Nature lovers, florists, gardeners, and botanists have in common a love for the diversity of flowers. Hundreds of thousands of species are known, and countless cultivars and hybrids of those species have been created. Discovering all of your favorites can take time and effort with such a seemingly endless list to sort through. So, we decided to start at the beginning with a list of 50 flowers that start with the letter A.
Keep reading to discover some of the most beautiful flowers at the beginning of the alphabet, along with pictures, descriptions, native ranges, fun facts like their symbolic meanings throughout the ages, and more!
- 50 Beautiful Flowers That Start With the Letter A
- 1. Abelia
- 2. Acacia
- 3. Aconite
- 4. Adonis
- 5. African Daisy
- 6. African Iris
- 7. African Lily
- 8. African Violet
- 9. Ageratum
- 10. Agrimony
- 11. Agrostemma
- 12. Ajuga
- 13. Alabama Crimson
- 14. Albizia
- 15. Allium
- 16. Alpine Aster
- 17. Alstroemeria
- 18. Alyogyne
- 19. Alyssum
- 20. Amaranth
- 21. Amaryllis
- 22. Amazon Lily
- 23. Ambrosia
- 24. Amethyst Flower
- 25. Andromeda
- 26. Anemone
- 27. Angel’s Trumpet
- 28. Angelica
- 29. Angelonia
- 30. Anise Hyssop
- 31. Apache Plume
- 32. Apple Blossom
- 33. Arabian Jasmine
- 34. Armeria
- 35. Arnica
- 36. Arrowwood Viburnum
- 37. Artichoke Thistle
- 38. Asclepias
- 39. Asian Bleeding-Heart
- 40. Asiatic Lily
- 41. Aster
- 42. Astilbe
- 43. Aubrieta
- 44. Australian Bottlebrush
- 45. Autumn Crocus
- 46. Autumn Sage
- 47. Avens
- 48. Azalea
- 49. Aztec Marigold
- 50. Azure Monkshood
- Flowers That Start With A FAQs:
- Flowers That Start With the Letter ‘A’ Are Always Attractive
50 Beautiful Flowers That Start With the Letter A
1. Abelia
A semi-evergreen shrub, Abelia x grandiflora (commonly called abelia or glossy abelia) is a hybrid of two species from the honeysuckle plant family (Caprifoliaceae) Linnaea chinensis and Linnaea uniflora. It grows in USDA Hardiness Zones six through nine and can grow up to about six feet in height in warmer regions.
The plants have ovate green foliage that turns purple in the fall, producing clusters of tubular, white-and-pink, sweet-smelling flowers throughout spring and summer.
| Scientific Name: | Abelia x grandiflora |
| Native Range: | Artificial hybrid |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to fall |
2. Acacia
A member of the Fabaceae (legume) plant family, which contains 1,084 accepted species of flowering trees and shrubs. The flowers appear in pendulous clusters, usually white, yellow, pink, or gold.
In the Victorian language of flowers, acacia had several meanings, including chaste love, friendship (rose flowers), elegance (pink or white flowers), secret love (yellow flowers), revenge (thorn), and devotion to the Mother Mary.
| Scientific Name: | Acacia spp. |
| Native Range: | Australia, Austral-Pacific Islands, Malaysia, and Madagascar |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter and early spring |
3. Aconite
A member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family, Aconitum is a genus containing 337 accepted species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants commonly called aconite, wolfsbane, monkshood, or blue rocket.
The plants can grow to be about four feet in height and produce racemes of hooded blue, purple, or white flowers. The sap of aconite plants is poisonous and was often used to poison the tips of arrows or animal traps.
| Scientific Name: | Aconitum spp. |
| Native Range: | Mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to fall |
4. Adonis
A member of the Ranunculaceae plant family, the Adonis genus contains 34 accepted species of herbaceous flowering plants. The plants have foliage that is wispy like feathers. These lovely flowers that start with the letter A have five to 30 petals in shades of yellow, orange, or red.
The genus name is that of the Greek god Adonis, who was Aphrodite’s lover. Red Adonis flowers are said to have sprung from Adonis’s grave after envious Ares had him killed by a wild boar.
| Scientific Name: | Adonis spp. |
| Native Range: | Europe, Asia, northern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Spring or late summer, depending on the species |
5. African Daisy
A member of the Asteraceae (daisy, composite, sunflower, or aster) plant family, the Osteospermum genus contains 74 accepted species of flowering tender perennials commonly called African daisies or daisybushes.
Depending on the species, they have smooth or toothed lanceolate leaves and daisy-like flowers consisting of disc and ray florets produced either singularly at the ends of stems or in clusters.
With lots of species and countless garden cultivars, African daisies come in a wide array of colors, including pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white.
| Scientific Name: | Osteospermum spp. |
| Native Range: | Eastern and Southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and fall |
6. African Iris
A member of the Iridaceae (iris) plant family, Dietes bicolor is an evergreen, rhizomatic, perennial, flowering plant commonly referred to as African iris, yellow wild iris, fortnight lily, or butterfly flag.
These flowers that start with A form spiky clumps of long, lance-like foliage and several flowers on branching stalks. The flowers are usually yellow but can be found with a white variant. Each flower features three dark-purple spots rimmed with orange.
| Scientific Name: | Dietes bicolor |
| Native Range: | South Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to fall |
7. African Lily
A member of the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) plant family, Agapanthus africanus is a flowering plant that grows on the rocky sandstone slopes of the Cape Provinces on the southern tip of Africa.
The rhizomatic plants produce clumps of strap-like foliage and large clusters of dark-purple or light-purple, funnel-shaped flowers with dark stripes running down the centers of their petals.
Sunbirds, bees, and the wind all help to pollinate these flowers, which feed baboons in the region.
| Scientific Name: | Agapanthus africanus |
| Native Range: | South Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall (in frost-free climates) |
8. African Violet
Saintpaulia is a section within the subgenus Streptocarpella within the Streptocarpus genus of the Gesneriaceae (gesneriad) plant family. The roughly 40 species of flowering plants contained in this section are commonly called African violets or saintpaulias.
These plants are trendy houseplants featuring rosettes of fuzzy, ovate leaves and clusters of flowers that are commonly deep purple, pale blue, violet, pink, red, or white. Countless cultivars have been generated to create various flower and foliage diversity.
| Scientific Name: | Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia |
| Native Range: | The tropical regions of eastern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
9. Ageratum
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, Ageratum houstonianum is an herbaceous, flowering, annual that is commonly called ageratum, bluemink, blueweed, flossflower, Mexican paintbrush, or pussy foot.
These flowers that start with the letter A grow as small shrubs with a mounding growth habit. The leaves are typically triangular, and the flowers appear in clusters of aster-like flowers with fluffy petals in shades ranging from cool bluish-purple to warm pinkish-purple.
Unfortunately, these plants are toxic to grazing animals, giving them a reputation as an unwanted weed among those who keep livestock.
For more, see our in-depth guide to popular flowers that are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets.
| Scientific Name: | Ageratum houstonianum |
| Native Range: | Mexico and Central America |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring through fall |
10. Agrimony
Twenty-one species of perennial, herbaceous, flowering plants commonly called agrimony belong to the Agrimonia genus within the Rosaceae (rose) plant family. In the language of flowers, agrimony symbolizes thankfulness and gratitude.
The plants grow in clumps and produce pinnate foliage with long, tall (up to six feet), spike-shaped racemes of five-petaled, yellow flowers.
With its golden color and appropriate meaning, agrimony is a beautiful flower to include in Thanksgiving Day centerpieces.
| Scientific Name: | Agrimonia spp. |
| Native Range: | Much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere and a few locations in South America and Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring through late summer |
11. Agrostemma
A member of the Caryophyllaceae (carnation and pink) plant family, Agrostemma githago is the most well-known species of flowering plant within its genus.
The plants grow slender stems that can be more than three feet tall, and they produce singular flowers at the ends of the stems. The flowers are about two inches in diameter with five petals in a deep shade of pink that gradually whitens at the center of the flowers.
It is commonly referred to as agrostemma or corn cockle. In the language of flowers, corn cockle represents gentility.
| Scientific Name: | Agrostemma githago |
| Native Range: | The Mediterreanean and Middle East |
| Flowering Season: | Summer |
12. Ajuga
A member of the Lamiaceae (mint, sage, or deadnettle) plant family, Ajuga reptans is a species of herbaceous, flowering plant that is commonly referred to as ajuga, blue bugle, bugleherb, or bugleweed, among other similar common names.
The plants form rosettes of foliage and tall spikes of blue or purple flowers. The plants have an aggressive spreading growth habit, making them a good option for ground cover. However, they are considered invasive across much of North America for this reason.
| Scientific Name: | Ajuga reptans |
| Native Range: | Europe and Northern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to early summer |
13. Alabama Crimson
A Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) plant family member, Lonicera sempervirens ‘Alabama Crimson’ is a deciduous, flowering vine with a twining growth habit.
The vines are highly ornamental, producing clusters of large, trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red to orange on the outside and bright yellow on the inside. They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
| Scientific Name: | Lonicera sempervirens ‘Alabama Crimson’ |
| Native Range: | Eastern, Southern, and south-central United States |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and summer |
14. Albizia
A member of the Fabaceae plant family, Albizia julibrissin is a species of flowering tree known commonly as albizia or the mimosa tree, pink silk tree, or Persian silk tree. These trees are quite unique looking when they are in bloom.
These lovely flowers that start with the letter A appear abundantly and resemble tassels with silky, thread-like stamens that appear in graduated colors. The flowers feature white and magenta stamens that burst out from yellowish-green corollas. They attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
| Scientific Name: | Albizia julibrissin |
| Native Range: | Eastern and Southwestern Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and summer |
15. Allium
A member of the Amaryllidaceae plant family, the Allium genus contains 1,063 accepted species of bulbous, flowering perennials. They produce pom-pom-like flowers in various shades of purple atop slender stems.
Some of the most popular allium species include culinary greats such as onions, chives, garlic, leeks, scallions, and shallots. Others, however, are grown as ornamental garden plants.
| Scientific Name: | Allium spp. |
| Native Range: | The Northern Hemisphere and South Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and summer |
16. Alpine Aster
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, Aster alpinus is an herbaceous, perennial, flowering plant that produces clumps of basal foliage and singular flowers atop slender stems.
Alpine asters feature golden-yellow disc florets and ray florets that can be lavender, purple, blue, pink, or white. These flowers that start with A prefer mountainous climates, high elevations, and a small soil pH range of 6 to 7.5.
| Scientific Name: | Aster alpinus |
| Native Range: | The temperate Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
17. Alstroemeria
A member of the Alstroemeriaceae family, the Alstroemeria genus contains 128 accepted flowering plant species often called by their genus name or the common names lily of the Incas or Peruvian lily.
The plants have sturdy stems and lanceolate foliage from tuberous root systems. They can be solitary or in umbels of three or so blossoms. Each flower has six petals, with the most prominent being flecked with brown or black. The flowers feature orange, red, green, white, and purple shades.
Alstroemeria flowers make excellent cut flowers and are popularly used in floral arrangements.
| Scientific Name: | Alstroemeria spp. |
| Native Range: | South America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall |
18. Alyogyne
A member of the Malvaceae (mallow) plant family, Alyogyne hakeifolia is a fast-growing, flowering shrub species. It produces a clump of spindly stems and leaves from which large, whorled flowers blossom that take on a papery texture when spent. The cup-shaped flowers feature dark-orange centers and surrounding petals in purple, blue, or buttery yellow shades.
| Scientific Name: | Alyogyne hakeifolia |
| Native Range: | Southern and western Australia |
| Flowering Season: | Summer to fall |
19. Alyssum
Lobularia maritima (commonly called alyssum, sweet alyssum, or sweet alison) is a short-lived, flowering, perennial plant that is low-growing and heavily branched. It produces dense clusters of tiny flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance. The flowers can be white, yellow, pink, rose, red, or light purple.
Despite the plant’s common name, these flowers that start with A are merely a cousin of the flowering belonging to the Alyssum genus within the same plant family, Brassicaceae (crucifer, cabbage, and mustard).
Sweet alyssum represents worth beyond beauty in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Lobularia maritima |
| Native Range: | The Mediterranean |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and fall |
20. Amaranth
A member of the Amaranthaceae (amaranth) plant family, the Amaranthus genus contains 95 accepted species of herbaceous annual and perennial plants and shrubs that are commonly called amaranth.
The flowers are formed on unusually shaped racemes that look like purplish-red tentacles. Amaranth plants are widely cultivated for their practical uses as dyes and for the culinary benefits of their seeds, leaves, roots, stems, and oils.
In the language of flowers, Amaranth symbolizes indifference, immortality, unfading love, affectation, and foppery.
| Scientific Name: | Amaranthus spp. |
| Native Range: | Cosmopolitan |
| Flowering Season: | Summer to first frost |
21. Amaryllis
The Hippeastrum genus contains 111 accepted species of herbaceous, bulbous, flowering perennials commonly called amaryllis and belong to the Amaryllidaceae plant family.
The bulbs produce long, strappy foliage and umbles that support two to fifteen flowers, depending on the species. The showy flowers open up in shades of purple or red during the winter. As a result, these are popular decorative flowers for the holidays.
Amaryllis represents pride, haughtiness, timidity, and splendid beauty in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Hippeastrum spp. |
| Native Range: | South America |
| Flowering Season: | Winter to early spring |
22. Amazon Lily
Urceolina amazonica (commonly called Amazon lily) is a species of bulbous, evergreen perennial that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae plant family, despite its common name, “lily.” The roughly 30″ x 20″ plants produce clumps of dark-green foliage and umbels of fragrant flowers that have six snowy-white tepals and a whitish-green central staminal cup.
| Scientific Name: | Urceolina amazonica (formerly Eucharis amazonica) |
| Native Range: | Peru |
| Flowering Season: | Winter |
23. Ambrosia
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a rhizomatic annual plant commonly called ambrosia, annual ragweed, or American wormwood. The plants produce many branches covered in hairy foliage and soft leaves that are deeply pinnate.
This plant that starts with the letter A produces candlestick-like racemes of small, whitish-yellow flowers. The plant’s pollen is spread by the wind, making ambrosia (ragweed) the bane of those who suffer from hay fever allergies.
Ambrosia represents love returned in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Ambrosia artemisiifolia |
| Native Range: | North America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall |
24. Amethyst Flower
A member of the poisonous Solanaceae (nightshade) plant family, Browallia americana is a flowering, tropical perennial commonly grown annually in cooler climates.
The plants grow to be about two feet in height and diameter with greenish-brown stems and spade-shaped leaves. They produce small, loose clusters of amethyst-colored flowers with heart-shaped petals and yellow centers.
In the language of flowers, amethyst symbolizes admiration.
| Scientific Name: | Browallia americana |
| Native Range: | Southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northwestern South America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer |
25. Andromeda
Pieris japonica is an evergreen, flowering tree or shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae (heath or heather) plant family. Common names include andromeda, Japanese andromeda, or Japanese pieris.
These flowers that start with the letter A can grow to be anywhere from about three to thirteen feet tall. From brittle stems, they produce ovate leaves that first appear bronze or reddish before turning green.
The flowers appear in large, drooping bunches of whitish-pink, bell-shaped blossoms. In the language of flowers, Andromeda symbolizes self-sacrifice and pity.
| Scientific Name: | Pieris japonica |
| Native Range: | Taiwan, Japan, and south-central and southeastern China |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter through early spring |
26. Anemone
A member of the Ranunculaceae plant family, the Anemone genus consists of 64 accepted flowering perennials commonly called anemones or windflowers.
The flowers typically have five or more petals in bright colors such as purple, pink, orange, white, yellow, red, blush, and even blue and turquoise. The centers are yellow surrounded by a ring of blackish-brown stamens.
Anemone flowers represent abandonment or forsaken (garden); sickness, malady, forlornness, expectation, or gaiety (field or wood); and anticipation or expected pleasure (double) in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Anemone spp. |
| Native Range: | Cosmopolitan |
| Flowering Season: | Early spring into fall |
27. Angel’s Trumpet
A member of the Solanaceae plant family, Brugmansia suaveolens is a semi-evergreen, flowering, tropical shrub or small tree commonly called angel’s trumpet.
The plants form woody stems or trunks and a canopy of bright-green foliage. When in bloom, the plants produce enormous (12-inch long), pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers. When they first emerge, the flowers are a buttery shade of yellow that fades to snowy white as they open.
These beautiful flowers that start with the letter A emit a strong, pleasant fragrance in the evenings. The scent can be lemony, minty, musky, or floral.
| Scientific Name: | Brugmansia suaveolens |
| Native Range: | Brazil |
| Flowering Season: | Summer to fall |
28. Angelica
A member of the Apiaceae (umbellifer) family, Angelica archangelica is a biennial plant commonly called angelica, Norwegian angelica, garden angelica, or wild celery.
It produces umbels of fuzzy, yellowish-green flowers and is commonly grown for its edible stems and roots.
In the language of flowers, angelica represents inspiration, magic, and guardian angels.
| Scientific Name: | Angelica archangelica |
| Native Range: | From Greenland and northern Europe to northwestern Russia |
| Flowering Season: | Summer |
29. Angelonia
A warm-climate perennial, Angelonia angustifolia belongs to the Plantaginaceae (plantain) plant family. Its common names include angelonia and summer snapdragon.
These plants grow in clumps and produce showy racemes of flowers in bright shades of purple, pink, mauve, violet, and white.
These lovely flowers that start with the letter A are popular for summer gardens becomes they last much longer than true snapdragons while providing a similar visual effect in the garden.
| Scientific Name: | Angelonia angustifolia |
| Native Range: | Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northwestern South America |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring through fall |
30. Anise Hyssop
The herbaceous perennial Agastache foeniculum belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family and is commonly called anise hyssop, giant hyssop, or blue hyssop.
This plant has an upright, clump-forming growth habit and typically reaches about two to four feet in height and one to three feet in diameter. The flowers are lavender and emerge in whorled, terminal spikes.
The ovate foliage gives off a sweet, licorice-like scent similar to that of anise seed, and they are often used for flavoring in baking or making jellies, jams, and herbal teas.
| Scientific Name: | Agastache foeniculum |
| Native Range: | North America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall |
31. Apache Plume
A member of the Rosaceae plant family, Fallugia paradoxa (commonly called Apache plume) is an erect desert shrub with flaky gray or white bark and curled, hairy, scaly leaves.
The wild-rose-shaped flowers feature five crisply white petals with a greenish-yellow button at the center. After the flowers are spent, they leave behind feathery, tassel-shaped plumes of rose-colored stamens and pistils.
| Scientific Name: | Fallugia paradoxa |
| Native Range: | Southwestern United States and northern Mexico |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to fall |
32. Apple Blossom
A member of the Rosaceae plant family, Malus domestica is the scientific name of the ever-popular and widely cultivated deciduous and fruit-bearing apple tree. The fluttery whitish-pink flowers of which are called apple blossoms.
The modern apple tree (and all of its hybrids and cultivars) are considered ancestors of the wild apple tree species Malus sieversii. It is believed that apples were first domesticated between four and ten thousand years ago and then traveled on the Silk Road from Asia to Europe.
| Scientific Name: | Malus domestica |
| Native Range: | Central Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
33. Arabian Jasmine
Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine) is a species of flowering evergreen shrub or vine that belongs to the Oleacea (olive) plant family.
These plants have dark-green, glossy leaves, producing clusters of three to 12 waxy, white flower blossoms. The flowers are intensely fragrant and commonly used to make tea.
These stunning flowers that start with the letter A are popularly grown in Hawaii, where jasmine flowers are the favorite blossoms for making leis.
| Scientific Name: | Jasminum sambac |
| Native Range: | India and East Himalayas |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round (primarily summer) |
34. Armeria
Armeria maritima (commonly called armeria, sea thrift, or sea pink) is a compact, evergreen, herbaceous, flowering perennial that belongs to the Plumbaginaceae (plumbago or leadwort) plant family.
The plants grow in clumps of long, blade-shaped foliage, and tightly formed clusters of pink or lavender flowers form atop sturdy stalks. These plants thrive in salty, coastal soils where others usually struggle.
In the language of flowers, thrift symbolizes sympathy.
| Scientific Name: | Armeria maritima |
| Native Range: | Temperate Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
35. Arnica
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, Arnica Montana (commonly called arnica or mountain arnica) is an herbaceous, flowering perennial.
The plant produces small basal clusters of lanceolate foliage and golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers. Arnica is fragrant and has aromatic properties.
Despite its moderate toxicity, Arnica montana is commonly used for medicinal purposes to help address bruising, muscle pain, wounds, sprains, joint pain, and insect bites.
| Scientific Name: | Arnica montana |
| Native Range: | Europe |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring through summer |
36. Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum is a deciduous, flowering shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae (moschatel) plant family and is commonly called arrowwood viburnum, roughish arrowwood, or southern arrowwood.
The round shrubs can grow to be between six and 15 feet in height with an equal spread. The shrubs produce flat-topped corymbs of small, white flowers and a thicket of glossy green foliage that turns variable shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.
| Scientific Name: | Viburnum dentatum |
| Native Range: | East-central and northeastern United States |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
37. Artichoke Thistle
Cyanara cardunculus (commonly called cardoon or artichoke thistle) belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. Artichoke thistle produces large clumps of deeply pinnate foliage and thistle-like blossoms atop sturdy stalks.
These flowers that start with the letter A resemble spiky artichokes and produce a puff of purple petals at the top. Domesticated during ancient times, this plant is still grown as a crop today as much of the plant is edible.
| Scientific Name: | Cynara cardunculus |
| Native Range: | The Mediterranean |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer and fall |
38. Asclepias
A member of the Apocynaceae (dogbane) plant family, Asclepias syriaca is a rhizomatic perennial commonly called asclepias, butterfly flower, silkweed, or common milkweed.
It can grow to be more than five feet tall, producing thick stalks with large, ovate to lanceolate leaves. The flowers are rosy-pink with white, floss-like hairs. They’re produced in spherical cymes all along the stalks and are highly fragrant, filled with nectar. In the language of flowers, asclepias represents a cure for heartache.
| Scientific Name: | Asclepias syriaca |
| Native Range: | Central and eastern United States and south-central and south-eastern Canada |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to midsummer |
39. Asian Bleeding-Heart
A Papaveraceae (poppy) plant family member, Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Asian bleeding-heart) is a rhizomatic, herbaceous perennial. It produces soft, three-lobed leaves on pinkish-green stems.
The pendulous flowers are produced in arching racemes. They are heart-shaped and feature a fuchsia outer flower and a white inner flower.
These intriguing flowers that start with the letter A symbolize heartbreak, unrequited love, lost love, and sadness. Despite these downcast meanings, Asian bleeding hearts are popular in gardens for their delicate, pretty blooms.
| Scientific Name: | Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis) |
| Native Range: | Manchuria and Korea |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring |
40. Asiatic Lily
Asiatic lily is the common name for various hybrid flowering plants of the Lilium genus (of the Liliaceae plant family), which contains 118 distinct species.
Asiatic lilies are bulbous perennials that feature large, ornamental flowers in solids and combinations of red, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
Although they are garden favorites, be careful where you plant them because they are highly toxic to cats and can also be poisonous to dogs.
| Scientific Name: | Lilium asiatica hybrids |
| Native Range: | Cultivated hybrids |
| Flowering Season: |
41. Aster
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, the Aster genus contains 185 accepted species of flowering perennial plants. Aster flowers consist of ray florets and disc florets.
The most popular varieties of asters feature light-purple petals with golden-yellow centers, but the flowers can also be pink, blue, or white.
In the language of flowers, asters symbolize religious faith, variety, and afterthought (China), “I will think of it” (China single), and “I partake your sentiments” (China double).
| Scientific Name: | Aster spp. |
| Native Range: | Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer and early fall |
42. Astilbe
A member of the Saxifragaceae plant family, the Astilbe genus contains 29 accepted species of flowering, herbaceous perennials.
These flowers that start with the letter A produce glossy, toothed, fern-like leaves and large, leaf-shaped, feathery plumes of flower blossoms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
They make excellent cut flowers but are also stunning when showcased in garden beds or containers.
| Scientific Name: | Astilbe spp. |
| Native Range: | Eastern Asia and the southeastern United States |
| Flowering Season: | Spring through summer |
43. Aubrieta
A member of the Brassicaceae plant family, Aubrieta deltoidea is species of flowering perennial with a mat-forming, mounding growth habit commonly called aubrieta or rock cress.
It grows well in rock gardens, creating an attractive ground cover with green foliage and masses of pinkish-purple blooms. The plants grow to be about nine inches in height and up to two feet in diameter. Their flowers attract all sorts of birds, bees, and butterflies.
| Scientific Name: | Aubrieta deltoidea |
| Native Range: | The northern Mediterranean region |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring to early summer |
44. Australian Bottlebrush
A member of the Myrtaceae (myrtle) plant family, Melaleuca citrina is a species of flowering shrub commonly called Australian bottlebrush, crimson bottlebrush, lemon bottlebrush, or red bottlebrush.
These flowers that start with A can grow up to 20 feet tall and have papery bark and pointed leaves. The flowers are vibrant, crimson-red, and emerge in spikes on the ends of the branches. The spiky petals shoot out in all directions from the branches, creating the look of a household bottlebrush.
| Scientific Name: | Melaleuca citrina (aka Callistemon citrinus) |
| Native Range: | Western Australia |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and fall |
45. Autumn Crocus
A member of the Colchicaceae plant family, Colchicum autumnale is a species of herbaceous perennial commonly called autumn crocus.
These plants produce purplish-pink, cup-shaped flowers that closely resemble the blossoms of true crocuses (of the Crocus genus within the Iridaceae plant family).
However, these flowers that start with the letter A appear in late spring and early fall instead of in late winter, and they typically grow about 10 inches tall.
| Scientific Name: | Colchicum autumnale |
| Native Range: | Europe |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer through early fall |
46. Autumn Sage
A member of the Lamiaceae plant family, Salvia greggii (commonly called autumn sage) is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in rocky desert soils.
Characteristics of the species and its cultibars are highly variable. The flowers tend to resemble pea blossoms and can be found in many shades of red, scarlet, rose, pink, apricot, lavender, violet, and white.
Sage symbolizes domestic virtue in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Salvia greggii |
| Native Range: | Texas and northeastern Mexico |
| Flowering Season: | Spring through fall |
47. Avens
A member of the Rosaceae plant family, the Geum genus contains 56 herbaceous, evergreen, perennial plants commonly called avens.
These flowers that start with the letter A can be red, orange, yellow, or pink, featuring single and double varieties of cup-shaped poppy-like flower blossoms. In folklore, these flowers are thought to have a positive energy capable of driving away evil.
| Scientific Name: | Geum spp. |
| Native Range: | Cosmopolitan |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring into fall |
48. Azalea
A member of the Ericaceae plant family, the Rhododendron genus contains 1089 accepted species of woody shrubs and small trees commonly called azaleas or rhododendrons.
They can be deciduous or evergreen and have foliage arranged in spirals around their branches. The flowers appear in profusion when in bloom, creating walls of color. The flowers come in shades and combinations of Red, pink, magenta, purple, nearly blue, yellow, and white.
Azaleas symbolize zeal and temperance in the language of flowers.
| Scientific Name: | Rhododendron spp. |
| Native Range: | Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
49. Aztec Marigold
A member of the Asteraceae plant family, Tagetes erecta is an herbaceous perennial or annual plant commonly called the Aztec marigold or Mexican marigold.
Despite being native to the Americas, these flowers are sometimes called African marigolds. The plants produce fan-shaped, lanceolate leaves and pom-pom-like flowers in colors ranging from bright yellow to deep red.
Archaeological records show a history of the plants being burned as incense in temples in Mexico. The flowers were also frequently represented in Aztec art. In the language of flowers, they symbolize vulgar minds.
| Scientific Name: | Tagetes erecta |
| Native Range: | Mexico and Central America |
| Flowering Season: | Early summer to late fall |
50. Azure Monkshood
A member of the Ranunculaceae plant family, Aconitum carmichaelii is a tuberous, flowering perennial commonly called Azure monkshood, Carmichael’s monkshood, Chinese aconite, or Chinese wolfsbane.
These prominent plants can grow to be four feet tall and have large, ovate leaves and giant flower spikes covered in clusters of deep-purple, hooded flower blossoms.
They’re beautiful in garden beds and, with their sturdy stalks, make lovely cut flower arrangements.
| Scientific Name: | Aconitum carmichaelii |
| Native Range: | Eastern Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer to early fall |
Flowers That Start With A FAQs:
What Are Some Popular Pink Flowers That Start With A?
Popular pink flowers that start with the letter A include Asian bleeding heart, astilbe, and azaleas.
What Are Some Popular Red Flowers Beginning With A?
Some popular red flowers that start with A include autumn sage, amaryllis, and Asiatic lilies.
What Are Some Unique Flowers That Start With A?
Some of the most unique flowers that start with a include albizia, Apache plumes, and Australian bottlebrush.
Are There Any Rare or Endangered Flowers That Start With A?
There are quite a few endangered flowers and plants that start with the letter A including arethusa (Arethusa bulbosa), American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), autumn coral-root (Corallorhiza odontorhiza), Appalachian bristle-fern (Crepidomanes intricatum), American waterwort (Elatine americana), Andrew’s bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), Appalachian firmoss (Huperzia selago), Acadian qiullwort (Isoetes acadiensis), American twinflower (Linnaea borealis), adder’s tongue fern (Ophioglossum pusillum), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana), American sea-blite (Suaeda calceoliformis), and arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis).
Flowers That Start With the Letter ‘A’ Are Always Attractive
With such a great diversity of flowers beginning with the letter A, you can have fun with your garden, creating an alphabetical landscape. Challenge yourself to plant a section of letter-A flowers or alphabetically arrange plants of the whole alphabet. However you find your favorite blooms and select them for your garden, you are sure to create a lovely landscape and fantastic floral arrangements for your home.
For more, see our in-depth guide to:
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘B’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘C’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘D’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘E’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘F’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘G’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘H’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘I’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘J’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘K’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘L’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘M’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘N’
- 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘O’
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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