Today, hundreds of thousands of species of flowering plants have officially been classified, and more are recorded each year. With such vast plant diversity, discovering new flowers for yourself can become overwhelming. This article takes a fresh approach to flower exploration, an alphabetical approach, to help you discover new flowers for your gardens and bouquets. Take a moment to explore nature with this fun list of beautiful flowers (along with descriptions, photos, native ranges, and interesting facts) that start with the letter ‘C’.
50 Beautiful Flowers That Start With the Letter ‘C’:
1. Calendula
Also commonly called common marigold or pot marigold, Calendula officinalis is a gorgeous orange to golden-yellow annual popularly grown in borders, beds, and container gardens. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are known for their ability to repel certain insects and other pests. In the Victorian language of flowers, marigolds represented grief and jealousy. Today, their symbolic meanings contrast their historical symbolism, as they are associated with positive energy, power, and strength.
| Scientific Name: | Calendula officinalis |
| Native Range: | Spain |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to fall (in cooler climates) and fall to spring (in warmer climates) |
2. Calla Lily
The calla lily is not a “true lily” because it actually belongs to the Araceae (arum) plant family. Their elegantly slender profiles, bright-green stems, and trumpet-shaped inflorescences that blossom in white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and black have made calla lilies highly popular in bouquets and gardens. Calla lilies are In the language of flowers, and calla lilies symbolize magnificent beauty. Modern symbolic meanings include fertility, life, death, resurrection, and rebirth.
| Scientific Name: | Zantedeschia aethiopica |
| Native Range: | Southern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to early summer |
3. Camas
Camassia is a genus containing six accepted species of wildflowers commonly called camas, camash, quamash, Indian hyacinth, and wild hyacinth. They commonly grow in open prairies and meadows. They can transform a landscape from boring beige to a beautiful sea of waving blue and purple flowers when in bloom. Their stems and foliage are silvery green. The Native Americans historically used camas plants as an important food source.
| Scientific Name: | Camassia spp. |
| Native Range: | North America |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring through summer |
4. Camellia
Camellia is a genus containing 230 accepted species of flowering shrubs and small trees belonging to the Theaceae (tea) plant family. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C produce large, ornamental flowers in shades that range from white to pink to red. Some species produce yellow flowers.
In the language of flowers, the red Camellia japonica symbolized unpretending excellence, and the white Camellia japonica symbolized perfected loveliness. Camellia flowers’ modern symbolic meanings include adoration (white); longing (pink); and passion, deep desire, and love (red).
| Scientific Name: | Camellia spp. |
| Native Range: | Tropical and subtropical regions of southern and eastern Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late fall to mid-spring |
5. Candytuft
Candytuft is a woody, perennial subshrub with a mounding growth habit. They produce emerald-green foliage and flat corymbs of flowers in white (most commonly), purple, and pink. They make a lovely ground cover and attract butterflies. In the language of flowers, candytuft symbolizes indifference. Today, it can also represent stoicism.
| Scientific Name: | Iberis sempervirens |
| Native Range: | Southern Europe, Algeria, and Morocco |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to midsummer |
6. Canterbury Bells
Canterbury bells are lovely garden plants. They can grow to be just shy of three feet in height. They have rosettes of verdant foliage and woody, hairy stems. The flowers are produced along racemes. They are perfectly bell-shaped and open up in shades of purple, violet-blue, and sometimes white. These biennial plants produce flowers for two years before dying. In the language of flowers, Canterbury bells symbolize acknowledgment. Today, they also represent faith, constancy, and gratitude.
| Scientific Name: | Campanula medium |
| Native Range: | Italy and France |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring through early summer |
7. Cape Primrose
The name Streptocarpus refers both to the genus name and subgenus name of a group of flowers that are commonly known as Cape primroses or simply streps. The common name of these flowers refers to the native origin of these plants and their superficial resemblance to primrose flowers of the Primula plant genus. Cape primroses have a basal rosette of lanceolate foliage and produce classically shaped flowers atop long, slender stems in shades of pink, purple, blue, yellow, white, and bicolor combinations.
| Scientific Name: | Streptocarpus spp. |
| Native Range: | South Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
8. Cardinal Flower
This distinct-looking scarlet-colored flower features blossoms that burst from upright spikes. Each flower has three lower petals and two upper petals that connect in a central tube. The flower’s common name is thought to reference the scarlet robes worn by cardinals in the Catholic Church. In the language of flowers, cardinal flowers symbolize distinction.
| Scientific Name: | Lobelia cardinalis |
| Native Range: | Southeastern Canada, southwestern and eastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern Columbia |
| Flowering Season: | Midsummer to early fall |
9. Carnation
With their extravagantly ruffled petals, carnations are some of the most commonly grown commercial flowers. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are used in almost every type of floral design. Carnations have several color-dependent symbolic meanings. In the language of flowers, they represent disdain (yellow), refusal (striped), and “Alas, for my poor heart,” (deep red). Today, they symbolize motherly love and gratitude (pink), purity and luck (white), affection and love (dark red), admiration (light red), and disappointment and rejection (yellow).
| Scientific Name: | Dianthus caryophyllus |
| Native Range: | Most likely the Mediterranean region |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring until early fall |
10. Cat’s Ear
Also commonly called false dandelion or flatweed, cat’s ear is an edible herb. Its roots and leaves can be used in salads, steamed, or eaten raw. The plant produces a rosette of low-lying, toothed, lance-shaped foliage from a central taproot. Golden-yellow flowers are produced from tall, slender stems. The flower heads are shaped like flat pom-poms, similar to the flowers of true dandelions.
| Scientific Name: | Hypochaeris radicata |
| Native Range: | Europe and northern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Midsummer to early fall |
11. Catmint
The Nepeta genus contains 287 accepted species of herbaceous, flowering perennials in the Lamiaceae (mint) plant family, commonly called catmint or catnip. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are cultivated for their attractive and abundant spikes of bluish-purple flowers that attract butterflies, moths, bees, and hummingbirds. The species Nepeta cataria attracts cats (of all kinds – domestic and wild) for its behavioral effects.
| Scientific Name: | Nepeta spp. |
| Native Range: | Europe, northern Africa, and Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to early fall |
12. Cattleya Orchids
Cattleya is a genus containing 130 accepted species of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids. Across several subgenera, the plants demonstrate great variability in foliage shape and the number of flowers that open up on a single raceme. Most feature starfish-shaped flowers with a central labellum that is wider and of a different color from the five surrounding petals.
| Scientific Name: | Cattleya spp. |
| Native Range: | Northern and central South America |
| Flowering Season: | Spring or fall, depending on the species |
13. Centaury
Centaury is an attractive garden plant that produces small rosettes of leaves and tall, upright, sometimes branching stems. The stems produce large inflorescences of rose-pink flowers, which open up from deep-pink buds. This herbaceous plant has been used in natural medicine as a treatment for kidney disease, appetite loss, and indigestion. In the language of flowers, centaury symbolizes delicacy.
| Scientific Name: | Centaurium erythraea |
| Native Range: | Europe, western Asia, the Middle East, and parts of northern Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring through late summer |
14. Cherry Blossom
The Prunus genus contains 338 species of trees and shrubs that include a variety of fruit-bearing plants such as cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, almonds, and apricots. Cherry blossoms, in particular, are special because they are used as a symbol of spring, rebirth, and renewal. They are also enthusiastically celebrated in spring cherry blossom festivals around the world. In the language of flowers, cherry trees symbolize a good education, and white cherry blossoms symbolize deception.
| Scientific Name: | Prunus spp. |
| Native Range: | The tropics of Africa and Asia, the tropics of South America, and temperate North America |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
15. Chinese Forget-Me-Note
Cynoglossum amabile, commonly called the Chinese forget-me-not, is a perennial in USDA hardiness zones six through nine. Still, it is popularly grown as an annual in cooler climates. It grows to be about one to two feet in height, has silvery-green foliage, and blossoms with attractive racemes of petite, five-petaled dusky-blue flowers. It is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
| Scientific Name: | Cynoglossum amabile |
| Native Range: | China, Nepal, Tibet, and Thailand |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to late fall |
16. Chinese Hibiscus
In addition to Chinese hibiscus, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has many common names, including Tropical Hibiscus, Hawaiian hibiscus, China rose, shoeblack plant, and rose mallow. This hibiscus species is likely the type of hibiscus you picture when you think of a hibiscus. It features prominent (four-inch diameter) blossoms in a vibrant shade of scarlet. The flowers deepen to near-black at their centers and have a prominent central stamen dusted with golden-yellow. In the language flowers, hibiscus flowers symbolize delicate beauty.
| Scientific Name: | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis |
| Native Range: | Vanuatu |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to late summer |
17. Chinese Lantern
Alkekengi officinarum, commonly called Chinese lantern, is a species of plant that belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Although this plant’s fruits are edible, the rest of the plant is poisonous like other nightshades. The plant produces small, white flowers, but it is most prized and recognizable for its showy seed pods, which are shaped like paper lanterns and crimson-red. Their red capsules give way to a lacy shell that reveals a bright-red interior fruit.
| Scientific Name: | Alkekengi officinarum |
| Native Range: | Temperate Europe and Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer to early fall |
18. Chocolate Cosmos
The chocolate cosmos is a unique, intensely pigmented flower. It has maroon, almost-brown-colored petals and a prominent sphere of even darker stamens. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are nearly chocolate-colored but actually get their name from their fragrance which smells similar to cocoa. Chocolate cosmos flowers symbolize luxury, while all cosmos flowers symbolize harmony and balance.
| Scientific Name: | Cosmos atrosanguineus |
| Native Range: | Mexico |
| Flowering Season: | Early summer to fall |
19. Chocolate Lily
The chocolate lily is a showy perennial with glossy, sword-shaped foliage. The flower’s central stem bears eight trumpet-shaped flowers in a dark shade of brownish-purple. The petals are sometimes spotted or striped with golden-yellow to match the color of the flower’s stamens. The native range of Fritillaria camschatcensis traces the northern half of the notorious “Ring of Fire” area that is marked by frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
| Scientific Name: | Fritillaria camschatcensis |
| Native Range: | Northwestern North America and northeastern Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to midsummer |
20. Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera genus contains just seven accepted species of flowering, spineless, epiphytic cacti that are commonly referred to as Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, holiday cactus, and crab cactus. The plant’s holiday-related names refer to the time of the year when they tend to blossom abundantly with ornate, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, and red.
| Scientific Name: | Schlumbergera spp. |
| Native Range: | Southeastern Brazil |
| Flowering Season: | Late fall through mid-winter |
21. Chrysanthemum
The Chrysanthemum genus contains 36 accepted species. A wide array of cultivars and hybrids lend the genus a great amount of diversity in color, flower shape, petal texture, and size. In the language of flowers, chrysanthemums symbolize truth (white), “I love” (red), and slighted love (yellow). Today, they symbolize happiness, friendship, and well-being, in addition to being strongly associated with the coming of fall and harvest.
| Scientific Name: | Chrysanthemum spp. |
| Native Range: | Eastern Asia, northeastern Europe, and northern North America |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer to early winter (depending on the growing zone) |
22. Cineraria
Cineraria is a hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Pericallis lanata and Pericallis cruenta. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are produced in abundant bunches at the center of the plant’s vibrant foliage. The flowers are daisy-shaped. They bloom in a wide variety of colors and bicolor combinations, including white, pink, purple, red, and blue. Cineraria plants are perennial but only in USDA hardiness zones nine through 11, making them a popular annual in cooler regions.
| Scientific Name: | Cineraria (Pericallis x hybrida) |
| Native Range: | Africa and the Arabian Peninsula |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-winter to early spring |
23. Clarkia
Clarkia is a genus of 42 accepted species of flowering (mostly) annual herbs that belong to the Onagraceae (evening primrose) plant family. Produced along tall racemes, clarkia flowers generally have four sepals and the same number of petals in shades of red, pink, or white. The flowers can be cup-shaped, but there is some variability in shape and form throughout the genus.
| Scientific Name: | Clarkia spp. |
| Native Range: | Western North America and southern South America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer and fall |
24. Clematis
A member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family, the Clematis genus contains 386 accepted species and countless hybrids and cultivars of mostly woody vines. The flowers themselves are highly variable with single and double forms, and they blossom in several shades and combinations of red, pink, purple, blue, yellow, and white. In the language of flowers, clematis represents mental beauty.
| Scientific Name: | Clematis spp. |
| Native Range: | Most of the world (except most of the Arctic and Antarctic regions) |
| Flowering Season: | Early summer through early fall |
25. Climbing Snapdragon
The climbing snapdragon or snapdragon vine is not related to the popularly grown garden snapdragon. However, its flowers do have a similar appearance to those of garden snapdragon, and this is where the plant gets its common name. The flowers are produced from leafy vines, making them perfect for growing on trellises. They are tubular and slightly trumpet-shaped, with three lower lobes and two upper lobes. They come in shades of violet, lavender, blue, pink, and white.
| Scientific Name: | Asarina scandens aka Maurandya scandens |
| Native Range: | Mexico and Central America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer |
26. Clover
A member of the Fabaceae (pea) plant family, the Trifolium genus contains 291 accepted species of flowering plants commonly called clover or trefoil. The plants make a wonderful, pollinator-friendly ground cover by producing pretty, bulbous flower heads in white, pink, and red. They are commonly associated with good luck and the Holy Trinity in Christianity. In the language of flowers, they symbolize industry (red), “Think of me,” (white), and “Be mine,” (four-leaved).
| Scientific Name: | Trifolium spp. |
| Native Range: | Most of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America |
| Flowering Season: | Spring through fall |
27. Cobra Lily
Darlingtonia californica is a carnivorous pitcher plant that resembles the shape of a rearing cobra thanks to its tubular leaves and front-facing forked leaf that looks like a purplish-green or yellow snake’s tongue. These plants can be difficult to grow indoors or in outdoor climates that differ too greatly from their natural habitats, as they require fairly specific conditions for survival.
| Scientific Name: | Darlingtonia californica |
| Native Range: | Oregon and California |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
28. Cockscomb
A member of the Amaranthaceae (amaranth) plant family, the Celosia genus contains 46 accepted species of plants commonly called cockscombs. The inflorescences of these plants are marked with an abnormal type of growth called fasciation or cresting. This gives the blossoms irregular textures and shapes. There are spike forms and broad, curving forms that resemble the crests of roosters. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are vibrantly colored in red, yellow, and pink. In the language of flowers, cockscomb symbolizes singularity, foppery, and affectation.
| Scientific Name: | Celosia spp. |
| Native Range: | Central Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring through fall |
29. Columbine
A member of the Ranunculaceae plant family, the Aquilegia genus contains 130 accepted species of flowers commonly known as columbines or granny’s bonnet. Columbine flowers have some variability but are known for their spurred trumpet shapes and lovely (often) contrasting colors. In the language of flowers, columbines symbolize folly, being resolved to win (purple), and feeling anxious or trembling (red).
| Scientific Name: | Aquilegia spp. |
| Native Range: | The Northern Hemisphere |
| Flowering Season: | Spring through early summer |
30. Coneflower
A member of the Asteraceae (daisy) plant family, the Echinacea genus contains nine accepted species of herbaceous flowering plants that are commonly called coneflowers. Plants of this genus are commonly used in herbal medicine to help fight colds and other infectious diseases by helping to support the immune system.
| Scientific Name: | Echinacea spp. |
| Native Range: | Central and eastern United States |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring until the first frost |
31. Coral Bells
A member of the Saxifragaceae plant family, the Heuchera genus contains 44 accepted species of mostly evergreen, perennial, flowering plants that are commonly called coral bells and alumroot. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C are beloved for their ornamental uses in gardens with striking foliage in various vibrant colors and large, spike-shaped racemes of flowers in various stunning colors and color combinations, including pink, red, yellow, blue, white, and purple.
| Scientific Name: | Heuchera spp. |
| Native Range: | North America and eastern Russia |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to early summer |
32. Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens (commonly called coral honeysuckle, scarlet honeysuckle, or trumpet honeysuckle) is a vine that twines its way through and around shrubs and trees, growing 20 feet or longer. It produces waxy, oval-shaped leaves and firework bursts of slender, tubular flowers that range in color from scarlet to coral. In the language of flowers, honeysuckle symbolizes generous and devoted affection.
| Scientific Name: | Lonicera sempervirens |
| Native Range: | Eastern and south-central United States |
| Flowering Season: | Mid to late spring |
33. Corn Poppy
Papaver rhoeas (commonly called corn poppy, Flanders poppy, field poppy, red poppy, or common poppy) produces striking, scarlet-red flowers with deep-black centers. While the natural flowers are always red, hybrids and cultivars that are commercially available feature pink, orange, yellow, and white flowers, too. In the language of flowers, red poppies symbolize consolation.
| Scientific Name: | Papaver rhoeas |
| Native Range: | Northern Africa, Europe, and western Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to fall |
34. Cornflower
Cornflowers (also commonly called bachelor’s buttons) are a mainstay in any cottage garden. These lovely flowers feature a button-shaped spray of ray florets that surround a center of disc florets in the flower’s namesake color, cornflower blue. The plant’s common name came from the fact that it was a common weed found growing in fields of corn and other grains, and harvesting would contribute to its spread. In the language of flowers, bachelor’s buttons symbolize celibacy and were often worn in the lapels of single men.
| Scientific Name: | Centaurea cyanus |
| Native Range: | The Mediterranean |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to midsummer |
35. Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus is one among many species of cosmos plants. They are commonly referred to as garden cosmos, Mexican asters, or simply cosmos. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C produce conspicuous, symmetrical, cup-shaped flowers in bright shades of red, pink, and white with striking yellow centers. Although annuals, they self-seed readily, which means they can quickly become naturalized in a low-maintenance garden.
| Scientific Name: | Cosmos bipinnatus |
| Native Range: | South-central United States, Mexico, and northern South America |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall |
36. Cottage Pink
Dianthus plumarius (commonly called cottage pink, common pink, wild pink, garden pink, or pink) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae (pink) plant family. They produce clumps of dense foliage and, when in bloom, are spotted with sprays of red, pink, and white flowers. The flowers have fringed or ruffled petals, emitting a pleasantly spicy, clove-like scent. In the language of flowers, pinks symbolize boldness.
| Scientific Name: | Dianthus plumarius |
| Native Range: | Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia, and Hungary |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-spring through mid-summer |
37. Cowslip
A member of the Primulaceae (primrose) plant family, cowslip features the signature basal rosette of green, oval-shaped leaves and the central stems of blossoms. This species, however, produces clusters of petite, sunny-yellow blossoms. In the language of flowers, cowslip symbolizes winning grace and pensiveness.
| Scientific Name: | Primula veris |
| Native Range: | Central and western Asia and Europe (extinct in Algeria) |
| Flowering Season: | Mid to late spring |
38. Crane Flower
Commonly called the crane flower or bird of paradise, the Strelitzia reginae is likely one of the most easily recognized plants in the world thanks to its signature inflorescence, which resembles a vibrantly colored tropical bird. The plants feature green stems and foliage, a scarlet spathe, tangerine sepals, and electric-blue petals. Crane flowers symbolize immortality and freedom.
| Scientific Name: | Strelitzia reginae |
| Native Range: | South Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Early spring |
39. Cranesbill
A member of the Geraniaceae plant family, the Geranium genus contains 361 accepted species of perennial, annual, and biennial plants that are commonly called cranesbills. Geranium flowers typically have five petals, and they blossom in an array of colors that range from white to deep purple. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C have a mounding and spreading growth habit that makes them a good selection for a garden in need of a colorful ground cover.
| Scientific Name: | Geranium spp. |
| Native Range: | Worldwide range but concentrated in the eastern Mediterranean region |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to the first frost |
40. Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata (commonly called creeping phlox, moss phlox, mountain phlox, and moss pink) belongs to the Polemoniaceae plant family. Creeping phlox, with its mat-forming growth habit, creates carpets of vibrant foliage and color when in bloom. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C typically have five petals and blossom in shades of pink, white, blue, rose, and mauve. In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes unanimity.
| Scientific Name: | Phlox subulata |
| Native Range: | Eastern and central United States and eastern Canada |
| Flowering Season: | Mid to late spring |
41. Crocosmia
A member of the Iridaceae (iris) plant family, the Crocosmia genus contains just eight species of flowering perennials that can be either deciduous or evergreen. Crocosmia foliage appears in clumps and is vibrant green and lance-shaped. The flowers are lily-like and are vividly colored with gradient hues of red, orange, coral, golden-yellow, and tangerine.
| Scientific Name: | Crocosmia spp. |
| Native Range: | Eastern and southern grasslands of Africa |
| Flowering Season: | Midsummer through mid-fall |
42. Crocus
Another member of the Iris plant family, the Crocus genus, contains 261 species of early-season flowering plants. The lance-shaped leaves and cup-shaped flowers appear close to the ground, only growing a few inches tall. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C can be purple, blue, yellow, orange, pink, or white, often with a gradient hue. In the language of flowers, spring crocuses symbolize youthful gladness.
| Scientific Name: | Crocus spp. |
| Native Range: | Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Late winter to early spring |
43. Crown Imperial
Fritillaria imperialis (commonly called the crown imperial) is an impressive plant. It can grow to be up to four feet tall. It produces large clumps of lance-shaped leaves that feature wavy edges, giving them an almost twisted appearance. From the center of the foliage, long, sturdy stems rise up and are topped with a tuft of leaf-life bracts that almost resemble a pineapple (spiky and green on the top and yellow on the bottom). While pretty to look at, the flowers don’t smell especially nice, as they emit a skunk-like odor. In the language of flowers, crown imperials symbolize power and majesty.
| Scientific Name: | Fritillaria imperialis |
| Native Range: | Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the western Himalayas |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
44. Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia milii (commonly called crown of thorns, Christ thorn, or Christ plant) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) plant family. It can grow up to almost six feet in height and has sturdy, woody stems that are covered in thorns. The plant’s thorns are why it is often associated with the crown of thorns worn by Christ during the Passion. These beautiful flowers that start with the letter C produce rosettes of fleshy, green leaves and somewhat uniform rows of blood-red, rose, or white flowers that have a distinctive whorled petal arrangement.
| Scientific Name: | Euphorbia milii |
| Native Range: | Madagascar |
| Flowering Season: | Spring and summer |
45. Cuckoo Flower
A member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) plant family, Cardamine pratensis is commonly called cuckoo flower, milkmaid, mayflower, or lady’s smock. In the language of flowers, the cuckoo plant symbolizes ardor or passion. The plant grows in a loose clump of grass-like foliage and produces clusters of petite flowers that are most commonly light pink but can also be white. These plants are perfect for wet areas that do not drain well, as they love the water.
| Scientific Name: | Cardamine pratensis |
| Native Range: | Europe, Asia, and northeastern North America |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
46. Cup and Saucer Vine
A member of the Polemoniaceae plant family, Cobaea scandens (commonly called cup and saucer vine, Mexican ivy, monastery bells, or cathedral bells) is a flowering, perennial, climbing plant that forms self-clinging, hooked tendrils. The flowers are a deep shade of violet and pronouncedly bell-shaped. Each blossom is gently cupped by a ruff that gives each bloom the appearance of cups and saucers. The flowers emit a musky fragrance. In the language of flowers, they represent gossip. In the modern era, perhaps, they may come to be associated with “spilling the tea.”
| Scientific Name: | Cobaea scandens |
| Native Range: | Mexico |
| Flowering Season: | Late summer to fall |
47. Curcuma
A member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) plant family, the Curcuma genus contains 160 flowering plants commonly called curcuma or turmeric. They are widely cultivated for their tuberous, aromatic roots that are commonly used in cooking and natural medicine.
| Scientific Name: | Curcuma spp. |
| Native Range: | Southeast Asia, New Guinea, India, and northern Australia. |
| Flowering Season: | Summer through fall |
48. Cyclamen
A member of the Primulaceae (primrose) plant family, the Cyclamen genus contains 24 accepted species of perennial flowering plants. The plants form rosettes of heart-shaped leaves that are often traced with silvery-white lines. Reddish stems sprout from the center of the foliage and produce shooting star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and lavender. In the language of flowers, cyclamens represent diffidence, modesty, or shyness.
| Scientific Name: | Cyclamen spp. |
| Native Range: | Iran, the Caucasus, the Mediterranean region, Europe (extinct in Spain), and one species in Somalia |
| Flowering Season: | Fall through early spring |
49. Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidium is a genus containing 86 species of plants commonly called boat orchis or cymbidiums. They can be epiphytic, terrestrial, lithophytic, and even saprophytic in their respective habitats. The flowers of cymbidium orchids are often white or green, but they can also blossom in deep shades of purple and burnt amber.
| Scientific Name: | Cymbidium spp. |
| Native Range: | Tropical and subtropical Australia and Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Fall to spring |
50. Cytisus
A member of the Fabaceae (pea) plant family, the Cytisus genus contains 29 species of flowering plants that are sometimes commonly referred to as broom. The plants are shrubs that, when in bloom, produce large masses of sweet-smelling, pea-shaped flowers that are most commonly bright yellow but can also feature shades of orange and red. In the language of flowers, broom symbolizes neatness and humility.
| Scientific Name: | Cytisus spp. |
| Native Range: | Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia |
| Flowering Season: | Spring |
Flowers That Start With ‘C’ FAQs:
What Are Some Popular Pink Flowers That Start With a C?
Camellias and carnations are probably the two most popular pink flowers that start with C. Pink carnations are a symbol of a mother’s love in addition to undying love and gratitude. Pink camellias represent the feeling of longing for a person you love.
What Are Some Popular Red Flowers Beginning With C?
Some popular red flowers that start with C include celosia, coral bells, cyclamen, and the fiery-red crocosmia.
What Are Some Unique Flowers That Start With C?
Some unique and unusual-looking flowers that start with C include the crown imperial (Fritallaria imperialis), curcuma flowers (Curcuma), and the cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica).
Are There Any Rare or Endangered Flowers That Start With C?
There are several rare and endangered flowers that begin with the letter C including the California jewel flower (Caulanthus californicus), coyote ceanothus (Ceanothus ferrisae), capa rosa (Callicarpa ampla), Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense), and Cape Sable thoroughwort (Chromolaena frustrata).
Beautiful Additions for Your Alphabet Garden
Even after narrowing down suitable options for your growing zone and garden’s environment, the flower choices can be immense. So, for fun, you might consider planting an alphabet garden. Whether you plant all flowers that start with the letter C, try to represent every letter of the alphabet, or choose another letter, this can be an exciting and unique way to create visual interest and arrange an eclectic group of flowers.
For more, see our in-depth guide to 50 beautiful flowers that start with the letter ‘B’.
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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