Petunia…passionflower…periwinkle… These are probably the most common flowers that begin with the letter P. But as you’re about to find out, there are tons of other flowering plants whose names start with P.
Below is a collection of 20 flowers that start with P. Each plant comes with a brief description to help you determine if it’s worth adding to your backyard.
1. Petunia (Petunia)
Petunia is a genus comprising 20 species of flowering plants in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, most of which are native to South America.
The plant is characterized by its funnel-shaped flowers that consist of five fully fused or partially fused petals and five green sepals. It blooms in shades of red, yellow, purple, orange, white, and blue.
2. Peperomia (Peperomia)
Peperomia is one of the two primary genera of the Piperaceae family, the other one being Piper. The Piperaceae family comprises roughly 3600 species of flowering plants, 1600 of which belong in the Peperomia genus and 2000 in the Piper genus.
Most plants in the Peperomia genus are small, compact perennial epiphytes that mostly favor rotten wood. The plants give forth brown, green, or yellow flowers that appear conical.
3. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita or Mentha balsamea)
Peppermint is a hybrid mint developed by crossing spearmint with watermint.
The flower is native to the Middle East and Europe. It’s noted for its hairy stems and showy flowers that can appear in purple, pink, or white colors.
4. Parodia (Parodia warasii)
Parodia is a relatively short flower that grows to a modest height of 6 – 18 inches.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and soil with a pH range of 6.1 – 7.8. It mostly blooms yellow flowers.
5. Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
Parrot’s beak derives its name from its beaklike blooms. In addition to their exotic shape, parrot’s beak flowers also appear in a range of fancy colors, including scarlet red, orange, and purple.
6. Painted Tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata)
A close relative of petunia, the painted tongue stands out for its stunning trumpet-shaped blooms that appear in deep violet, magenta, and gold.
7. Peony (Peony)
Some flowers will blow you away with their fragrance even before you have had a chance to behold their beautiful blossoms. Peony is one such flower.
Most species in this genus come alive in early summer with their light pink, creamy-white, or scarlet red flowers.
8. Primrose (Primula)
The primrose may be a short-lived perennial. But plants in this genus can lighten up any landscape with their brightly-colored two-inch flowers that typically start to bloom in spring.
Primrose’s carnival colors range from purple and blue to pink, white, red, orange, and yellow.
9. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
It’s almost impossible to walk through a patch of blooming phlox plants and miss their cute flowers which often grow en masse.
Most varieties are perennial and give forth white, purple, or pink blossoms.
10. Prickly Pear Cactus (Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis)
The ‘cactus’ name in this plant already speaks volumes about its potential hardiness. Prickly pear cactus can thrive in most climates, including arid ones.
Whichever conditions you subject this succulent plant to, you can always look forward to its charming red, yellow, or pink flowers.
11. Passion Flower (Passiflora)
Passionflower is one of the few exquisite flowers that can thrive both indoors and outdoors.
The plant’s spiny vines are an attraction to hummingbirds while its flowers (which range in color from blue to purple, pink, orange, white, red, and yellow) will certainly leave a lasting impression on your guests.
12. Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)
Peruvian lilies are a symbol of friendship and mutual support. They bloom from late spring or early summer, during which they produce yellow, pink, white, and orange flowers.
13. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Plumbago goes by many other names, including the Cape plumbago, the Cape leadwort, and the sky flower. The plant is native to South Africa, which explains the ‘Cape’ reference in its common name.
Plumbagos produce pink, purple, blue, or red blooms that consist of five petal-shaped lobes.
14. Paper Reed (Cyperus papyrus)
Paper reed, also known as the Egyptian reed or the Indian matting plant, is an aquatic perennial sedge native to various wet parts of Africa.
The plant usually grows 10 – 15 feet high and produces greenish-brown flowers that grow in brilliant clusters at the end of the rays.
15. Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
The pasque flower is widely regarded as a harbinger of spring, which leaves little doubt on when the plant comes to bloom.
Pulsatilla vulgaris flowers (which can be purple, pink, red, or white) typically start to appear before its foliage is fully developed.
16. Paraguay Nightshade (Solanum rantonnetii)
There’s a reason this flower holds such a magic appeal to birds and insects when in bloom.
Besides their purple flowers that feature yellow bases, Paraguay nightshades also exude an inviting fragrance that any pollinator would love.
17. Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
Not only does pearly everlasting take pride in its cute name but also in its elegant flowers.
This perennial plant grows into graceful silvery foliage which gives forth bright white and yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
18. Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
Here’s another flowering cactus plant to add to your flower garden if you’re more of a hands-off grower.
Like most cacti, the pencil cholla will thrive nearly all climatic conditions. It mostly blooms tiny orange, brownish, or pinkish flowers.
19. Peach Blossom (Prunus persica)
Peach blossom is arguably the most popular species in the Prunus genus, the same genus that produces cherry blossoms.
These plants have pale-pink petals that feature hot-pink or deep-magenta shades near their bases. But the actual petal color will depend on the specific variety you’re cultivating.
20. Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
The periwinkle is one of the most widely-cultivated flowering plants. Although native to Europe, the plant can adjust to most climatic conditions.
It produces phlox-like, tubular flowers that come in red-violet, lavender-blue, or pink colors.
Final Word
Choosing flowers that start with the letter P doesn’t have to be a brain-racking experience. Not when there are plenty of options to go by.
Whether your partner’s name begins with the letter P and you’re looking for a flower with matching initials or you’re just enthusiastic about flowering plants in general, we hope the above collection serves as your ultimate informative guide to flowers that start in P.
