The world of flowers is simply incredible due to the vast array of floral species available. It’s fascinating to note that by selecting just one letter from the alphabet, there are countless unique and alluring flowers to be discovered. In this piece, we’ll delve into 50 stunning flowers that begin with the letter “I”.
50 breathtaking “I” flowers
1) Ice Plant
Ice plants, belonging to the Aizoaceae family, are a delightful perennial plant that grows in mats and adds a splash of color to any garden. Originally from South Africa, these evergreen plants thrive in dry and hot climates, making them perfect for ground-cover flowers in USDA Zones 6 to 10. Ice plants have succulent-like leaves and fleshy roots that produce an abundance of daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of pinkish-purple, which can grow up to 2 inches wide. The scientific name for ice plants is Delosperma cooperi, and they bloom during summer to fall. Another beautiful plant that shares its name with ice plants is the Iceberg Rose.
The beautiful hybrid rose, also known as Rosa ‘KORbin’ or iceberg rose, was first bred in Germany in 1958. These deciduous woody shrubs are repeat-flowering Floribunda roses that can produce clusters of stunning white double flowers with a hint of pink during late summer. With up to 35 individual petals per flower, these hybrid roses emit a light, sweet fragrance and bloom from summer until fall. The scientific name for this rose is Rosa ‘Iceberg’, and it is native to Germany and Asia. Another lovely flower to enjoy during the summer to fall season is the Iceland poppy.
Although they are called Iceland poppies, these beautiful flowers are not actually from Iceland. They are originally from parts of Asia and North America, and are also known as Arctic or hardy poppies because they can thrive in Zones 3 to 10.
These lovely plants have delicate bluish-green leaves that are feathery in appearance, and their cup-shaped flowers with papery petals are held on hairy stems. They also have a delightful, light scent and blossom from late spring through early summer.
The scientific name for Iceland poppies is Papaver nudicaule, and they belong to the group of flowers that starts with the letter I. Another popular flower that begins with I is Impatiens.
Impatiens, also known as busy Lizzie, are beautiful perennials from the Balsaminaceae family. These plants are indigenous to Eastern Africa and are typically cultivated as annual bedding plants in Zones 10 and 11. Impatiens have a wide range of stunning cultivars.
These fast-growing plants grow in clusters of oval or elliptical leaves. They have vibrant flowers with five petals and petite spurs. Impatiens come in an array of colors such as pink, purple, orange, red, white, and yellow.
Another lovely plant is the Inca Lily.
Peruvian lilies, or Inca lilies, are stunning perennial plants that belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family. These beauties originate from Brazil and Chile in South America and grow best in Zones 6 to 10. With their vibrant colors and six-petal design adorned with dark stripes or freckles, Inca lilies are a sight to behold. They come in an array of hues including pink, purple, orange, red, yellow, and white, and bloom from late spring until fall. Inca lilies prefer full sun and add a pop of color to any garden or landscape. The scientific name for Inca lilies is Alstroemeria spp., and they are also sometimes called Inca marigolds.
The beautiful Inca marigolds, also known as African marigolds, are originally from Mexico despite their misleading name. These charming marigolds belong to the aster or daisy family (Asteraceae) and can be either herbaceous annuals or perennials. They are typically cultivated as annuals and thrive in Zones 2 to 11.
Inca marigolds boast eye-catching pom-pom-like flowers in vibrant shades of yellow or orange that bloom throughout the summer season until late fall. Additionally, these marigolds feature pinnate leaves adorned with up to 17 lance-shaped leaflets, making them a visually appealing addition to any garden. As an added bonus, Inca marigolds function exceptionally well as companion plants.
Scientifically known as Tagetes erecta, these marigolds are indigenous to Mexico and have an impressive flowering season from summer to fall. Lastly, we have Incarvillea, which is a completely different plant altogether.
The Incarvillea is a stunning perennial plant that originates from the southwestern regions of China. This exotic plant is a member of the begonia or trumpet vine family and is often referred to as hardy gloxinia or flowering fern, even though it is not related to true ferns.
These captivating plants thrive best in Zones 5 to 7 and are available in various vibrant cultivars. With basal rosettes of fern-like leaves adorned with delicate, feathery leaflets, the Incarvillea is an elegant addition to any garden. The trumpet-shaped flowers are particularly striking, boasting pink petals and yellow centers.
Another flower that starts with the letter “I” is Indian Balsam.
Indian balsam, also referred to as Himalayan balsam, is a type of annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. This flower originates from the Himalayas and is recognized for its striking pink hooded blooms that have large upper and lower petals. The stems of Indian balsam are either greenish or reddish in color and produce long, lance-shaped leaves that emit a potent musty scent when crushed. Although prized for its aesthetic appeal, this plant has become invasive across the Northern Hemisphere.
I personally find Indian blanket flowers to be among the most stunning flowers starting with the letter ‘I’. These beauties belong to the daisy family and can either be annuals or short-lived perennials. They are native to Mexico and some parts of the United States. One thing that makes Indian blanket flowers stand out is their large, daisy-like blooms that are often bi-colored. They also have hairy stems and basal rosettes of alternate leaves with toothed edges. If you’re looking to grow them, Indian blanket flowers thrive best in full sun within Zones 2 to 11. On another note, let’s talk about Indian breadroot!
Indian breadroot, also known as prairie turnip or timpsula, is a plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is commonly found in dry environments such as woodlands and prairies in the central regions of North America. The stems of Indian breadroot are covered with hair and have compound leaves comprising of five leaflets. The flowers of this plant are clustered together at the end of the stems and are purple in color, resembling peas. Indian breadroot thrives best in Zones 4 to 8.
The purple bauhinia trees, also known as Indian chestnut trees or orchid trees, belong to the pea family and are deciduous. They can be found in India and Myanmar and grow best in warm, humid areas within Zones 9 to 12. The rounded heart-shaped leaves of the Indian chestnut tree are quite long, and the tree produces breathtaking flowers with five delicate petals from late summer to late fall. These flowers emit a pleasant scent that is sure to delight any nature lover. Scientifically known as Bauhinia purpurea, Indian chestnut trees are truly a sight to behold when in full bloom.
Aside from Indian chestnut trees, another beautiful plant is the Indian cress.
Indian cress, also commonly referred to as nasturtiums, is a beautiful fast-growing annual plant that belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. Its trailing habit and vibrant colors make it a popular choice for gardens in Zones 2 to 11. The plant produces large, round leaves that feature cream-colored veins and trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of orange or red and emit a subtle fragrance. One of the unique features of this plant is that both its leaves and flowers are edible, making it a popular choice for culinary purposes. Indian cress, scientifically known as Tropaeolum majus, is native to parts of South America and blooms during the summer to fall season. Another stunning plant that starts with I is the Indian Hawthorn.
The Indian hawthorn is a type of evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Originally from China, Japan, and certain parts of Southeastern Asia, this charming tree is often used for ornamental purposes and bonsai cultivation. As the name suggests, the Indian hawthorn produces dense clusters of small pink or white flowers during the spring season, which emit a delightful fragrance. Its oblong leaves and purplish-brown to grayish-brown bark add to its aesthetic appeal, with the bark color varying depending on the age of the tree. The scientific name of the Indian hawthorn is Rhaphiolepis indica.
The Indian hyacinth, also called common camas, is a type of herbaceous perennial that belongs to the asparagus family known as Asparagaceae. With their bulbous structure, these plants produce grass-like leaves in basal rosettes with thin stems. During the spring and summer seasons, Indian hyacinths bloom with racemes of star-shaped blue flowers featuring six tepals. These beautiful flowers that begin with the letter I are native to the western parts of North America and primarily thrive in specialized habitats called camas prairies. Additionally, they grow well in grasslands and marshes and have a habitat range extending from Zones 4 to 11. The scientific name for Indian hyacinth is Camassia quamash, and their flowering season lasts from spring to summer. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Indian lotuses are also commonly referred to as Indian hyacinths.
The Nelumbonaceae family is home to Indian lotuses, which are commonly referred to as sacred lotuses. These stunning flowers thrive in aquatic environments and can be found throughout Asia. They have been cultivated for centuries and continue to captivate people with their beauty. The roots of the Indian lotus are anchored underneath the river bed, while the thick stems protrude above the water’s surface, carrying the leaves and flowers. The leaves are indeed impressive, growing up to two feet in width and resembling an umbrella. During summer, the Indian lotus produces large, cup-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink and white. Sadly, these gorgeous blossoms only last three days before they wither away.
The Indian mallow plant is a beautiful exotic shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family. Its origins can be traced back to tropical regions in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. For optimal growth, these plants thrive in USDA Zones 8 to 12. Characterized by heart or fan-shaped leaves with uneven edges, the Indian mallow boasts vibrant yellow cup-shaped flowers with five petals that bloom from spring through to fall. The flowers are followed by flat black fruits. The scientific name of this stunning plant is Abutilon Indicum. Next on the list is the Indian Paintbrush.
The broomrape family (Orobanchaceae) boasts an array of attractive herbaceous annuals and perennials, including the Indian paintbrush. These wildflowers are indigenous to Canada and the United States and are renowned for their eye-catching appearance. The Castilleja genus encompasses more than 200 species that usually thrive between Zones 4 to 8. Indian paintbrushes grow in clusters, displaying short, oval-shaped leaves. During spring and summer, they produce racemes of small cup-shaped flowers that resemble paintbrushes. These flowers come in vivid shades of pink, purple, orange, red, yellow, and white. Scientifically known as Castilleja spp., Indian paintbrushes bloom throughout the spring and summer months. Another similar North American native is the Indian Pink.
Indian pinks, which belong to the Loganiaceae family, are unique herbaceous perennials. With their lance-shaped glossy leaves and upright stems, they form clumps. The tubular red flowers of Indian pinks bloom during spring and summer, revealing their yellow interiors. These vibrant perennials, starting with the letter I, are indigenous to the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Shady woodland environments with well-draining soils are ideal for Indian pinks. They also make great borders and are grown for ornamental purposes in Zones 5 to 9.
Another plant that starts with the letter I is Indian Pipe.
The Indian pipe flower is a unique and rare herbaceous perennial that grows in small, isolated populations around the world. Despite being found in various regions, these plants are still considered one of the rarest flowers due to their scarcity. Unlike most plants, Indian pipe flowers don’t produce chlorophyll as they are parasitic and rely on mycorrhizal fungi to absorb nutrients from nearby trees. The plant consists of white, curved stems that come together to form beautiful flowers, each stem enclosed within translucent bracts. It goes by the scientific name Monotropa uniflora and is native to Asia, North America, and South America, with a flowering season that ranges from summer to fall. Another fascinating plant that you might be interested in is the Indian plum.
Indian plums are perennial shrubs that belong to the rose family and lose their leaves every year. They are well-known for being among the earliest plants to blossom during springtime. These shrubs are indigenous to Western North America and flourish in areas with a climate ranging from Zones 6 to 10.
During late winter and early spring, the Indian plum’s arching shoots produce drooping clusters of greenish-white blossoms. The petals of these flowers give off a fragrant aroma reminiscent of almonds. After the flowers have bloomed, they develop into purplish plum-like fruits, while the shrub’s foliage takes on a dark green, lance-shaped form.
21) Indian Poker
Indian pokers, also known as torch lilies and red hot pokers, are stunning herbaceous perennials that boast vibrant colors. These lovely flowers belong to the Asphodelaceae family and are indigenous to South Africa. They are a popular choice for ornamental gardening, thriving best in full sunlight within Zones 5 to 10. The letter I is represented beautifully by Indian pokers, which have upright tubular stems that emerge from clusters of long, grass-like leaves. From spring through fall, these stems display dense clusters of bright orange, red, and yellow tubular flowers. The scientific name for Indian pokers is Kniphofia uvaria, and they are a native species of South Africa. Indian pokers bloom from spring to fall, adding a delightful touch of color to any garden.
Indian potatoes, which are also called American arrowheads or wapato plants, are fascinating perennials that grow as tubers. They are abundant throughout the Americas and are commonly found in wetlands. These plants belong to the Alismataceae family, which is known for water-plantains. One of the most striking features of Indian potatoes is their dark green arrow-shaped leaves that can grow even underwater. They also produce elegant white flowers during summer to fall. Ideal for moist soils, they grow best in Zones 5 to 11. Another plant that is native to India is Indian Rhubarb.
Indian rhubarbs, also known as umbrella plants, are perennial herbs belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. Their defining feature is their large leaves, which resemble umbrellas. These plants produce clusters of small pink or white flowers in the spring, followed by the emergence of the large, rounded, and coarse-textured leaves. Indian rhubarb is typically found in boggy woodlands and riverbanks in the western United States and grows best in Zones 5 to 7. Its scientific name is Darmera peltata, and it flowers from spring to fall. Another plant commonly referred to as Indian senna exists but is unrelated to Indian rhubarb.
The Indian senna, belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae), is a perennial shrub that is native to Egypt and Sudan, but is now a popular ornamental plant worldwide. These appealing shrubs grow best in Zones 9 to 11 and require full sun. The Indian senna has elongated leaves with multiple leaflets made up of four to six pairs of elliptical leaves. During the summer until fall season, they bloom bright yellow flowers with five petals. The scientific name for Indian senna is Senna alexandrina, and it is also known as the Indian Shot.
Although commonly referred to as African arrowroot, the Indian shot plant is actually indigenous to certain regions in Central and South America. This perennial species belongs to the Cannaceae family, which is also known as canna lilies and has been cultivated for thousands of years. With upright stems and lengthy, lance-shaped leaves that can reach up to 2 feet long, the Indian shot produces bright orange, red, and yellow flowers from summer until fall. Each flower has a short lifespan of just a few days but is quickly replaced by another. The scientific name of Indian shot is Canna indica, and it is also sometimes called Indian Strawberry.
The Indian strawberry, or mock strawberry, is a perennial plant that belongs to the rose family. Its name comes from its fruit, which resembles true strawberries. Although native to Asia’s eastern and southern regions, Indian strawberries can thrive in Zones 5 to 9. These plants have trifoliate leaves that are dark green and coarse in texture. As they spread along the ground, they produce lovely yellow flowers in spring and red sphere-shaped fruits later on. Another plant that starts with the letter I is Indian Tobacco.
The herbaceous annual or biennial Indian tobacco, belonging to the Campanulaceae family, is found in the eastern regions of North America. While the indigenous people used some parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, it’s important to note that the roots of this plant are toxic and should not be consumed. Indian tobacco has upright stems with hair and oval leaves that are serrated. The plant bears light purple flowers during the summer to fall season with three lower lobes and pale yellow centers. Scientifically known as Lobelia inflata, Indian tobacco is also referred to as Indian Turnip.
The Indian turnip, also referred to as Jack-in-the-pulpit, is a type of perennial tuberous plant that belongs to the Araceae family. These wildflowers are commonly found in wetland or boggy areas throughout eastern North America, and they do well in shady conditions in Zones 4 through 9. The distinctive orchid-like flowers of the Indian turnip feature hooded tubes with green and purple stripes, along with a spadix packed with tiny purple or green flowers projecting from the tube. Additionally, Indian turnips boast two or three glossy leaves.
False indigo, also known as Indigo bushes, are perennial shrubs belonging to the legume family. These shrubs can be found throughout North America and certain parts of Mexico, thriving best in open woodlands and near bodies of water such as ponds and streams.
Indigo bushes are characterized by their upright stems and long branches covered with oval-shaped hairy leaflets. During the spring and summer months, they produce clusters of closely packed tubular purple flowers with yellow anthers.
The scientific name for Indigo bushes is Amorpha fruticosa, and they are native to North America. They typically bloom from spring to summer and are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
Indigofera, also referred to as true indigo, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the legume family. While its original place of origin remains unknown, it is mainly found in Africa and Asia. For centuries, true indigo has been grown as a source of indigo dye. The shrub has branching stems that bear pinnate leaves with several pairs of oblong leaflets. In the summer, indigofera shrubs produce short, dense racemes of pink or purple flowers. This plant grows best in Zones 10 to 12. Another popular shrub is Inkberry.
The inkberry shrub belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and is a type of evergreen shrub. It is also commonly known as Appalachian tea or evergreen winterberry, and primarily grows in the eastern parts of North America. These shrubs are popularly used as ornamental shrubs in various zones ranging from 6 to 10. Unlike other holly plants, inkberry shrubs have elliptical or oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and spineless. They produce small greenish-white flowers during the spring season, followed by small black fruits, which are responsible for their common name. The scientific name for inkberry shrubs is Ilex glabra.
Inland sea oats, also referred to as northern wood oats, are a type of perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. These grasses are found in various parts of North America and are commonly found growing in woodlands and near riverbanks. Additionally, inland sea oats can be used as decorative grasses in Zones 3 to 8.
The slender upright stems of inland sea oats grow in clusters, and their flattened seed heads sway gracefully, even in light breezes. These grasses also produce small green flowers during the summer months.
The Iridaceae family boasts a stunning array of perennial flowers known as irises. These beauties can be found in various habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and come in various types, such as bearded, Japanese, and Siberian irises. Irises start with the letter I and are bulbous or rhizomatous perennials that feature tall, erect stems crowned with large, colorful flowers adorned with speckled markings. The signature look of irises is due to some of the petals drooping. They are popular plants in Zones 3 to 9, and their scientific name is Iris spp. These lovely flowers bloom from late winter to fall, making them a great addition to any garden. Additionally, there is a plant called Irish Heath that shares some similarities with irises but is a separate species altogether.
The Irish heath is a charming evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant’s origin is in some regions of Mediterranean Europe, including southwestern France, Portugal, and Spain, but it is also found in Ireland, where it earns its name. The Irish heath’s leaves are slightly delicate and form four whorls. During late winter until spring, this compact heather looks stunning with clusters of pink flowers that have a sweet honey-like fragrance. Scientifically known as Erica erigena, the Irish heath blooms during the late winter to spring season.
Irish moss, also known as heath pearlwort, is a perennial plant belonging to the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). With its slender foliage and tiny white flowers, this moss can bloom all year round. It grows low and forms a mat-like structure, and is well-suited for dry and sandy soils with full sun exposure. Its native range includes countries in Europe such as Iceland, Spain, and Romania. Irish moss has the scientific name Sagina subulata and is known to thrive in Zones 4 to 8. Ironweed is another plant altogether.
Ironweed, which belongs to the aster or daisy family, is a perennial herbaceous plant. Although most ironweeds are native to North and South America, a few species also grow in Asia and Africa. These plants flourish in damp, acidic soils and require full sun in Zones 5 to 9.
Upright stems and alternate, lanceolate leaves with serrated edges characterize the plants that start with the letter I. During the summer until fall, the stems produce offshoots that bear clusters of fluffy purple flowers. Bees and butterflies are among the many pollinators attracted to Ironweed.
Scientifically known as Vernonia spp., Ironweed has a native range of North and South America. Its flowering season is from summer to fall.
Island Snapdragon is not a related plant to Ironweed and requires a separate discussion.
The Island snapdragon, a stunning evergreen perennial belonging to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), is a sight to behold. It hails from regions in California and northwestern Mexico and is in danger of extinction in California. However, it can still be grown successfully in Zones 9 to 11. These sprawling shrubs have oval or elliptical leaves and produce bright red tubular flowers with five rounded lobes from spring to fall. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of these flowers, making them even more appealing. The scientific name for this plant is Gambelia speciosa. Another beautiful plant is the Island Tree Mallow.
Island tree mallows belong to the Malvaceae family and are a type of perennial shrub that can be found in the Channel Islands of southern California. Although they are native to this region, these beautiful flowers have also been introduced to other areas on the mainland and are often used as ornamental plants in Zones 9 and 10. With their bushy habit and long evergreen leaves that have toothed margins and several lobes, island tree mallows are a sight to behold. Their deep pink flowers with five petals and dark red veins add a pop of color that is hard to miss. In addition to island tree mallows, another plant that starts with “I” is the Italian Alder.
The Italian alder is a stunning deciduous tree belonging to the birch family, Betulaceae. These trees are originally from the Apennine mountains in Italy and parts of Corsica in the Mediterranean. They can be cultivated as ornamental trees in Zones 5 to 9.
One distinguishing feature of the Italian alder is its glossy heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Moreover, these trees are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers that bloom from late winter to spring. In particular, male flowers form yellow catkins.
With the scientific name Alnus cordata, the Italian alder adds a unique touch of beauty to any landscape.
Italian asters, also referred to as European Michaelmas daisies, belong to the aster or daisy family and are herbaceous perennials originating from parts of Europe and Asia. These plants grow low to the ground, making them ideal for ground-cover with their compact habit. They feature upright branched stems and dark green lanceolate leaves, and during late summer until fall, they produce colorful and attractive bluish-violet or pink daisy-like flowers with yellow central florets. Italian asters thrive in Zones 5 to 8. Their scientific name is Aster amellus, and they start with the letter “I”. Another beautiful Italian flower is the Italian Bellflower.
The Campanulaceae family is home to the Italian bellflower, which is also referred to as falling stars or trailing campanula. These lovely perennials are indigenous to the northwestern regions of Italy near the Alps. Although Italian bellflowers are grown as ornamental plants in Zones 7 to 10, they are sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate it.
Italian bellflowers have green stems that trail and heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges in light green color. The star-shaped flowers bloom abundantly from summer until fall season, displaying shades of blue, purple, or white.
Let’s explore Italian Bugloss in the next section.
The Italian bugloss, a member of the borage family, is a short-lived herbaceous perennial that can be found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Commonly referred to as Italian alkanet, this flower thrives in full sun and can be found in Zones 3 to 8. Its most notable feature is its vibrant blue or violet flowers that bloom from late spring until early summer. These flowers appear on fuzzy stems alongside clusters of large and hairy leaves. The scientific name for Italian bugloss is Anchusa azurea, and it is known for its beautiful and showy blooms. In contrast, Italian Clematis is another flowering plant that is native to Italy and boasts large and showy flowers.
Among the various kinds of clematis, the Italian clematis holds a special place in my heart. These stunning plants are deciduous perennials that belong to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Although they are native to Southern Europe, they are widely used as ornamental climbers in Zones 4 to 11.
As part of the Clematis group 3, these flowers that start with I bloom from summer all the way through fall. Italian clematis is known for its robust growth and has nodding single or double bell-shaped purple flowers. Furthermore, its pinnate leaves are divided into five to seven leaflets.
44) Honeysuckle Italian
Italian honeysuckle, also referred to as Italian woodbine, is a type of perennial climber that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. Although it’s originally from Europe, this plant has now spread to various parts of North America through naturalization. The ideal growing conditions for Italian honeysuckle are in Zones 4 to 8. Its leaves are oval-shaped and bluish-green, and they grow on strong trailing vines. During summer to fall, Italian honeysuckle produces fragrant cream-colored blooms with a subtle touch of pink. This plant thrives in shady conditions. Another name for Italian honeysuckle is Italian Sainfoin.
Italian sainfoin, also called French honeysuckle, is a type of herbaceous perennial belonging to the legume family. These charming plants hail from certain parts of Southern Europe and North Africa and are known for their resilience to drought. Italian sainfoin also makes for a great ornamental plant in regions classified as Zones 3 to 7.
The Italian sainfoin boasts of upright stems that bear several leaves arranged into three to five sets of elliptical or oval-shaped leaflets. Additionally, these perennials flaunt terminal clusters of tubular, pea-like blooms that come in the colors of red or pink. Its scientific name is Sulla coronaria, and it typically blossoms in the spring season.
Another plant variety that grows in Italy is the Italian White Sunflower.
The Ivory Arum is a type of sunflower that belongs to the cucumberleaf dune sunflower family, which is a subspecies of the beach sunflower known as Helianthus debilis. This particular cultivar is adored for its beautiful and delicate pale white or creamy-yellow petals, which surround a dark brown disc floret with a striking yellow ring at the center. The Italian white sunflower flourishes in warm regions ranging from Zones 8 to 11.
These charming flowers that begin with the letter I are indigenous to the United States and typically grow in sandy soil along coastlines. They bloom throughout the year, starting from spring until fall, creating a stunning visual display. Another fabulous example of the variety and beauty of nature is the Ivory Arum.
Ivory bells, also known as ivory arums or calla lilies, belong to the Araceae family and are perennial herbs that originate from the southern regions of Africa. These plants have also been introduced to other parts of the world and thrive in Zones 7 to 10. However, ivory bells are also known to have invasive tendencies in several countries.
Growing in clusters of glossy arrow-shaped leaves, these rhizomatous plants produce large white spathes with a spadix comprised of tiny yellow flowers. With a delicate fragrance, ivory bells bloom from spring to fall, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
The snake’s head fritillary, or Fritillaria meleagris, has a stunning cultivar known as ivory bells. Although these wildflowers are prevalent in Europe and Western Asia, they have been intentionally bred to produce new cultivars. Ivory bells thrive in both sunny and shady areas in Zones 4 to 8, making them an excellent choice for many outdoor spaces. The nodding white bell-shaped flowers give ivory bells their name and are usually a pure white color, sometimes with faint creamy-white checkerboard markings similar to their parent plant. These striking flowers grow on slender upright stems that sprout from clumps of bluish-green lance-shaped foliage. The scientific name for ivory bells is Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba,’ and they bloom in the springtime.
One of the most well-known plants in the world is the ivy plant. This plant falls under the Hedera genus in the Araliaceae family and can be found in parts of Asia, Europe, and North Africa. In addition to its natural habitat, ivy plants are also grown as decorative vines in Zones 5 to 11.
Ivy plants have green arrow-shaped leaves that cover their creeping or trailing vines. Some ivy varieties use aerial roots to attach themselves to surfaces such as walls and trees. During the summer until fall, ivy plants produce clusters of unique greenish-yellow flowers.
The scientific name for ivy is Hedera spp. and it is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its flowering season is from summer to fall.
Ixia flowers, also known as turquoise ixias, belong to the corn lily genus in the iris family and are native to parts of South Africa. They grow in clumps of grass-like leaves with tall, upright stems and produce spikes of up to 24 iris-like flowers during the spring. These flowers have turquoise petals with dark purple ‘eyes’ around the center. While they are perennial in their native range, they are typically grown as annuals in Zones 9 to 11. Other popular flowers that start with ‘I’ include irises, Indian blanket flowers, and Indian pokers. Some unique examples include ivory arums and ivory bells, while rare flowers include Indian pipe flowers with waxy white bracts resembling tobacco pipes. With a focus on flowers beginning with the letter ‘I’, you can create a beautiful and diverse garden display.
Meet Edward Hodsdon, a talented content writer and gardening enthusiast residing in the UK. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Creative and Professional Writing, Edd has already contributed his writing skills to various online gardening publications. His love for nature and sustainability revolves around gardening and wildlife, which is evident from his work.