Flowers bring beauty to our lives, and they also play essential roles in the ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for animals and insects, and they’re often an essential part of cultural celebrations.
If you’re looking to add some beauty to your garden, you might be interested in flowers that start with “H.” From the common hydrangea to the more exotic hibiscus, there’s a wide variety of “H” flowers to choose from.
This article will explore flowers that start with “H,” focusing on their botanical characteristics, cultural significance, and practical uses. We’ll also cover some of the most popular types of cultivars and varieties within each flower type.
Hydrangea: The Queen of “H” Flowers
If we’re talking about flowers that start with “H,” it’s tough to beat the hydrangea. With over 75 species and more than 600 cultivars, the Hydrangea genus offers a world of options. These plants are known for their large, showy flower heads that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
Botanically speaking, hydrangeas belong to the family Hydrangeaceae and are native to both Asia and the Americas.
Soil pH and Color Change
One of the most fascinating things about hydrangeas is how their flower color can change depending on the pH of the soil. Acidic soil (with a pH below 7) usually leads to blue flowers, while alkaline soil (with a pH above 7) tends to produce pink flowers. White hydrangeas, however, remain white regardless of the soil’s pH.
For example, the ‘Nikko Blue’ cultivar is famous for its vibrant blue flowers when grown in acidic soil. On the other hand, ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ shows off beautiful pink flowers in alkaline soil.
Popular Hydrangea Cultivars
Here are a few popular hydrangea cultivars to consider for your garden:
- Hydrangea ‘Incrediball’: This cultivar is known for its massive white flower heads that can reach impressive sizes.
- Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’: As the name suggests, this variety blooms on both old and new wood, giving you an extended flowering season.
- Hydrangea ‘Limelight’: ‘Limelight’ features cone-shaped flower heads that start out a fresh lime green color and then mature to a soft pink as they age.
- Hydrangea ‘Cityline Mars’: This compact hydrangea is perfect for urban gardens, with vibrant flowers that add a pop of color to smaller spaces.
Hibiscus: Tropical Beauty
The hibiscus genus is known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in a rainbow of hues and forms. There are hundreds of species of hibiscus, belonging to the Malvaceae family. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Popular Hibiscus Species
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus): This is the classic garden hibiscus, with many cultivars available. You can find it in red, pink, yellow, and orange.
- Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon): If you live in a temperate climate, the Rose of Sharon is a good choice. It’s a hardy hibiscus that blooms later in the year—late summer and early fall.
- Hibiscus acetosella (African Rose Mallow): The African Rose Mallow is grown for its deep red flowers and attractive foliage.
Notable Hibiscus Cultivars
Breeders have developed many unique hibiscus cultivars. Here are a few:
- ‘Fifth Dimension’: This cultivar is known for its unusual color combination, often exhibiting shades of lavender, pink, and yellow on the same bloom.
- ‘Mystic Pink’: If you like big, bold color, check out the ‘Mystic Pink’ hibiscus, which features large, vibrant pink flowers.
- ‘Blue Bird’: The ‘Blue Bird’ hibiscus is known for its distinctive blue-purple flowers, which are relatively rare in the hibiscus world.
Heathers and Heaths: Evergreen Elegance
Heathers and heaths lend a touch of year-round color to landscapes, and they’re relatively easy to grow. But what’s the difference between them?
Distinguishing heathers and heaths
Heathers belong to the genus Calluna, while heaths are part of the genus Erica. Heathers tend to bloom in late summer and fall, while heaths bloom at different times of the year.
Both are members of the Ericaceae family and are native to Europe, Asia, and South Africa.
Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Common heather is a low-growing evergreen shrub with tiny, scale-like leaves. It produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Heather holds a special place in Scottish culture, where it was traditionally used for thatching roofs and as bedding. Heather honey is considered a Scottish delicacy.
Various Heath Species (Erica)
There are a number of different heath species, including:
- Irish Heath (Daboecia cantabrica): Features bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple. Native to western Europe.
- Winter Heath (Erica carnea): Blooms in winter, adding color during the colder months. Available in various colors, including pink, red, and white.
Hyacinth: Fragrant Spring Blooms
If you’re looking for a flower that starts with “H,” the hyacinth is a great choice. Hyacinths are known for their strong, sweet fragrance and the dense flower spikes that appear in spring. These beauties can perfume an entire garden!
Botanically speaking, hyacinths belong to the Asparagaceae family and are native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
Popular Hyacinth Cultivars
Here are a few hyacinth cultivars you might like to consider:
- ‘Blue Star’: Light blue and wonderfully fragrant.
- ‘Gipsy Queen’: A standout with apricot-orange blooms.
- ‘White Magic’: A classic choice that produces pure white, fragrant flowers.
Growing Hyacinths
To enjoy hyacinths in your garden, plant the bulbs in the fall. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. If you’re impatient for spring, you can even “force” hyacinths indoors to enjoy their blooms during the winter months.
Honeysuckle: Climbing vines with sweet nectar
Honeysuckles are members of the genus Lonicera, a group of climbing vines and shrubs whose fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.
Botanically speaking, honeysuckles belong to the family Caprifoliaceae and are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Japanese honeysuckle is known for its highly fragrant white flowers, which turn yellow as they age. While prized for its beauty and scent, it can be an aggressive grower and is considered invasive in some regions.
Invasive honeysuckle can outcompete native plants, disrupting local ecosystems.
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Native to North America, trumpet honeysuckle boasts red or orange trumpet-shaped flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. It’s generally considered less invasive than Japanese honeysuckle and makes a beautiful addition to any garden.
Hollyhock: Towering Summer Beauties
If you’re looking for a flower that starts with H, you’ve found it in the hollyhock. Hollyhocks are tall, upright plants in the genus Alcea. They’re known for their large, showy flowers, which usually bloom in the summer months.
Botanically speaking, hollyhocks are members of the mallow family, Malvaceae. These beauties are native to Asia and Europe, but they’re now grown in gardens around the world.
Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
The common hollyhock is available in a wide array of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. Because they can grow quite tall, you’ll often see them planted against a wall or fence for support.
Popular Hollyhock Cultivars
Here are a couple of popular hollyhock varieties:
- ‘Halo Apricot’: This cultivar features apricot-colored flowers with a contrasting halo around the center.
- ‘Nigra’: The ‘Nigra’ hollyhock is known for its deep maroon or nearly black flowers.
Other Notable “H” Flowers
The world of horticulture is vast and varied. Here are a few more “H” flowers you might consider for your garden.
Hellebore (Lenten Rose)
Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are welcome sights in the late winter and early spring garden. These shade-tolerant, deer-resistant plants offer beautiful blooms when many other plants are still dormant.
Popular cultivars include:
- ‘Ivory Prince’: Notable for its creamy white flowers that face upward.
- ‘Penny’s Pink’: Features delicate pink flowers with darker veins.
Heliotrope
Heliotropes are beloved for their sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, which attracts butterflies to the garden. The most common species is Heliotropium arborescens, also known as Garden Heliotrope.
Helenium
Heleniums, with their daisy-like flowers, bring cheerful color to the late summer and early fall garden. They’re also a favorite of pollinators.
A popular cultivar is:
- ‘Moerheim Beauty’: Known for its distinctive bronze-red flowers.
Hosta
While Hostas do produce flowers, they’re primarily grown for their attractive foliage. These shade-loving plants come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
A popular cultivar is:
- ‘Frances Williams’: Known for its large, variegated leaves.
In Conclusion
From the showy hydrangeas to the sweetly scented hyacinths, the world of “H” flowers includes a diverse array of colors, shapes, and fragrances.
Many “H” flowers also have cultural and practical significance. Some have deep roots in history and folklore, while others offer medicinal or culinary value.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, take some time to explore the “H” flowers. Consider adding some to your garden to bring beauty and interest to your outdoor spaces. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you discover in the world of flowers that start with “H.”