scientific Name: Argyranthemum frutescens
- Bloom Period: Early spring to fall
- Hardiness Zone: 10 through 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Marguerite Daisy is widely appreciated for its cheerful appearance and ease of care. Originally from the Canary Islands, this plant is common in temperate climates across the United States, particularly in coastal areas.
Marguerite Daisy features daisy-like flowers with white, yellow, or pink petals surrounding a central yellow disc. It blooms profusely from early spring until fall, making it a popular choice for garden borders and containers. The plant generally reaches about 1-3 feet in height and prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure to flourish.
13 Malva
- Scientific Name: Malva spp.
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Malva flower, commonly referred to as mallow is appreciated for its prolonged flowering period and hardiness. Malvas are found throughout various regions in the U.S., adapting well to both garden and wild settings. These plants typically produce a profusion of colorful blooms ranging from pink to purple, with a distinctive five-petaled shape surrounding a prominent central stamen.
The leaves are roundish with lobed edges, adding to their visual appeal. Malvas can grow as tall as 3-4 feet and are often used in borders or as an informal hedge. They prefer full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-drained soil, showing resilience against drought conditions once established.
14 Muscari
- Scientific Name: Muscari armeniacum
- Bloom Period: Early to mid-spring
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Muscari flower, often called grape hyacinth, is a popular choice in gardens for its unique appearance and easy care. These flowers are commonly found throughout the U.S., particularly in temperate regions. Muscari produces dense clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers that resemble bunches of grapes, typically in shades of deep blue or purple, though some varieties may be pink or white.
The plant’s narrow, spear-like leaves appear in early spring, with the flowers following shortly after. Muscari is appreciated for its ability to naturalize in gardens, spreading over time to create striking drifts of color. They prefer well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure.
15 Marsh marigold
- Scientific Name: Caltha palustris
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: 3 through 7
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (prefers shaded areas in warmer climates)
Marsh Marigold is a prominent feature in wetlands and marshy areas of the northern United States and Canada. Commonly referred to as cowslip, this perennial plant boasts glossy, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring.
The blooms are large and cup-shaped, providing a splash of color in damp, shaded environments. Marsh Marigold is often used in water gardens or at the edges of ponds where its roots can stay moist. It’s important to handle with care as the plant’s sap can be irritating to the skin.
16 Meadow rue
- Scientific Name: Thalictrum
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun to full shade (prefers shaded areas in hotter climates)
Meadow Rue is valued for its delicate, feathery foliage and graceful flowering stalks. Common across the eastern and midwestern United States, this perennial is often found in wooded areas and meadows. Meadow Rue plants produce clusters of small, fluffy flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white during the summer.
The plant’s leaves resemble those of a fern, adding texture and depth to garden designs. Meadow Rue thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can grow in both full shade and partial sun, making it versatile for various garden settings. It is particularly noted for its height, often reaching up to six feet, which allows it to stand out in garden landscapes.
17 Meadowsweet
- Scientific Name: Filipendula ulmaria
- Bloom Period: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness Zone: 3 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (prefers moist, shaded areas)
Meadowsweet is cherished for its medicinal properties and sweet fragrance. This perennial herb is commonly found in damp meadows and riverbanks across the northern and western United States. Meadowsweet features clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, emitting a pleasant, almond-like scent.
The plant typically grows to about 3 to 6 feet tall and has dark green, fern-like foliage. Meadowsweet thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, making it suitable for planting along water features or in naturalized garden areas. Historically, it has been used in traditional remedies for its anti-inflammatory properties.
18 Mimosa
- Scientific Name: Albizia julibrissin
- Bloom Period: Early summer to mid-summer
- Hardiness Zone: 6 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Mimosa flower, also known as silk tree is celebrated for its fluffy, pink, brush-like flowers and fern-like foliage. It is commonly found in the southern United States due to its adaptability to warm climates. Mimosa trees can reach up to 30 feet in height and are known for their broad, flat crown and quick growth rate.
The flowers appear in the summer, providing a soft, fragrant display that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Mimosa is often planted in urban environments for its ornamental value and shade, though it is also considered invasive in some areas due to its ability to spread rapidly.
19 Montbretia
- Scientific Name: Crocosmia
- Bloom Period: Late summer
- Hardiness Zone: 5 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth
Montbretia is admired for its vibrant, fiery-colored blooms that range from yellow to deep red. This perennial is commonly seen in gardens across the milder climates of the western and southern United States.
Montbretia plants feature arching stems and sword-shaped green leaves, with flowers that blossom in a sequence along the stems in late summer. These blossoms are known for attracting hummingbirds and bees, making Montbretia a popular choice for wildlife gardens. The plant prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun, where it can develop dense clumps and provide a bright splash of color.
20 Monte cassino
- Scientific Name: Aster spp.
- Bloom Period: Late summer to fall
- Hardiness Zone: 4 through 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun for best flowering and growth
The Monte Cassino flower, also referred to simply as Aster, is renowned for its delicate, star-shaped blooms that make it a favorite in fall floral arrangements. It is commonly cultivated across the country for its appealing late-season colors. Monte Cassino typically features white petals with yellow centers, although Asters come in a variety of colors including blue, pink, and purple.
These flowers are native to areas in Europe and Asia but have adapted well to various American climates. Characteristically, they grow in clumps and can reach up to four feet in height, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. They are particularly valued for their long blooming period from late summer into fall.
21 Milkwort
- Scientific Name: Polygala spp.
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early fall, varying slightly by species
- Hardiness Zone: Generally adaptable to zones 5 through 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade depending on the species
Common in the eastern United States, Milkwort flourishes in a range of habitats from moist woodlands to open fields. The plant is characterized by small, vibrant flowers, typically purple, blue, or occasionally yellow, arranged in dense clusters.
Milkwort flowers are uniquely structured with two large petal-like sepals surrounding smaller, intricate petals. The plant is also valued for its traditional use in herbal remedies, particularly for its reputed benefits in promoting respiratory health.
22 Myrsine
- Scientific Name: Myrsine spp.
- Bloom Period: Generally blooms in spring, but can vary slightly with local conditions
- Hardiness Zone: Typically zones 9 to 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates
The Myrsine encompasses various species often referred to as colicwood or rapanea. Myrsine is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of the southern United States like Florida. These evergreen shrubs or small trees display leathery leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers which are often followed by purple or black berries.
The flowers are generally clustered in the leaf axils, making them less visible among the dense foliage. Myrsine species are notable for their adaptability to different soil types and conditions, often used in landscaping for ground cover or as understory plants in larger garden designs.
23 Maiden pink
- Scientific Name: Dianthus deltoides
- Bloom Period: Late spring to midsummer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Maiden pink is a hardy flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, but it has also become established in parts of North America. Known for its dense mats of slender leaves and profusion of bright pink flowers, Maiden pink blooms from late spring to midsummer.
The flowers are typically about one inch in diameter with a distinct fringed petal edge, often displaying a darker ring near the center. Commonly found in dry, sandy soils, it adapts well to rock gardens and borders. Maiden pink is appreciated for its low maintenance needs and its ability to cover ground quickly.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.