Explore the vibrant world of flowers that start with E! From the exotic Elephant Ear to the elegant Echinacea, discover 20 captivating blooms, their unique traits, growing needs, and how to use them.
Flowers have a way of brightening our days and adding a touch of natural beauty to our surroundings. If you’re a flower enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, you might be interested in exploring the diverse array of flowers that start with the letter E. From exotic tropical bloomers to hardy garden favorites, these floral gems offer a spectrum of colors, fragrances, and interesting characteristics. Let’s dive into the world of E flowers and uncover their unique charms, growing needs, and uses.
1. Elephant Ear
- Botanical Name: Colocasia
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-11 (outdoors), can be grown as houseplant outside these zones
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining soil
- Uses/Benefits: Stunning foliage plants, great for adding tropical flair
The elephant ear plant is a tropical stunner that’s prized for its massive, heart-shaped leaves. While not technically a flower, its foliage is so striking that it deserves a spot on this list. These plants thrive in warm, humid environments and can add a bold, lush touch to your garden or indoor spaces. Elephant ears come in various shades of green, black, and even purple, making them a true conversation piece.
2. English Daisy
- Botanical Name :Bellis perennis
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, moist soil
- Uses/Benefits: Edging plants, ground covers, cut flowers
The English daisy is a beloved garden favorite known for its cheerful white petals surrounding a bright yellow center. These low-growing perennials are hardy and easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginners. They bloom in spring and summer, adding a touch of whimsy to your flower beds, borders, or even lawns.
3. Echinacea
- Botanical Name: Coneflower
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil, tolerates drought
- Uses/Benefits: Medicinal, attracts pollinators, cut flowers
Echinacea, or coneflowers, are native to North America and have become a staple in many gardens. These resilient beauties feature striking, cone-shaped centers surrounded by vibrant petals in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow. Not only are they visually appealing, but echinacea is also renowned for its medicinal properties and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
4. Epidendrum Orchid
- Botanical Name:
- USDA Growing Zones: 10-12 (outdoors), can be grown as houseplant
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Needs: Well-draining orchid potting mix
- Uses/Benefits: Exotic blooms, long-lasting flowers
Epidendrum orchids are a diverse group of orchids native to the Americas, known for their exotic, long-lasting blooms. These orchids come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, yellow, green, and purple. Many epidendrum species are easy to grow and make excellent houseplants or greenhouse specimens.
5. Eustoma
- Botanical Name:Lisianthus
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-10 (as annual outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Uses/Benefits: Cut flowers, bouquets, floral arrangements
Eustoma, also known as lisianthus, is a stunning cut flower with elegant, rose-like blooms in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and bi-colors. These long-lasting flowers are perfect for bouquets and floral arrangements. While they require some care and attention, their beauty and vase life make them well worth the effort.
6. Euphorbia
- Botanical Name:Spurge
- USDA Growing Zones: Varies by species, many cold-hardy
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Uses/Benefits: Unique floral displays, drought-tolerant
Euphorbia, or spurge, is a diverse genus that includes everything from succulents to flowering plants. Some popular euphorbias include the crown of thorns plant and the poinsettia. These plants are known for their unique, often brightly colored bracts (modified leaves) that resemble flowers.
7. Evening Primrose
- Botanical Name:Oenothera
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Uses/Benefits: Meadows, naturalized areas, fragrant blooms
Evening primroses are a group of wildflowers that bloom in the evening, releasing a delightful fragrance. These hardy plants come in shades of yellow, white, and pink, and are excellent choices for meadows, wildflower gardens, or naturalized areas.
8. Eyelash Flower
- Botanical Name:Diamantina
- USDA Growing Zones: 10-11 (as annual outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
- Uses/Benefits: Rock gardens, containers, unique appearance
The eyelash flower, also known as the diamantina, is a unique and intriguing bloom native to Brazil. Its petals are adorned with delicate, eyelash-like fringes that give the flower a whimsical appearance. These drought-tolerant plants make excellent additions to rock gardens or containers.
9. Eustoma
- Botanical Name:Lisianthus
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-10 (as annual outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Uses/Benefits: Continuous blooms for cutting, bouquets
Eustoma, or lisianthus, is a beautiful cut flower that deserves a second mention. These rose-like blooms come in a variety of colors and are highly prized for their long vase life. With proper care, eustoma can bloom continuously throughout the summer, providing a steady supply of gorgeous cut flowers.
10. Edelweiss
- Botanical Name:Leontopodium alpinum
- USDA Growing Zones: 2-7
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, gritty soil
- Uses/Benefits: Alpine gardens, symbolic value
Edelweiss is an iconic Alpine flower known for its fuzzy, white, star-shaped blooms. While it can be challenging to grow outside of its native habitat, edelweiss is a symbol of purity and a treasured souvenir for mountain hikers and nature lovers.
11. Easter Cactus
- Botanical Name:Rhipsalidopsis
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (houseplant outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Needs: Well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix
- Uses/Benefits: Low-maintenance houseplant, seasonal blooms
The Easter cactus is a beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplant that blooms around Easter time. Its flat, segmented stems bear vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. These cacti are perfect for adding a touch of color to your indoor spaces.
12. Echeveria
- Botanical Name:Echeveria elegans
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (houseplant outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining succulent/cactus potting mix
- Uses/Benefits: Striking foliage, drought-tolerant
Echeverias are rosette-forming succulents known for their vibrant colors and interesting textures. While they produce small, unassuming flowers, the real stars are their fleshy, geometric leaves that come in shades of green, blue, purple, and red.
13. Edgeworthia
- Botanical Name:
- USDA Growing Zones: 7-9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, humus-rich soil
- Uses/Benefits: Early spring blooms, fragrance
Edgeworthia is a genus of shrubs prized for their fragrant, clustered yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. These hardy plants are excellent choices for adding early color and sweetness to your garden.
14. Erysimum
- Botanical Name:Wallflower
- USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Uses/Benefits: Spring color, fragrance, cool season blooms
Erysimum, or wallflowers, are beloved for their sweet fragrance and colorful blooms. These cool-weather plants come in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, and are perfect for adding vibrant splashes of color to your spring garden.
15. Eucalyptus
- Botanical Name:Eucalyptus teriticornis.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-11
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Uses/Benefits: Ornamental trees/shrubs, aromatic foliage
While eucalyptus is best known for its aromatic leaves, many species also produce beautiful, fluffy flowers that range from white to deep red. These trees and shrubs are native to Australia and often thrive in warm, dry climates.
16. Eupatorium
- Botanical Name:Joe Pye Weed
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, fertile soil
- Uses/Benefits: Attracts pollinators, late season blooms
Eupatorium, or Joe Pye weed, is a tall, native wildflower that produces large, domed clusters of tiny mauve or pink flowers. These sturdy plants are excellent for attracting butterflies and providing late season color.
17. Evolvulus
- Botanical Name: Dwarf Morning Glory
- USDA Growing Zones: 10-11 (annual outside this range)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Uses/Benefits: Rock gardens, containers, drought-tolerant
Evolvulus, or the dwarf morning glory, is a low-growing, drought-tolerant plant with brilliant blue flowers. These charming bloomers are perfect for rock gardens, containers, and areas with hot, dry conditions.
18. Erigeron
- Botanical Name: Fleabane
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil, poor to moderately fertile
- Uses/Benefits: Naturalizing, meadows, low-maintenance
Erigeron, commonly known as fleabane, is a genus of wildflowers with daisy-like blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. These low-maintenance plants are excellent for naturalizing and adding color to meadows or informal gardens.
19. Exochorda
- Botanical Name: Pearl Bush
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, loamy soil
- Uses/Benefits: Spring blooms, landscape shrub
Exochorda, or the pearl bush, is a deciduous shrub that produces beautiful sprays of white flowers in early spring. Its arching branches and profuse blooms make it an excellent choice for adding interest to garden borders or foundations.
20. Eremurus
- Botanical Name:Foxtail Lily
- USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Uses/Benefits: Cut flowers, striking plant architecture
Eremurus, also known as the foxtail lily, is a dramatic flowering plant that produces tall spikes of closely packed blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink, or white. These attention-grabbing plants make excellent focal points in perennial borders or cutting gardens.
By exploring these 20 flowers that start with E, you can add a diverse range of colors, textures, and interest to your garden or indoor spaces. From low-maintenance wildflowers to exotic tropical bloomers, there is something for every gardener to enjoy. Remember to consider each plant’s specific growing needs, such as USDA hardiness zones, sun exposure, and soil requirements, to ensure its success in your region. Happy gardening!
