Cottage gardens, xeriscapes, wildflower plots, and carefully landscaped flower beds all exude an undeniable beauty, attributed mainly to the plants chosen to inhabit them. If you are planning a new garden or even looking for flowers to fill in gaps in an existing landscape, it can be overwhelming to sort through the options. Here are 13 gorgeous flowers that start with G to give you some inspiration.
Annual Flowers that Start with G
1. Garden stock (Matthiola incana)
This lovely cottage garden plant produces dense clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or red. A native of England, it blooms in the cool weather of spring and early summer. In warm areas, it may grow as a biennial or short-lived perennial.
Plant in full to part sun and moist, well-draining soil, either in containers or directly in the ground.
2. Geranium (Pelargonium sp.)
A favorite among flower gardeners for more than a century, geraniums grace beds, borders, and containers with their showy, warm-colored blossoms.
Most geraniums prefer cooler conditions, well-draining soil, and full to part sun. Although perennials in zones 10-11, they should be treated as annuals or brought inside to overwinter in colder zones.
3. Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Though popular cut flowers, gerbera daisies aren’t commonly found in home gardens in the U.S. These South African natives can actually grow as tender perennials in zones 8-11, where they prefer part shade, but may be enjoyed as annuals in cooler climates, where they thrive in full sun.
The vibrant blossoms of gerbera daisies come in nearly every color, and they are sure to brighten up any container garden.
4. Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
The pink, clover-like flowers of globe amaranth bloom continuously throughout the summer until the first frost, attracting butterflies with their bright, adorable pom-poms.
They last even when cut for fresh arrangements and can be dried for winter bouquets as well. Looking closely, though, you can see that the color actually comes from the bracts, with tiny white or yellow flowers tucked among them.
Plant globe amaranth in full sun and average, well-draining soil. Once established, it will tolerate drought but appreciates supplemental water.
5. Godetia (Clarkia amoena)
Native to alpine meadows along the west coast, godetia blooms at the start of summer in a beautiful farewell to spring. Its papery pink flowers have four petals in a cup shape that closes at night. Although difficult to find as seedlings, godetia is easy to grow from seed, especially when direct sown.
Plant in well-draining soil and full sun, and water regularly until the plants are established, at which point they will be drought tolerant.
Perennial Flowers that Start with G
6. Gentian (Gentiana sp.)
The clusters of white or purple blossoms at the top of this North American plant never open, requiring pollinators to push their way into the large, closed buds.
Growing naturally near woodland ponds and streams, gentian prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil and part shade; morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. It grows best in zone 7 and above, thriving in mild summer temperatures.
7. Geranium (Geranium sp.)
No, this is not the same plant listed under the annual section. There are actually two genera of geraniums:
- annual Pelargonium
- perennial Geranium
With more than 300 species of perennial geraniums, you’re bound to find the perfect one for your garden. They come in a range of sizes and colors, mostly pink, purple, or blue, and their deeply lobed foliage offers as much interest as the flowers.
Though it varies from one species to another, geraniums typically prefer full sun to part shade and well-draining soil, and they tend to be pretty hardy.
8. Gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.)
Available in a wide range of colors, this classic, easy-to-grow bulb produces tall spires of ruffled blossoms, which last for more than a week as a cut flower.
This South African native grows best in full sun and quick-draining soil, though it will tolerate some shade. Although winter hardy in zones 8-10, gladiolus will need to be dug up in the fall and replanted every spring in cooler regions.
9. Globeflower (Trollius sp.)
Looking something like an artistic rendition of a buttercup, globeflowers bloom in late spring and early summer with an abundance of bright yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies, among other pollinators.
Although there are many varieties of globeflower with varying sunlight requirements, all of them require moist to wet soil. These European natives typically do well in rain gardens, bogs, ditches, and edges of ponds or water gardens.
10. Globe thistle (Echinops sp.)
True to its name, this unique plant resembles a thistle but without the bite. Blue globes of star-shaped flowers bloom in the summer from spiky buds, attracting pollinators.
They make excellent fresh and dried cut flowers. Not only do globe thistles tolerate poor soil; they prefer it.
Plant globe thistles in full sun and dry soil low in organic matter.
11. Goat’s rue (Tephrosia virginiana)
Native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. and eastern Canada, this attractive flower blooms from May to August with pink and white or pink and yellow blossoms clustered toward the top of the small plant.
Although drought resistant, it can be difficult to propagate. Goat’s rue grows naturally in open woods, glades, and prairies, preferring full sun and acidic, sandy soil.
12. Goldenrod (Solidago sp.)
This North American wildflower produces spikes of tiny but vibrant gold flowers toward the end of summer and into fall. Relying on bees, butterflies, and other insects — not wind — for pollination, it is an unlikely cause of allergy symptoms (look instead to ragweed).
Plant goldenrod in full sun for the strongest stems and best blooms. It also prefers moist but well-draining soil, though once established it will tolerate drought.
13. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
This white little flower with a delicious smell performs best in full sun. They grow best in humid areas and don’t tolerate drought too well.
Whatever type of garden you have, I hope you have discovered some new gorgeous flowers to bring additional beauty to your beds!
Serena Manickam is a freelance editor and writer and sustainable market gardener in rural Virginia. She holds a BA in environmental science and runs Fairydiddle Farm, a small market garden in which she grows no-spray produce and herbs to sell at a local farmer’s market.
Beautiful Flower Garden Ideas
Wednesday 3rd of February 2021
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