Discover 17 captivating flowers that start with the letter B. From classic blooms like Begonias to unique varieties like Bird of Paradise, this guide showcases the diverse and beautiful world of “B” flowers. Learn about the key features, growing requirements, and care tips for each bloom to add these stunning plants to your garden or home.
Flowers are one of nature’s most enchanting and diverse creations, with a seemingly endless array of shapes, colors, and varieties. And when it comes to flowers that start with the letter B, the options are truly mesmerizing.
From the iconic Begonia to the exotic Bird of Paradise, this diverse group of blooms offers something for every gardener and flower enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outdoor space or bring nature’s beauty indoors, these 17 stunning “B” flowers are sure to captivate and inspire.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the unique characteristics, growing requirements, and care tips for 17 beautiful flowers that start with the letter B. Get ready to discover your new favorite blossom and bring the beauty of these remarkable plants into your life.
1. Begonias
Scientific name:(Begonia)
Begoniasare a beloved and diverse group of flowering plants that come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. With their vibrant, showy blooms and lush foliage, begonias are a popular choice for gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
Begonias thrive in partial shade and prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. They come in both tuberous and fibrous varieties, offering a wide range of growth habits and bloom styles to choose from.
Whether you opt for the ruffled, pendulous flowers of a hanging basket begonia or the bold, vibrant blooms of a sun-loving variety, these versatile plants are sure to add a touch of tropical flair to any setting.
2. Balloon
Scientific name:(Platycodon grandiflorus)
Flower Theballoon flower, also known as Platycodon, is a perennial plant that gets its name from its unique, inflated buds that resemble tiny balloons before they open into star-shaped flowers.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Balloon flowers come in a range of colors, including blue, white, and pink, and their blooms typically appear in mid-to-late summer.
With their whimsical, eye-catching flowers and low-maintenance growing requirements, balloon flowers make a delightful addition to perennial borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style landscapes.
3. Bougainvillea
Scientific name:(Bougainvillea glabra)
Bougainvilleais a vibrant, tropical flowering vine known for itsstunning, paper-like bractsthat come in a rainbow of colors, includingred,purple,orange, andwhite.
These sun-loving plants thrive in warm, dry climates and prefer well-draining soil. Bougainvillea can be grown as trailing vines to cascade over walls and trellises, or trained as shrubs in containers and garden beds.
With their vibrant, eye-catching displays and low-maintenance care requirements, bougainvillea plants are a popular choice for adding a touch of tropical flair to any outdoor space.
4. Buttercup
Scientific name:(Ranunculus bulbosus)
The humble yet charmingbuttercupis a delightful member of the Ranunculus family, known for itsbright, golden-yellow flowersand glossy, deeply lobed leaves.
Buttercups thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial to full sun exposure. These cheerful flowers are often found growing wild in meadows, fields, and along roadsides, but they also make a lovely addition to garden beds, borders, and even containers.
While some varieties of buttercup can be mildly toxic if ingested, they are generally considered safe for gardens and are an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
5. Bluebell
Scientific name:(Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Thebluebellis a delicate, woodland-dwelling perennial known for itsdrooping, bell-shaped flowersthat range in color from deep purple-blue to pale lavender.
These shade-loving plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade conditions, making them an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and under-tree plantings.
Bluebells typically bloom in the spring, adding a touch of enchantment to any shaded garden or landscape. Just be mindful that some varieties of bluebell can be invasive, so it’s crucial to choose the right species for your growing conditions.
6. Bee Balm
Scientific name:(Monarda)
Also known asMonarda, bee balm is a vibrant, fragrant perennial that is a favorite of both gardeners and pollinators alike. With itsshowy, pom-pom-like flowersin a range of colors, includingred,pink, andpurple, bee balm is a true showstopper in the garden.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Bee balm is also known for its strong, minty aroma and its ability to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Whether you grow bee balm in a perennial border, a cutting garden, or a wildlife-friendly garden, its vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage are sure to delight.
7. Beggar’s
Scientific name:(Beggartick)
Tick Thebeggar’s tick(also known asBidens) is a cheerful, daisy-like flower that adds a pop of color to gardens and landscapes. With itsyellow, disc-shaped centerssurrounded bybright, yellow or orange petals, the beggar’s tick is a true eye-catcher.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are known for their easy-care nature and ability to self-seed, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Beggar’s ticks are also attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding an extra layer of interest and ecological value to your outdoor space.
8. Boxwood
Scientific name:(Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwoodsare a versatile group of evergreen shrubs that are prized for theirdense, glossy foliageand their ability to be easily shaped and pruned. While boxwoods don’t produce showy flowers, theirrich, green leavesmake them a popular choice for formal gardens, hedges, and topiaries.
These plants thrive in partial to full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Boxwoods are known for their low-maintenance care requirements and their ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions, making them a versatile option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge, frame a garden entrance, or add structure to a container garden, boxwoods are a timeless and elegant choice.
9. Bromeliad
Scientific name:(Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliadsare a diverse family of tropical plants known for theirvibrant, eye-catching foliageandstunning, long-lasting flowers. These plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, from thespiky, red-tipped leavesof theGuzmania bromeliadto thecascading, zebra-striped foliageof theVriesea bromeliad.
Bromeliads are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other plants or objects, rather than in soil. They thrive in bright, indirect light and high-humidity environments, making them a popular choice for indoor growing and tropical-style gardens.
10. Borage
Scientific name:(Borago officinalis)
Borageis a cheerful, herbaceous annual known for itsdistinctive, star-shaped blue flowersand itssoft, hairy foliage. These plants are not only visually appealing, but they also have along history of culinary and medicinal uses.
Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. These self-seeding plants are easy to grow and often reseed themselves year after year, making them a great choice for cottage gardens, herb gardens, and [pollinator-friendly plantings]
11. Bird of Paradise
Scientific name:(Strelitzia)
TheBird of Paradiseis a truly unique and exotic-looking flower that resembles its namesake, the tropical bird. With itsbold, orange and blue bloomsthat stand tall on sturdy stalks, this plant is a showstopper in any garden or indoor space.
Bird of Paradise plants thrive in warm, tropical climates and prefer full sun exposure and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. While they can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12, they also make stunning indoor specimens when provided with the right growing conditions.
With their distinctive, architectural blooms and lush, tropical foliage, Bird of Paradise plants are a true showstopper that are sure to captivate and inspire.
12. Bachelor’s Button
Scientific name:(Centaurea cyanus)
Also known asCornflower, thebachelor’s buttonis a charming, old-fashioned annual withdelicate, paper-like flowersin shades of blue, pink, and white.
These easy-to-grow plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are known for their long flowering period that can last from early summer to the first frost.
Bachelor’s buttons make a lovely addition to cutting gardens, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows. Their self-seeding habit also makes them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners who want to enjoy their cheerful blooms year after year.
13. Beardtongue
Scientific name:(Penstemon)
Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon, is a versatile perennial that featurestubular, snapdragon-like flowersin a range of vibrant colors, includingred,purple,pink, andwhite.
These drought-tolerant plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Beardtongue plants are also known for their long-flowering season, providing a reliable source of nectar and color in the garden from late spring through early fall.
14. Balsam
Scientific name:Impatiens balsamina
Balsam, also known asImpatiens, is a cheerful annual that producesvibrant, showy flowersin a wide range of colors, includingpink,red,white, andpurple.
Balsam plants thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are known for their prolific, continuous blooming throughout the growing season, making them a popular choice for shaded garden beds, container plantings, and hanging baskets.
With their lush, bushy growth and vibrant, eye-catching blooms, balsam plants are a delightful addition to any garden or indoor space.
15. Bells of Ireland
Scientific name:(Moluccella laevis)
Bells of Ireland(Moluccella laevis) is a unique and whimsical annual plant known for itsstriking, bell-shaped green “flowers”that actually consist of fused bracts (modified leaves) surrounding the tiny, true flowers.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, and they are often used in cut flower arrangements due to their long-lasting, structural quality.
Bells of Ireland plants are also known for their easy-to-grow nature and their ability to self-seed, making them a hassle-free addition to any garden or cutting plot.
16. Bleeding Heart
Scientific name:(Lamprocapnos)
TheBleeding Heartis a delicate, woodland-dwelling perennial known for itsunique, heart-shaped flowersthat dangle gracefully from arching stems.
These plants thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for shaded garden borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens.
Bleeding hearts come in a range of colors, including classic pink, white, and red varieties, and their delicate, pendulous blooms add a touch of enchantment to any shaded corner of the garden.
17. Blackberry Lily
Scientific name:(Iris domestica)
TheBlackberry Lily(Iris domestica) is a unique perennial that featuresbright, orange-red flowerswith spotted petals that resemble a blackberry. As the flowers fade, they give way toseed pods that resemble blackberries, adding to the plant’s distinct and captivating appearance.
Blackberry lilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they are known for their drought tolerance and ability to self-seed, making them a low-maintenance addition to gardens and landscapes.
These unique flowers are often used in cutting gardens and mixed borders, where their eye-catching blooms and interesting seed pods can be enjoyed up close.
