Flowers add so much beauty to our lives! They’re essential to ecosystems, and humans have long used them in gardens, celebrations, and as symbols of love, loss, and everything in between.
While you probably have a few favorite flowers that come to mind, have you ever stopped to think about all the different kinds of flowers that exist? In this article, we’re going to take a look at some flowers that all have one thing in common: they all start with the letter “G.”
From the well-known gardenia to the lesser-known gazania, there are many flowers that start with G, and we’ll explore their unique characteristics, uses, and symbolism. So, if you’re curious about flowers that start with “G”, keep reading!
Garden Rock Cress (Aubrieta)
Garden Rock Cress, scientifically known as Aubrieta, is a genus boasting approximately 120 different species. These plants are popular for their vibrant colors and relatively low maintenance.
They typically bloom in the spring, blanketing gardens with shades of purple, pink, and lavender.
Garden Rock Cress is ideally suited for rock gardens, as the name suggests. It also works well along borders and is particularly attractive when allowed to cascade over walls, creating a beautiful, flowing effect.
Geraniums
With around 450 species, geraniums are a popular choice for gardens and containers. The scientific name for geraniums is Geranium, but they’re often confused with plants in the Pelargonium genus.
Geraniums come in a range of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple, and they typically bloom during the warmer months.
Because they are relatively easy to care for and offer such a long bloom season, geraniums are often found in containers and window boxes, as well as planted in borders and garden beds.
Gerbera Daisy
If you’re looking for a flower that starts with G, you can’t go wrong with the gerbera daisy (scientific name: Gerbera). They’re known for their big, showy blooms that come in a rainbow of colors.
There are about 50 different species of gerbera, and they’re popular for a reason. Gerbera daisies make excellent cut flowers, and you’ll often see them in bouquets and other floral arrangements. They also look great in garden beds and borders. With colors ranging from red and orange to yellow, pink, and white, you can easily find a gerbera daisy to match your style.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia, also called Blanket Flower, refers to a genus containing around 22 different species. You’ll often see them blooming in the summertime. They’re known for their distinctive bi-colored petals, usually red and yellow, but sometimes orange or burgundy.
Gardeners love Gaillardia because they’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and attract pollinators like butterflies. They’re also drought-tolerant, so they’re perfect for xeriscaping, which means landscaping in a way that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
Gladiolus (Sword Lily)
With around 300 species, gladiolus, also known as sword lilies, are known for their height and the many blooms that appear on each flower spike.
They come in a wide range of colors and are often used as cut flowers in bouquets and floral arrangements.
Gardeners often plant gladiolus in beds to add vertical interest and pops of color.
Sword lilies are relatively easy to grow, but their height can cause them to bend or break in wind. To prevent this, plant them near a fence or wall, or stake them individually.
Gladiolus are tender perennials, so if you live in a climate where the ground freezes in winter, you’ll need to dig up the corms (similar to bulbs) in the fall and store them indoors until spring.
Globe Thistle (Echinops)
Globe thistles are showy, striking plants that add a unique sculptural element to any garden. There are about 32 species of globe thistle. Their most recognizable feature is their spherical flower heads, which are usually a vibrant blue or purple.
Globe thistles are excellent for attracting pollinators, especially bees. They’re also quite low-maintenance, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Beyond their beauty, globe thistles are useful. Their dried flower heads can be incorporated into crafts and dried flower arrangements.
Gloriosa Lily (Flame Lily)
The flame lily, or Gloriosa, is a striking flower with reflexed petals, meaning they curve dramatically backward. It comes in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding an exotic touch to any garden. There are about 15 species of Gloriosa.
These flowers are widely grown as ornamentals.
Important Note: All parts of the gloriosa lily are poisonous, so exercise extreme caution when handling this plant, especially if you have children or pets.
Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
Goat’s beard is a tall, flowering plant with about three species. It gets its name from its creamy white flowers, which grow in long, plume-like clusters.
These flowers generally bloom in the early summer, adding height and texture to gardens. Goat’s beard is especially well-suited to woodland gardens and moist areas.
Godetia (Clarkia amoena)
Also known as Farewell to Spring, Godetia is a genus of flowering plants with around 40 different species.
These flowers are known for their silky, cup-shaped blossoms that come in various shades of pink, purple, and white.
Because of their delicate beauty, Godetias are popular in cottage gardens. They also make great cut flowers.
Golden Chamomile (Cota tinctoria)
Golden chamomile is a plant with about two dozen different species. It’s notable for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves.
People have used golden chamomile as a dye for fabric. It brings a lively splash of color to gardens, too. If you’re looking for a flower that starts with G and adds some sunshine to your yard, golden chamomile might be the perfect choice.
Golden Knee (Chrysogonum virginianum)
The Golden Knee is a flowering plant also known by its scientific name, Chrysogonum virginianum. It’s a low-growing plant that spreads along the ground, making it a good groundcover.
It produces yellow, star-shaped flowers and blooms for a long time.
Because it thrives in shady areas, it’s often used as a groundcover under trees or in woodland gardens.
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod comprises around 112 species of flowering plants. They’re known for their tall stalks of bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.
Goldenrod is great for gardens because it brings color late in the season and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Despite its reputation, goldenrod isn’t usually the culprit for fall allergies. Its pollen is heavy and doesn’t travel far on the wind. Ragweed, which blooms around the same time, is usually the real offender.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)
The Muscari genus includes about 30 species of flowering plants, all commonly known as grape hyacinths.
These flowers feature small, bell-shaped blooms that grow in dense clusters. You’ll typically see them in shades of blue and purple.
Gardeners love grape hyacinths for rock gardens and borders. They also naturalize easily, meaning they spread and grow without much human intervention.
Garden Stock (Matthiola incana)
Garden stock is a genus (Matthiola) containing around 200 species of flowering plants. The most well-known of these is Matthiola incana.
Garden stock is characterized by fragrant flowers arranged on tall spikes. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Because of their beauty and fragrance, garden stock are often grown as cut flowers. They are also commonly included in cottage gardens and used to create borders in more formal garden designs.
In Conclusion
From the vibrant Gaillardia to the fragrant Gardenia, we’ve explored a delightful array of flowers that start with the letter “G.” Each flower offers a unique combination of colors, shapes, and uses, proving that the world of “G” flowers is anything but generic!
These gorgeous flowers play an important role in gardens and landscapes, adding beauty and attracting essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.
So, why not explore the world of “G” flowers further? Consider incorporating one or more of these beauties into your own garden and enjoy the visual delight and ecological benefits they bring!