Are you looking to add some more flowers to your garden? Or maybe you just want to learn more about different types of flowers.
Either way, we’ve put together a list to help inspire your next gardening project or nature walk. Take a look at these 17 gorgeous flowers that start with the letter “G.”
1. Gentian
Scientific name: Gentiana andrewsii
There are several species of gentian all over the world and they all have beautiful coloring. The closed bottle gentian is native to the northeast of the U.S.
This species got its name because its flowers don’t have open petals, unlike other gentians. Instead, they form groups of closed-petal flowers from each stem. But their coloring is no less vibrant.
You can find these flowers in bloom in areas of full and partial sun with moist soil.
2. Grape Hyacinth
Scientific name: Muscari armeniacum
The grape hyacinth is another flower with distinctive, cluster-like petals. But instead of growing upwards, grape hyacinth blooms point down.
This, along with the round shape of the flowers, makes them look like bunches of grapes, hence their name. They even have a musky but slightly sweet smell similar to grapes.
It’s actually the “hyacinth” part of their name that’s a misnomer. These are not true hyacinths, but instead belong to the lily family (Liliaceae)!
3. Gooseneck Loosestrife
Scientific name: Lysimachia clethroides
You can spot the distinct, curving blooms of the gooseneck loosestrife from May to August. These flowers grow long “spikes” of tightly clustered white blooms.
The long curve, which can grow to nearly a foot long, looks like the curving neck of a goose. Because of their attractiveness and length, commercial growers cultivate these for bouquets.
4. Goat’s Rue
Scientific name: Galega officinalis
This unusual bloom is native to the eastern parts of the United States. Goat’s rue can be difficult to cultivate because it needs a lot of sun; it can’t grow in the shade. They also prefer sandy and acidic soil.
But the effort is worth it to see it bloom. Its stems produce small slips of pink and white blossoms at the top of short, oval leaves. The stems are also covered in silver silky hairs.
The name comes from an old habit of feeding these flowers to goats. It was thought to increase milk production, but this is no longer a common practice.
5. Gardenia
Scientific name: Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia is a genus of flowers with over 140 species. The most common variety you see in flower shops and gardens is the cape jasmine.
So, there’s no difference between a cape jasmine and a gardenia. Gardenia is simply the overall term for a number of flowers including the cape jasmine.
True jasmines, on the other hand, are not part of the gardenia genus. They’re part of a completely different family, the Oleaceae family.
Gardenias and jasmines have similar white flowers, but they grow differently. Gardenias are shrub flowers, while jasmines are vining plants.
6. Garden Phlox
Scientific name: Phlox paniculata
Garden phlox is a perennial flower, which means it will grow back every year. They work well as a backdrop in many gardens because of their height.
Garden phlox is a medium-height flower, so it can fill in the gaps between taller plants and low blanket flowers.
7. Garden Balsam
Scientific name: Impatiens balsamina
The garden balsam gives a burst of tropical color to any garden. They can be pink, red, purple, or white, and have round, drooping flowers similar to orchids or camellias.
Garden balsam is also versatile and does well in a range of sun exposure. As long as you give it enough water, it can tolerate full sun.
But you can still grow it even in full shade, although it may not produce as many stems or flowers.
8. Gerbera
Scientific name: Gerbera jamesonii
These daisies are one of the most popular cut flowers available. This is due to their sturdy stems and long “shelf” life. They can last in a vase for up to ten days.
They’re also available in a huge range of colors, even in their center eyes. This makes them easy to mix with other flowers in a bouquet.
9. Garden Geranium
Scientific name: Pelargonium x hortorum
Dutch traders introduced what we call geraniums today at the beginning of the 18th century. European botanists thought they looked like the wild geraniums they already knew, so they grouped these new flowers with them.
But after some closer examination, botanists realized the two had different petal shapes, stamens, and other characteristics. These garden flowers are not true geraniums at all!
They were soon reclassified as Pelargonium, but the common name “geranium” stuck.
10. Gillyflower
Scientific name: Matthiola incana
Also known as hoary stock, gillyflowers are gorgeous, tall plants that bloom with tightly clustered petals.
They are very versatile flowers and can provide more than just beautiful colors to a garden. Gillyflowers have a nice fragrance, which gives them extra appeal in bouquets.
They also dry well, so they’re perfect for pressing and preserving. Finally, you can actually eat the petals! People often use them in salads and as decorations for desserts.
11. Gladiolus
Scientific name: Gladiolus imbricatus
Gladiolus is a member of the iris family, and grows large flowers in tropical pinks, oranges, and whites.
There are several different species and even hybrids of this flower, many of which are popular in floral arrangements. The most common plants can grow between two and five feet high.
Even their blooms can range widely in size. Some are less than three inches, while others are five.
The gladiolus is also one of the birth flowers for the month of August.
12. Golden Marguerite
Scientific name: Anthemis tinctoria
As vibrantly yellow as their name suggests, golden marguerites bring sunshine to both gardens and wild fields. Not only that, but they can be boiled and used in teas.
Their bright yellow coloring also makes them useful for textiles. People will sometimes use them as a dye for clothing.
When looking for golden marguerites for planting or for bouquets, you might also find them under the name Cota tinctoria. Don’t let that confuse you, though; both names refer to the same golden marguerite.
13. Goldenrod
Scientific name: Solidago canadensis
Add some texture to your flowerbed with the arching stems of goldenrod. This plant produces long stems with tight clusters of small yellow flowers.
Don’t be afraid of goldenrod if you have allergies. It’s usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time, that causes itchy noses and runny eyes.
14. Globeflower
Scientific name: Trollius europaeus
It’s not hard to see how the globeflower gets its name. This plant produces blooms in the shape of small spheres. They look like roses just about to bloom, but this closed shape is their natural form.
In addition to their globe-like appearance, globeflowers are also a bright sunny yellow. They make a great addition to any yard looking for a little more color and variety in shape.
15. Gaillardia
Scientific name: Gaillardia aristata
There are many flowers that have multiple colors on their petals. Many times, though, the transition is subtle, in shades of one color rather than two different ones.
Gaillardia, also called blanket flowers, are totally different. These stunning flowers have a bright red in the center, which then changes abruptly to vibrant yellow at the tips.
The sudden contrast makes these flowers almost impossible to miss! On top of that, they’re low to the ground and spread to cover large areas.
16. Globe Thistle
Scientific name: Echinops ritro
Another “globe” flower, the globe thistle forms clumps of bloom spheres about the size of golf balls. They have very stiff stems with gray-green leaves.
The flowers on top of the stems are often a rich blue or violet color. Each stem doesn’t just have one flower. Instead, each globe is made up of dozens of very small flowers.
17. Globe Amaranth
Scientific name: Gomphrena globosa
Our last flower is also our last globe flower. The globe amaranth grows about two feet tall with stiff stems. When they first start growing, these flowers look more white and hairy.
As they get older, they keep the wooly look but develop more color. Pink globe amaranths are common and look good as border flowers.
Also, these flowers are deer resistant but attractive to butterflies, so they’re perfect for gardens.
You May Also Like
Ultimate Gladiolus Growing Stages Guide (Step By Step)How To Create An Amazing Front Yard Rose Garden (Tips)
