Flowers add beauty to gardens, bouquets, and landscapes. They come in a rainbow of colors and a seemingly endless array of shapes and sizes.
But have you ever considered the amazing variety of flowers whose names begin with the letter “P?” From popular garden plants to rare and exotic varieties, the “P” category is packed with interesting blooms.
This article explores some of the most fascinating flowers that begin with a “P.” We’ll give you detailed information about their unique characteristics, how to care for them, and how they’re typically used.
We’ll discuss each flower in its own section. You’ll learn about the best growing conditions, what each flower looks like, and some of its most notable features.
Pansy
Pansies are cheerful flowers that often have a “face,” or dark blotch, on their petals. They come in a wide range of colors, from deep purples and blues to vibrant yellows and oranges.
These cool-season bloomers do best in hardiness zones 3 through 9. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Pansies are a popular choice for fall and spring gardens. They can be planted in containers, along borders, or in mass plantings for a dramatic display. Give them some room to grow by spacing them 6 to 12 inches apart.
Peony
Peonies are those big, showy flowers that you see in gardens and bouquets. They’re known for their huge blooms with tons of petals, and they come in all sorts of colors, like pink, white, red, and even coral.
These beauties grow to be about 18 inches to 3 feet tall, so they can really make a statement in your garden. They like to soak up the sun, so make sure they get plenty of it, and they also need soil that drains well.
When you’re planting peonies, give them some space to spread out – about 3 to 4 feet apart should do the trick. And don’t bury them too deep; you only want the buds to be an inch or two below the surface of the soil.
Peonies are a classic choice for gardens because they’re just so elegant and beautiful. Plus, they make fantastic cut flowers, so you can bring that beauty indoors too!
Petunia
Petunias are a popular choice for flower beds and containers, and it’s easy to see why! Their funnel-shaped flowers come in just about every color and pattern you can imagine.
Petunia blossoms range from the tiny milliflora (about an inch across) to the much larger grandiflora varieties.
For the most blossoms, plant petunias in full sun. When planting, space them about 12 inches apart.
Petunias are a favorite for hanging baskets, containers, and flower beds, since they bloom all summer long, bringing color and beauty to any outdoor space.
Phlox
Phlox is a beautiful flower that produces clusters of small, star-shaped blooms. They come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, so you can find one to match almost any garden.
Phlox can vary in size, depending on the variety. Some types only grow to about 3 inches tall, making them ideal for ground cover, while others can reach up to 4 feet.
There are several types of phlox, each with its own specific needs:
- Creeping phlox makes a lovely ground cover and is great for slopes or rock gardens.
- Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) likes moist, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
- Woodland phlox prefers partial shade, making it a good choice for woodland gardens or shady borders.
Poppy
Poppies are showy, cup-shaped flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden or meadow. Some poppy flowers can be up to 8 inches across, making them real showstoppers! You can find them in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white.
If you’re thinking of growing poppies, keep in mind that they like full sun and well-drained soil. When you plant them, make sure to give them enough space. For example, oriental poppies should be planted about 1.5 feet apart.
Beyond their beauty, poppy seeds are edible and often used in baking. So, not only do they look great, but they can also be a tasty addition to your kitchen!
Passionflower
Passionflowers are some of the most interesting blooms you’ll find. With their unique and intricate flower shape and their prominent stamens and pistils, these flowers are truly one of a kind.
Passionflowers bloom in the summer, and they grow best in zones 7 through 11. As climbing plants, they’ll need a trellis, fence, or other structure to support them. They prefer to grow in full sun or partial shade.
Passionflowers are often grown as ornamentals. If needed, they can be pruned pretty heavily. Some species also produce edible fruits.
Pelargonium
Often mistaken for geraniums, pelargoniums come in a wide variety of forms and colors.
Depending on the variety, pelargoniums bloom from late spring to early summer, from summer to early spring, or from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
These flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Gardeners often grow them as annuals — plants that grow for one season only.
Because they do well in containers and window boxes, pelargoniums are a popular choice for gardeners with limited space. Some types have fragrant leaves, adding to their appeal.
Periwinkle (Vinca)
Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is a popular ground cover known for its small, glossy leaves and delicate flowers. It blooms from early spring to early autumn, offering a long season of color.
The blossoms are usually blue or purple, but you can also find them in white.
Periwinkle spreads easily, making it effective for erosion control. Be careful not to over-fertilize it, as this can lead to excessive growth. Be aware that periwinkle can be invasive in some areas, so it’s important to manage its spread.
Pinks (Dianthus)
Don’t let the name fool you: “pinks” aren’t always pink. These fragrant flowers, also known as dianthus, have fringed petals and come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple.
Pinks are hardy in zones 3 to 9, and they grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Because they’re relatively easy to grow and their blooms are beautiful, pinks are a popular choice for cottage gardens and rock gardens. They also make excellent cut flowers, so you can enjoy their beauty indoors as well.
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Pincushion flowers are instantly recognizable because of their unique, rounded flower heads with stamens that stick out like pins in a cushion. One plant can have as many as 50 blooms, and they come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
If you’re looking to grow pincushion flowers, they do best in full sun and well-drained soil. When you plant them, space them 12 to 18 inches apart.
Pincushion flowers are great for your garden or as cut flowers inside. If you deadhead them—remove the dead flowers after they’re spent—they’ll keep blooming. They’re also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your yard.
Primula
Primulas are rosette-shaped flowers that bloom in a wide range of colors, usually in the spring. The vibrant flowers bring a welcome burst of color to any garden.
To grow primulas, choose a spot with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They’re a popular choice for woodland gardens and shady borders, adding a touch of whimsy and charm.
While primulas can be perennials in the right conditions, they’re often grown as annuals, providing a fleeting but beautiful display of color. They’re a great way to add a pop of color to your garden in the spring.
Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder)
With delicate, ladder-like foliage and clusters of bell-shaped flowers, polemonium, also called Jacob’s ladder, adds an ethereal touch to any garden. These beauties typically grow to between 18 and 24 inches tall.
While you’ll most often find Jacob’s ladder in shades of blue or purple, you can also find white varieties.
Polemonium prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Beyond its visual appeal, Jacob’s ladder adds texture and interest to gardens and attracts pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Portulaca (Moss Rose)
If you’re looking for a flower that loves the sun and doesn’t need much water, portulaca, also called moss rose, is a great choice.
Portulaca has succulent-like leaves and bright, cup-shaped flowers about 1 to 3 inches across. The flowers come in a variety of colors, so you can find one to match any garden.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for rock gardens, containers, and even as ground cover. If you have a hot, dry spot in your yard where other plants struggle, portulaca will feel right at home.
Potentilla
Potentilla are rose-like flowers with five petals that are available in a rainbow of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. These versatile plants range in size from ground-hugging three-inch plants to shrubs that reach four feet in height.
Potentilla grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Because they are so adaptable, potentilla can be used in borders, as hedges, or even as ground cover.
Prunella (Self-Heal)
Prunella, also known as self-heal, is a low-growing plant that features spiked clusters of small, hooded flowers. These blooms open from the bottom to the top of the plant’s square stems, creating a unique and eye-catching display.
Typically, prunella flowers are a vibrant purple, but you can also find them in shades of pink and white, offering a variety of options to complement your garden.
One of the great things about prunella is its adaptability. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it a relatively easy plant to grow and maintain.
In addition to its beauty, prunella is often used as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and add visual interest to your landscape. It’s also known for its medicinal properties, having been used traditionally for various ailments.
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Pulmonaria, also known as lungwort, is a charming plant that brings a touch of whimsy to shady gardens. You’ll recognize it by its spotted leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage.
Growing to a height of 6 to 12 inches, pulmonaria is a great choice for ground cover or adding a splash of color to the front of a border. The flowers are especially interesting because they change color as they mature, often starting as pink or coral and then turning blue or purple.
Pulmonaria thrives in partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It’s an ideal choice for woodland gardens and shady borders, where its unique foliage and colorful flowers can truly shine.
Puschkinia (Striped Squill)
Puschkinia, also called striped squill, is a beautiful flower that blooms in early spring.
It shows off clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers with delicate blue stripes. To plant puschkinia bulbs, space them about 3 inches apart and 3 inches deep.
These flowers thrive in spots with full sun to partial shade and like well-drained soil. They’re an excellent choice for “naturalizing” your lawn or adding a splash of color to woodlands.
Pyrethrum (Painted Daisy)
Pyrethrums, also called painted daisies, look a lot like regular daisies, with colorful petals surrounding a yellow center disk.
These flowers grow on plants that reach between two and three feet tall.
To grow pyrethrums, plant them in well-drained soil where they’ll get plenty of sunshine.
If you’re looking for a natural insecticide, pyrethrums are a good choice. They’re also attractive in borders and cottage gardens, where their colorful blooms add a cheerful touch.
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla)
Pasqueflowers are hard to miss, thanks to their silky, cup-shaped blooms and feathery foliage. These beauties usually reach between 8 and 12 inches in height, making them a delightful addition to any garden.
If you’re thinking of adding pasqueflowers to your garden, keep in mind that they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Pasqueflowers are known for being some of the earliest bloomers in spring, offering a welcome burst of color after a long winter. They’re especially attractive in rock gardens and alpine gardens, where their unique texture and early blooms can really shine.
Pogonia (Orchid)
Pogonia orchids are delicate flowers that grow individually on stems that range from one to two feet tall. These orchids are easily identified by their fringed lip.
Pogonia orchids prefer very specific growing conditions, including acidic soil and high humidity. You’re most likely to find these flowers growing in bogs and wetlands.
Because of their specific growing conditions, pogonia orchids can be challenging to cultivate. They’re a beautiful find for anyone who loves to hike and explore nature.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are known for their colorful bracts — modified leaves that most people think of as the flower.
These popular holiday plants come in a variety of colors, including the traditional red, plus pink, white, and even marbled varieties.
If you want your poinsettia to rebloom next year, you’ll need to give it a period of extended darkness. For about a month and a half to two months, poinsettias need about six to eight hours of bright light followed by complete darkness.
In Summary
From pansies to petunias to poppies, the world of “P” flowers is bursting with color, shape, and size. There’s a “P” flower out there for nearly every taste and garden aesthetic. They’re pretty versatile, too!
But remember, each flower has its own quirks. What works for a peony might not work for a primrose. Before you plant, consider things like sunlight, soil type, and hardiness zones to give your flowers the best chance to thrive.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different “P” flowers in your garden or landscape. See what works best for your space and your style. You might discover a new favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a pop of color in your garden, a beautiful bouquet for your table, or even a flower with medicinal properties, the “P” flowers have a lot to offer.