In this article, let’s explore various flowers that start with the letter P, such as pansies, which are popular among gardeners, and phlox. These are just a few examples that you can consider adding to your garden list. We’ll learn about other species in this article, discussing their unique characteristics, traits, survival mechanisms, and requirements such as hardiness zones, sunlight needs, and blooming seasons.
22 Flowers that start with the letter P
1 Pansy
- Scientific name: Viola tricolor var. hortensis
- Bloom period: Early spring and fall
- Hardiness zone: Typically grown as an annual; suitable for USDA zones 4 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The pansy is known for its expressive, colorful blooms. Pansies are a common sight in gardens across all states due to their versatility and ability to bloom in cooler temperatures. Typically showcasing a broad palette of bright colors including purple, yellow, and red, pansies have distinct markings that resemble a face.
They thrive in cool weather and are often planted in the early spring or fall. Pansies are biennials but are usually grown as annuals, thriving in full to partial sun and well-drained soil. They are popular for both garden beds and containers due to their charming appearance and long flowering period.
2 Peony
- Scientific name: Paeonia spp.
- Bloom period: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Peony is celebrated for its large, lush blooms and is the state flower of Indiana. Common across the United States, particularly in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, peonies flourish in cooler climates. These perennials are known for their range of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.
The plants typically bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a short but impressive display of flowers that are often fragrant. Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are popular for their durability and low maintenance once established. They are frequently used in landscaping and as cut flowers due to their large, attractive blossoms and long vase life.
3 Petunia
- Scientific Name: Petunia spp.
- Bloom Period: Spring to frost
- Hardiness Zone: Typically grown as an annual; best performance in USDA zones 9 to 11
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Petunia is a widely popular garden plant due to its vibrant colors and easy care. Petunias are native to South America and thrive across various climates in the United States, flourishing particularly well in USDA zones 9 to 11. These flowers come in many colors including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow, often with distinctive patterns or blended hues.
Petunias are characterized by their funnel-shaped blooms and can be found in both single and double flower forms. They are excellent for hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover, blooming from spring until frost. Petunias require full sun and well-drained soil to produce their best displays.
4 Phlox
- Scientific name: Phlox spp.
- Bloom period: Varies by species; generally from spring to late summer
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Phlox flower is a beloved addition to many American gardens. This genus includes both annual and perennial species, commonly found throughout the United States, especially suited to USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Phlox plants produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, and white, which are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
They typically bloom from spring into late summer, depending on the species. Phlox prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. This plant is particularly valued for its ability to provide vibrant ground cover and its use in borders and rock gardens.
5 Poppy
- Scientific name: Eschscholzia californica (specifically for the California poppy)
- Bloom period: Spring to early summer
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 6 to 10
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Poppy flower, specifically the California poppy, is the state flower of California. Poppies are known for their bright and delicate blooms that can range in color from vivid orange to red, pink, white, and yellow. They are commonly found in meadows and fields across the U.S., particularly thriving in well-drained soil and full sun.
Poppies are annuals or perennials depending on the species, with the California poppy often reseeding itself and blooming from spring through early summer. These flowers close at night and on cloudy days, and they are often used in landscaping for their drought tolerance and vibrant colors.
6 Primrose
Scientific name: Primula vulgaris
- Scientific Name: Primula spp.
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
The Primrose flower is celebrated for its early bloom, often signaling the arrival of spring. Primroses are widely cultivated across the United States, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. These perennial plants typically produce pale yellow flowers, although cultivars can vary in color from white to pink, blue, and purple.
Primroses prefer shaded areas and moist, well-drained soil. They are frequently used in woodland garden settings and borders for their low-growing, rosette-forming leaves and clusters of delicate flowers. The plants are relatively low maintenance, making them popular among gardeners looking to add early spring color.
7 Poinsettia
- Scientific name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Bloom period: Typically colors up in response to shorter daylight hours in late fall and winter
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 9 to 11 (as a perennial outdoor plant)
- Sunlight requirements: Bright, indirect light indoors; partial shade outdoors in suitable climates
The Poinsettia, widely recognized for its association with the Christmas season. Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico who introduced the plant to the States, poinsettias are native to Mexico. In the U.S., they are commonly grown indoors as holiday decorations due to their colorful bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers but are actually leaves.
These bracts turn vivid shades of red, white, pink, and even marbled combinations in response to shorter daylight hours. Poinsettias require careful light management to color up for the holiday season and prefer well-drained soil and indirect light. They are sensitive to both cold drafts and hot dry air, thriving in temperate indoor conditions.
8 Purple coneflower
- Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
- Bloom period: Early to late summer
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Purple coneflower is widely acclaimed for its medicinal properties and rugged beauty. Commonly found across the central and eastern United States, this perennial thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. The plant features large, daisy-like flowers with pinkish-purple petals surrounding a prominent, spiky central cone, which is typically orange or brown. These flowers attract butterflies and bees, making them excellent choices for pollinator gardens.
Purple coneflower is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its use in boosting immune system health, as extracts from the plant are commonly used in herbal remedies. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought, making it a durable addition to sustainable landscapes.
9 Peach blossom
- Scientific name: Prunus persica
- Bloom period: Early spring
- Hardiness zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Peach blossom is the state flower of Delaware. In the U.S., peach trees are widely cultivated in states known for fruit production, such as Georgia and South Carolina, although they are grown in many other parts of the country as well. Peach blossoms appear in early spring, presenting delicate flowers that range from pink to light purple.
Each blossom has five petals and is relatively small, yet they cover the trees profusely. This early blooming makes them a herald of spring and a critical early food source for pollinators. Peach trees require full sun and well-drained soil to flourish and produce fruit.
10 Periwinkle
- Scientific Name: Vinca minor
- Bloom Period: Spring to summer
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
The Periwinkle is known for its durability and use as an evergreen ground cover. This plant produces small, typically blue or purple flowers throughout spring and summer.
Periwinkle is common in many parts of the U.S., particularly thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. It adapts well to both shaded and sunny areas, making it versatile for garden use. The plant’s ability to spread quickly helps stabilize soil and suppress weeds, making it a practical choice for covering bare spots in landscapes.
11 Plum blossom
- Scientific name: Prunus mume
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The plum blossom is celebrated for its early flowering, often heralding the arrival of spring. It is revered as a symbol of resilience and perseverance, particularly in East Asian cultures. In the United States, plum trees are commonly found in temperate regions, especially in states like California where the climate is favorable for fruit trees.
Plum blossoms have five petals and range in color from white to pink. They are fragrant and attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the cross-pollination essential for fruit production. Plum trees require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive, and they are popular not only for their beauty but also for the delicious fruit they produce.
12 Passionflower
- Scientific name: Passiflora
- Bloom Period: Summer to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The passionflower is designated as the state wildflower of Tennessee. This unique flower is renowned for its intricate structure, often featuring a circle of flat, petal-like parts, a ring of filaments, and several stamens. The most common species in the U.S., Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop, produces purple and white flowers.
Passionflowers are commonly found in the southern United States, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Beyond their decorative appeal, passionflowers are also known for their edible fruits and medicinal properties, with some species used in herbal supplements for their calming effects.
13 Prairie sunflower
- Scientific name: Helianthus petiolaris
- Bloom Period: Mid-summer to early fall
- Hardiness Zone: Typically grown as an annual; adaptable to various zones
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The prairie sunflower is closely related to the better-known state flower of Kansas, the common sunflower. Native to North America, the prairie sunflower is commonly found across the Great Plains and western states of the USA. This annual plant typically grows in open, sandy areas where it can receive plenty of sunlight.
It features smaller heads than the common sunflower, with bright yellow petals and a dark brown center. Prairie sunflowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, providing vibrant color and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-drained soil, making them well-suited to naturalistic and wildflower gardens.
14 Plumeria
- Scientific name: Plumeria
- Bloom Period: Spring to fall
- Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 10 to 12
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
The Plumeria flower, also known as frangipani is widely recognized for its role in Hawaiian lei making. This tropical plant is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, but has become synonymous with the Hawaiian Islands.
Plumeria flowers are most notable for their sweet fragrance and waxy petals, which come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, and yellow, often with two tones. They bloom from spring through fall, thriving in warm climates and requiring full sun and well-drained soil. In the mainland U.S., they are commonly grown in Southern states like Florida and California, where conditions mimic their tropical origins.
15 Portulaca
- Scientific name: Portulaca
- Bloom period: Late spring to early fall
- Hardiness zone: Typically grown as an annual; suitable for USDA zones 2 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Portulaca flower is prized for its vibrant, colorful blooms and succulent leaves, which make it an excellent choice for xeriscaped gardens and arid environments. Portulaca flowers come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, pink, red, and orange, often displaying multiple hues in a single bloom.
They thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor, dry soils, making them ideal for tough spots where other plants might struggle. Common across the southern and western states, Portulaca’s ability to spread quickly helps cover bare ground efficiently, while its drought tolerance reduces the need for frequent watering.
16 Peace lily
- Scientific name: Spathiphyllum
- Bloom Period: Can bloom sporadically throughout the year, often in response to indoor conditions
- Hardiness Zone: Not applicable, typically grown indoors; can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 11 to 12
- Sunlight Requirements: Low to moderate indirect light
The Peace lily, or Spathiphyllum is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying qualities. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, Peace lilies are favored for their ability to thrive in lower light conditions and their minimal care requirements. The plant features glossy green leaves and white blooms, which are actually a specialized leaf bract that surrounds a central flower spike.
Commonly found in homes and offices across the U.S., Peace lilies are appreciated for their ability to improve indoor air quality by filtering out common toxins. They prefer shaded areas and need to be kept moist without being waterlogged.
17 Painted daisy
- Scientific name: Tanacetum coccineum
- Bloom period: Early to mid-summer
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 7
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Painted daisy is commonly found in gardens across the country for its utility and visual appeal. The plant features fern-like foliage and vibrant flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. Painted daisies typically bloom in early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
These flowers are appreciated not only for their beauty but also for their ability to repel certain garden pests, making them a natural choice for organic gardening. They prefer well-drained soil and do best in full sun to partial shade conditions.
18 Purple shamrock
- Scientific name: Oxalis triangularis
- Bloom period: Spring to summer
- Hardiness zone: 8 to 11 (commonly grown as a houseplant in other zones)
- Sunlight requirements: Partial shade to full shade
The Purple shamrock is cherished for its unique, triangular-shaped leaves that are a deep purple color. This plant is commonly grown indoors across the country due to its preference for cooler, shaded environments. The purple shamrock produces delicate pink or white flowers that contrast sharply with its dark foliage.
It is known for its ability to fold its leaves in the evening or in response to touch, reopening them with the morning light. This responsive behavior, along with its vivid color and easy care, makes it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts.
19 Pelargonium
- Scientific name: Geranium
- Bloom period: Spring through fall
- Hardiness zone: 10 to 11; commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Pelargonium flower, commonly known as geranium is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. It is particularly common in states with mild climates, such as California. Pelargoniums display a variety of colors including pink, red, purple, and white. Their leaves are rounded with a soft texture and often have a distinctive fragrance, which can vary from floral to spicy, depending on the variety.
This plant is favored for its ability to bloom over a long period, typically from spring through fall. Pelargoniums are adaptable to both container gardening and flower beds, requiring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to flourish.
20 Paper flower
- Scientific name: Bougainvillea glabra
- Bloom period: Year-round in optimal conditions; most vibrant in the warmer months
- Hardiness zone: 9 to 11
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun for best color display
The Paper flower, also known as Bougainvillea, is renowned for its vibrant, papery bracts that surround tiny, inconspicuous flowers. It is widely grown in warmer climates such as Florida and California. Bougainvillea can be seen adorning walls, fences, and trellises, adding bursts of color ranging from pink and purple to red, orange, and white.
This hardy plant is drought-resistant once established and requires minimal care beyond pruning to maintain its shape. It thrives in full sun, which enhances the vividness of its bracts, and prefers well-drained soil. The plant’s ability to withstand heat makes it a popular choice for sunny, hot areas where other flowers might struggle.
21 Painted tongue
- Scientific name: Salpiglossis sinuata
- Bloom period: Mid-summer to fall
- Hardiness zone: Typically grown as an annual
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun
The Painted tongue flower is admired for its unique appearance. Commonly found in gardens across various states for their ornamental value, the painted tongue displays deep veins of color that create a striking contrast against its velvety petals, which range from yellow and orange to red, violet, and blue.
This annual plant prefers well-drained soil and benefits from full sun exposure. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, offering a long season of color. The plant’s narrow, wavy-edged leaves support its vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to floral arrangements.
22 Pasque flower
- Scientific name: Pulsatilla
- Bloom period: Early to mid-spring
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
- Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Pasque flower is a perennial plant commonly found in the prairies of North America, especially South Dakota, where American Pasque flower is designated as the state flower. These flowers are easily recognizable by their bell-shaped purple or lavender blooms, which typically appear in early spring.
The Pasque flower’s foliage is finely dissected and covered in silvery hairs, which help protect it from the cold before other plants begin to grow. Interestingly, after the flowering period, the plant produces feathery seed heads that are quite distinctive. This flower is also known for its use in traditional medicine among Native American tribes.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.