Flowers: They’re beautiful, fragrant, and come in more colors, shapes, and sizes than you can imagine. They’re also vital to ecosystems and human culture.
Let’s take a look at a unique collection of flowers: the ones that start with the letter “S.” You might be surprised at the variety within this group. From sunny yellow blooms to delicate, star-shaped blossoms, the “S” flowers offer a range of beauty.
In this article, we’ll explore some notable examples of flowers beginning with S, detailing their characteristics, growing conditions, and uses. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just appreciate floral beauty, you’ll find practical advice and insights here to help you learn more about these fascinating blooms.
Sand phlox and scarlet rose mallow: Coastal charm and dramatic heights
If you’re looking for a flower name that starts with “S,” you might consider sand phlox or scarlet rose mallow.
Sand phlox (Phlox bifida): A ground-hugging beauty
Sand phlox is a low-growing plant that forms a mat of color, usually no more than six inches tall. It’s a great option for rock gardens.
This phlox prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. Once it’s established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus): A towering statement
In contrast to sand phlox, scarlet rose mallow can grow as tall as 10 feet and features large, vibrant red flowers that make a statement in any garden.
Scarlet rose mallow thrives in moist, well-drained soil and likes sun or partial shade.
Sages and Clematis: From Scarlet Hues to Delicate Vines
If you’re looking for flowers that start with the letter “S,” you might want to consider scarlet sage or Scott’s clematis.
Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens): A Vibrant Addition
Scarlet sage grows in clumps that can reach 12 to 18 inches tall and about 12 inches wide. The plant is known for its bright red flower spikes, which can add a splash of color to your garden.
To thrive, scarlet sage needs full sun and well-drained soil. The plant also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which is an added bonus for nature lovers.
Scotts Clematis (Clematis scottii): A Delicate Climber
Scott’s clematis grows to about a foot tall and almost two feet wide. The plant features delicate, bell-shaped flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any space.
This plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. If you want to make a visual impact, plant them in large groups.
Sea Thrift, Serbian Bellflower, and Shooting Star: Textural Contrasts and Whimsical Forms
Let’s take a closer look at three more flowers that start with the letter “S”:
Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima): A Coastal Favorite
Sea Thrift grows to about 6 to 12 inches in height, forming dense little mounds covered with pink or white flowers.
Plant Sea Thrift in the spring or fall in a spot with well-drained soil and lots of sunshine.
Serbian Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana): A Spreading Delight
Serbian Bellflower grows to only 4 to 6 inches tall, but it spreads quickly, creating a carpet of little star-shaped flowers.
It likes well-drained soil and a location with partial shade.
Shooting Star Flower (Dodecatheon meadia): A Unique Bloom
Shooting Star flowers grow 9 to 12 inches tall. They have nodding flowers with swept-back petals that look like little shooting stars.
These flowers do best in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Stonecrop, Shrub Rose, and Siberian Iris: From Succulents to Timeless Elegance
Here are three more flowers that start with the letter “S,” encompassing everything from a late-season succulent to a classic beauty.
Showy Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile): A Late-Season Succulent
Showy Stonecrop is a succulent that can grow up to two feet tall. With fleshy leaves and clusters of pink flowers that bloom in late summer, it’s a standout in the autumn garden.
This easy-care plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
Shrub Rose (Rosa): A Classic Beauty
Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and forms, shrub roses are known for their repeat blooms and disease resistance. They are a mainstay in many gardens.
Shrub roses prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps them maintain their shape and encourages abundant flowering.
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): An Elegant Perennial
Siberian Irises grow to between two and four feet tall. They feature slender, grass-like foliage and elegant flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
For best growth, plant Siberian Irises in moist, well-drained soil in a spot that gets full sun or partial shade.
Globe Thistle, Snow-in-Summer, and Solitary Clematis: Texture and Groundcover
If you’re looking for unique textures and groundcover options, consider these “S” flowers:
Small Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro): A Unique Texture
Small globe thistles grow to be about 2 to 3 feet tall. They feature spiky, globe-shaped flower heads in shades of blue or purple. These thistles grow best in well-drained soil and full sun. They’re great for attracting pollinators and adding an interesting texture to your garden.
Snow-In-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum): A Silver Groundcover
Snow-in-summer blooms in early summer, forming a dense, silver-gray mat covered in white flowers. It also thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and doesn’t need much care.
Solitary Clematis (Clematis integrifolia): A Non-Climbing Clematis
Solitary clematis grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall. It features nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or pink. Plant it in well-drained soil where it can get full sun to partial shade.
Vetch, Aster, Foxglove, and Goldenrod: A Diverse Palette of Colors and Forms
Lots of beautiful flowers start with the letter “S,” but here are four of the most interesting and versatile.
Spring Vetch (Lathyrus vernus): An Early Bloomer
Spring vetch grows to about 18 inches in height and features clusters of pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or blue. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis): A Late-Season Delight
Stokes aster typically grows to 12-14 inches high and features large, daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, lavender, or white. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Strawberry Foxglove (Digitalis × mertonensis): A Unique Hybrid
Strawberry foxglove grows to 2-3 feet tall and features tubular flowers in a unique blend of pink and copper. Keep in mind that these flowers may be toxic to pets and humans. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.
Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora): A Fragrant Native
Sweet goldenrod grows to 2-4 feet tall and features plumes of yellow flowers with a sweet, anise-like fragrance. For best results, plant in well-drained soil and full sun.
Sweetscented Bedstraw and other “S” flowers
Sweetscented Bedstraw (Galium odoratum): a fragrant groundcover
Sweetscented bedstraw is a shade-loving plant that produces six to eight fragrant leaves that form a dense mat of foliage. In spring, it sends up tiny white flowers.
This plant likes moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Gardeners sometimes use it as a fragrant groundcover or in potpourris.
Other flowers that start with “S”
The plant world is full of flowers that start with “S.” Here are a few more:
- Sedum (Sedum spp.) – This succulent comes in many forms and colors.
- Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) – This biennial features fragrant, fringed flowers.
- Spider Flower (Cleome) – A tall annual with unusual, spidery blooms.
- Sea Holly (Eryngium) – This drought-tolerant perennial has thistle-like flowers.
- Statice (Limonium) – People love using this flower in dried arrangements.
- Speedwell (Veronica) – This perennial sends up spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers.
- Scabiosa (Scabiosa) – A long-blooming perennial with pincushion-like flowers.
- Sun Star (Ornithogalum dubium) – A bulbous plant with star-shaped flowers.
- Swainsona (Swainsona formosa) – A native Australian plant with unique red flowers.
- Silver Bell (Halesia tetraptera) – A deciduous tree with bell-shaped white flowers.
- Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) – This is the source of the spice saffron.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flower that starts with “S”?
Oh, there are quite a few beautiful blooms that start with the letter “S”! Some popular examples include Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, Snapdragons, Starflowers, and Stock. Each has its own unique charm and growing requirements. Depending on what you’re looking for – a tall, sunny presence or a delicate, fragrant addition – one of these “S” flowers might be perfect.
What flower is this ??
Without more information, it’s tough to say! To help me identify it, can you describe its color, size, shape, and leaf type? Where did you see it growing – in a garden, in the wild, in a bouquet? Any details you can provide will help narrow it down and give you a confident answer.
What is “S” in flower?
That’s a clever question! “S” isn’t a flower itself, but it’s the starting letter for many flower names. It represents a whole category of floral possibilities! As mentioned earlier, think Sunflowers, Snapdragons, and Sweet Peas. It’s like a floral alphabet – “S” is just one letter in a beautiful garden of choices.
What is a blue flower that starts with “S”?
A lovely choice! One striking blue flower that starts with “S” is the Salvia. Many Salvia varieties boast beautiful shades of blue and purple. Another possibility, though less common, could be a specific variety of Scilla that leans towards a blue hue. They can add a cool, calming touch to any garden.
The Bottom Line
From the sunny Snapdragon to the sophisticated Scabiosa, the world of flowers beginning with “S” offers a remarkable range of colors, sizes, and growing habits.
These beauties aren’t just pretty faces, though. Many attract vital pollinators to your garden, and each has its own special aesthetic qualities that can enhance any landscape.
So, why not add some “S” flowers to your garden this year? Have fun experimenting with different varieties to find the perfect fit for your space and discover the unique charm they bring.