40 Flowers That Start With C: Names, Pictures & Growing Tips

Looking for flower names that start with C? You are in the right place. The letter C opens the garden gate to some of the most loved blooms in America — the spicy-scented carnation, fall chrysanthemums, cheerful cosmos, native purple coneflowers, and the first brave crocus of spring. From cottage-garden classics to tropical showstoppers like canna and calla lilies, C-flowers cover every season, color, and style. Whether you are planning a new flower bed, choosing bouquet flowers, or helping a child with an alphabet garden project, this guide walks you through 40 real flowers that start with C, each with a description and practical growing advice.

Every entry below includes the flower’s scientific name, bloom season, sun needs, and USDA hardiness zone, so you can tell at a glance which C-flowers will thrive in your yard. You will also find two quick comparison tables, beginner-friendly growing tips, and answers to the most common questions gardeners ask — including the prettiest pink, white, purple, red, and yellow C-flowers, plus the best annual and perennial picks. Let’s dig in.

C-Flowers at a Glance

Use this table to compare all 40 flowers that start with C side by side, from botanical names to native regions.

Flower name	Scientific name	Type	Color	Native region
Carnation	Dianthus caryophyllus	Tender perennial	Pink, red, white, yellow	Mediterranean
Chrysanthemum	Chrysanthemum × morifolium	Herbaceous perennial	Pink, red, yellow, white, purple, bronze	China, Japan
Coneflower	Echinacea purpurea	Herbaceous perennial	Purple, pink, white, orange	Central and eastern North America
Cosmos	Cosmos bipinnatus	Annual	Pink, white, red	Mexico
Crocus	Crocus vernus	Cormous perennial	Purple, yellow, white	Europe
Canna Lily	Canna × generalis	Rhizomatous perennial	Red, orange, yellow, pink	Tropical Americas
Clematis	Clematis spp.	Deciduous vine	Purple, pink, white, blue, red	Northern Hemisphere
California Poppy	Eschscholzia californica	Annual (tender perennial)	Orange, yellow, white, pink	Western North America
Cornflower	Centaurea cyanus	Annual	Blue, pink, white, purple	Europe
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia aethiopica	Rhizomatous perennial	White; hybrids in pink, yellow, orange, purple	South Africa
Canterbury Bells	Campanula medium	Biennial	Blue, pink, white	Southern Europe
Candytuft	Iberis sempervirens	Evergreen perennial	White, pink	Southern Europe
Coral Bells	Heuchera spp.	Herbaceous perennial	Pink, red, white bells; colorful foliage	North America
Coreopsis	Coreopsis grandiflora	Herbaceous perennial	Yellow, gold, red	North America
Cyclamen	Cyclamen persicum	Tender tuberous perennial	Pink, red, white, purple	Eastern Mediterranean
Camellia	Camellia japonica	Evergreen shrub	Pink, red, white	East Asia
Clarkia	Clarkia amoena	Annual	Pink, red, white, purple	Western North America
Cleome	Cleome hassleriana	Annual	Pink, white, purple	South America
Cockscomb	Celosia argentea var. cristata	Annual	Red, orange, yellow, pink	Africa, Asia
Creeping Phlox	Phlox subulata	Evergreen perennial	Pink, purple, white, blue	Eastern North America
Crown Imperial	Fritillaria imperialis	Bulb	Orange, red, yellow	Middle East, Central Asia
Checkered Lily	Fritillaria meleagris	Bulb	Purple checkered, white	Europe
Cardinal Flower	Lobelia cardinalis	Herbaceous perennial	Red	Eastern North America
Chocolate Cosmos	Cosmos atrosanguineus	Tender perennial	Dark maroon	Mexico
Clivia	Clivia miniata	Tender rhizomatous perennial	Orange, red, yellow	South Africa
Cattleya Orchid	Cattleya labiata	Epiphytic orchid	Pink, purple, white, yellow	South America
Crape Myrtle	Lagerstroemia indica	Deciduous shrub/small tree	Pink, red, white, purple	China, Korea
Carolina Jasmine	Gelsemium sempervirens	Evergreen vine	Yellow	Southeastern United States
Cherry Blossom	Prunus serrulata	Deciduous tree	Pink, white	Japan, China
Crabapple	Malus spp.	Deciduous tree	Pink, white, red	Northern Hemisphere
Cushion Spurge	Euphorbia polychroma	Herbaceous perennial	Yellow bracts	Central and eastern Europe
Catmint	Nepeta × faassenii	Herbaceous perennial	Blue, purple	Europe, Asia (hybrid origin)
Chamomile	Matricaria chamomilla	Annual	White with yellow centers	Europe, Asia
Cup-and-Saucer Vine	Cobaea scandens	Annual vine	Purple, white	Mexico
Cypress Vine	Ipomoea quamoclit	Annual vine	Red, pink, white	Tropical America
Corn Poppy	Papaver rhoeas	Annual	Red, pink, white	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Crimson Flag Lily	Hesperantha coccinea	Tender rhizomatous perennial	Red, pink, white	South Africa
Cigar Plant	Cuphea ignea	Tender perennial	Orange-red tubular flowers	Mexico, Jamaica
California Fuchsia	Epilobium canum	Herbaceous perennial	Red-orange	Western North America
Chinese Wisteria	Wisteria sinensis	Deciduous vine	Purple, blue, white, pink	China

Bloom Season, Sun Needs & Hardiness Zones

Planning your garden calendar? This second table shows when each C-flower blooms, how much sun it wants, and the USDA zones where it grows outdoors year-round.

Flower name	Bloom season	Sun needs	Hardiness zone
Carnation	Summer	Full sun	5–9
Chrysanthemum	Fall	Full sun	5–9
Coneflower	Summer to fall	Full sun	3–9
Cosmos	Summer to fall	Full sun	Grown as annual
Crocus	Early spring	Full sun to part shade	3–8
Canna Lily	Summer	Full sun	7–10
Clematis	Spring to fall	Full sun to part shade	4–9
California Poppy	Spring to summer	Full sun	6–10
Cornflower	Summer	Full sun	Grown as annual
Calla Lily	Spring to summer	Full sun to part shade	8–10
Canterbury Bells	Late spring	Full sun to part shade	4–8
Candytuft	Spring	Full sun	3–9
Coral Bells	Late spring to summer	Part shade	4–9
Coreopsis	Summer to fall	Full sun	4–9
Cyclamen	Winter to spring (indoors)	Bright indirect light	9–11 outdoors; houseplant elsewhere
Camellia	Late winter to spring	Part shade	7–9
Clarkia	Summer	Full sun	Grown as annual
Cleome	Summer to fall	Full sun	Grown as annual
Cockscomb	Summer to fall	Full sun	Grown as annual
Creeping Phlox	Spring	Full sun	3–9
Crown Imperial	Spring	Full sun to part shade	5–8
Checkered Lily	Spring	Full sun to part shade	3–8
Cardinal Flower	Summer to fall	Full sun to part shade	3–9
Chocolate Cosmos	Summer to fall	Full sun	7–9
Clivia	Late winter to spring	Bright indirect light	9–11; houseplant elsewhere
Cattleya Orchid	Spring and fall	Bright indirect light	Houseplant (10–12 outdoors)
Crape Myrtle	Summer	Full sun	7–10
Carolina Jasmine	Late winter to spring	Full sun to part shade	7–10
Cherry Blossom	Spring	Full sun	5–8
Crabapple	Spring	Full sun	4–8
Cushion Spurge	Spring	Full sun	4–8
Catmint	Summer	Full sun to part shade	3–8
Chamomile	Summer	Full sun	Grown as annual
Cup-and-Saucer Vine	Summer to fall	Full sun	Grown as annual
Cypress Vine	Summer to fall	Full sun	Grown as annual
Corn Poppy	Late spring to summer	Full sun	Grown as annual
Crimson Flag Lily	Late summer to fall	Full sun to part shade	7–9
Cigar Plant	Summer to fall	Full sun	9–11; annual elsewhere
California Fuchsia	Late summer to fall	Full sun	8–10
Chinese Wisteria	Spring	Full sun	5–9

40 Flowers That Start With C: The Complete List

Here they are — 40 beautiful, real flowers beginning with C, each with growing notes so you can pick the right ones for your garden.

1. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnation is the classic florist flower — ruffled, clove-scented blooms on sturdy stems that last up to two weeks in a vase. Garden varieties come in pink, red, white, yellow, and striped forms, flowering all summer in full sun. Hardy in zones 5–9, though many gardeners grow them as annuals. Deadhead regularly, and never let the crown sit in soggy soil.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 5–9 | Best for: Cut flowers, fragrant borders

2. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium)

Chrysanthemums are the grand finale of the garden year, exploding into cushions of pink, bronze, yellow, red, and purple just as other flowers fade. Hardy garden mums return in zones 5–9 when planted in spring, while florist types are best treated as annuals. Pinch stems until midsummer for bushier plants, and give them full sun with well-drained soil.

Bloom: Fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 5–9 | Best for: Fall color, autumn containers

3. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflower is a native powerhouse — daisy-like blooms with raised orange cones that butterflies, bees, and goldfinches all fight over. Modern hybrids add orange, white, pink, and even green. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in zones 3–9 with full sun and poor soil. Leave the seed heads standing through winter for the birds.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 3–9 | Best for: Pollinator gardens, low-maintenance borders

4. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos is the easiest flower on this list to grow from seed — sow it once and enjoy feathery foliage and daisy-like pink, white, or red blooms from summer to frost. It actually flowers best in poor soil; rich ground grows leaves instead of flowers. Deadhead for nonstop color, or let it self-sow for free plants next year.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Beginner gardens, wildflower meadows

5. Crocus (Crocus vernus)

Crocus is spring’s first brave messenger, pushing purple, yellow, and white cups through late-winter snow. Plant the corms in fall, 3–4 inches deep, in drifts of 25 or more for real impact. Squirrels love the corms, so consider planting inside wire baskets in problem areas. Let the foliage ripen naturally after bloom — it feeds next year’s flowers.

Bloom: Early spring | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 3–8 | Best for: Early spring color, lawn naturalizing

6. Canna Lily (Canna × generalis)

Canna lilies bring tropical drama to temperate gardens — 3- to 6-foot stems with huge paddle-shaped leaves and bold red, orange, yellow, or pink flowers all summer. In zones 7–10 the rhizomes overwinter in the ground; in colder zones, dig them up after the first frost and store in a cool basement. Give them full sun, rich soil, and plenty of water.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 7–10 | Best for: Tropical borders, bold foliage

7. Clematis (Clematis spp.)

Clematis is the queen of flowering vines, climbing trellises and arbors with starry blooms in purple, pink, white, blue, and red. The golden rule: heads in the sun, feet in the shade — mulch the roots well. Pruning depends on the bloom group (early, repeat, or late), so keep the plant tag. Established plants in zones 4–9 can live for decades.

Bloom: Spring to fall | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 4–9 | Best for: Trellises, arbors, vertical color

8. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

The California poppy — the state flower of California — carpets western hillsides in silky orange each spring. In gardens it self-sows freely, blooming from spring to summer in orange, yellow, white, and pink. It demands full sun and sharp drainage and sulks in rich, wet soil. A tender perennial in zones 6–10, it is usually grown as an annual elsewhere.

Bloom: Spring to summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 6–10 | Best for: Wildflower gardens, dry slopes

9. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Cornflowers (bachelor’s buttons) are old-fashioned cottage charmers with fringed blue blooms — plus pink, white, and purple forms. They flower all summer from a spring sowing, shrug off poor soil, and make excellent cut flowers. Deadhead to extend the show. Bees love the nectar-rich centers. One of the best annual flowers that start with C for beginners.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Cut flowers, cottage gardens

10. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Calla lilies are elegance itself — sculptural white spathes wrapped around a golden spadix, rising from lush arrow-shaped leaves. Modern hybrids add pink, yellow, orange, and deep purple. In zones 8–10 they are perennial; in colder zones, lift the rhizomes for winter or grow them in pots. Give them rich, moist soil and full sun to part shade.

Bloom: Spring to summer | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 8–10 | Best for: Elegant borders, wedding flowers

11. Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)

Canterbury bells are classic cottage-garden biennials, sending up 2- to 3-foot spires of bell-shaped blue, pink, or white flowers in late spring. Sow seed in summer for blooms the next year — they need a winter chill to set buds. Plant in full sun to part shade in zones 4–8, and stake tall stems in windy spots.

Bloom: Late spring | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 4–8 | Best for: Cottage borders, vertical accents

12. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Candytuft is a spring workhorse — low evergreen mounds smothered in white (sometimes pink) flower clusters that spill beautifully over walls and path edges. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil in zones 3–9, tolerating drought once established. Shear lightly after bloom to keep it tidy. A reliable groundcover for the front of sunny borders.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 3–9 | Best for: Edging, rock walls

13. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

Coral bells earn their keep twice: airy wands of tiny pink, red, or white bell flowers in late spring, plus stunning foliage in purple, lime, caramel, and silver that lasts all season. They prefer part shade and rich, well-drained soil in zones 4–9. Plant the crown slightly high — buried crowns rot. A shade-garden staple.

Bloom: Late spring to summer | Sun: Part shade | Zone: 4–9 | Best for: Shade borders, colorful foliage

14. Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora)

Coreopsis is sunshine in plant form — masses of yellow and gold daisies (plus red and bicolor forms) blooming from summer to fall with almost no care. This North American native laughs at heat, drought, and poor soil, thriving in zones 4–9. Shear plants back by half in midsummer for a fresh flush. One of the easiest perennial flowers that start with C.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 4–9 | Best for: Low-maintenance borders, mass plantings

15. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen brings color to the darkest days — heart-shaped leaves marbled with silver and upswept pink, red, white, or purple flowers blooming through winter indoors. Florist’s cyclamen wants cool rooms (50–65°F), bright indirect light, and water from the saucer, never the crown. Outdoors it is hardy only in zones 9–11. Let it rest dry in summer.

Bloom: Winter to spring (indoors) | Sun: Bright indirect light | Zone: 9–11 outdoors; houseplant elsewhere | Best for: Winter houseplants, gifts

16. Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Camellias are the roses of winter in the South — glossy evergreen shrubs covered in layered pink, red, or white blooms from late winter to spring. They demand acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5), part shade, and consistent moisture in zones 7–9. Mulch well and avoid late-season fertilizing. Sasanqua types bloom in fall for an extended season.

Bloom: Late winter to spring | Sun: Part shade | Zone: 7–9 | Best for: Evergreen shrubs, winter flowers

17. Clarkia (Clarkia amoena)

Clarkia (farewell-to-spring) is a western wildflower that fills the early-summer gap with satiny pink, red, white, or purple blooms on 1- to 3-foot stems. Sow seed directly in spring where it is to grow — it dislikes transplanting. Give it full sun and ordinary soil, and deadhead for more flowers. Bees work the blossoms eagerly.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Wildflower plantings, cut flowers

18. Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)

Cleome (spider flower) is a statuesque annual with airy pink, white, or purple flower clusters on 3- to 5-foot stems, each bloom trailing long spider-like stamens. It flowers from summer to frost, tolerates heat and drought, and self-sows generously. Give it full sun and room to show off at the back of the border. Hummingbirds visit regularly.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Back-of-border height, heat-tolerant beds

19. Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)

Cockscomb stops visitors in their tracks with velvety, brain-like crests in red, orange, yellow, and pink — plus plume and wheat forms in the same species. This heat-loving annual blooms from summer to frost in full sun with almost no care. The flowers dry beautifully for everlasting arrangements. Sow after all frost danger has passed.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Statement plants, dried flowers

20. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox turns spring slopes into rivers of color — dense mats of pink, purple, white, or blue flowers over needle-like evergreen foliage. It needs full sun and excellent drainage in zones 3–9, making it perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. Shear after bloom to keep mats dense and tidy.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 3–9 | Best for: Groundcover, slopes, rock gardens

21. Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)

Crown imperial is spring’s most dramatic bulb — a 3-foot stem topped with a ring of orange, red, or yellow bell flowers crowned by a tuft of leaves. Plant the large bulbs in fall, 6–8 inches deep on their sides (to shed water), in zones 5–8. The musky scent reputedly repels moles and voles. A true garden conversation piece.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 5–8 | Best for: Dramatic spring accents

22. Checkered Lily (Fritillaria meleagris)

Checkered lily (snake’s head fritillary) is a woodland jewel — nodding bells in a purple-and-white checkerboard pattern, each one unique. This European native naturalizes in damp meadows and lawn edges in zones 3–8, blooming in spring. Plant bulbs in fall in soil that stays moist, leave undisturbed, and it will multiply into colonies.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 3–8 | Best for: Naturalized meadows, woodland edges

23. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal flower is a hummingbird magnet — spikes of intense scarlet tubular blooms from summer to fall that no hummer can resist. This eastern North American native wants consistently moist soil and full sun to part shade in zones 3–9. It is short-lived but self-sows in happy spots. Pair with great blue lobelia for a red-and-blue native show.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 3–9 | Best for: Hummingbird gardens, rain gardens

24. Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)

Chocolate cosmos is pure garden novelty — velvety dark-maroon flowers that genuinely smell like chocolate on warm evenings. This tender Mexican perennial blooms from summer to fall in full sun, hardy in zones 7–9. Elsewhere, lift the tubers like dahlias. Plant it near a patio or path where the scent can be enjoyed.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 7–9 | Best for: Fragrance, novelty borders

25. Clivia (Clivia miniata)

Clivia is the patient houseplant — strappy dark-green leaves and, in late winter, a stunning umbel of orange, red, or yellow trumpet flowers. The secret to blooms: a cool (50°F), dry rest in fall, then warmth and water. Keep it pot-bound in bright indirect light. Outdoors it is hardy in zones 9–11. A spectacular long-lived indoor plant.

Bloom: Late winter to spring | Sun: Bright indirect light | Zone: 9–11; houseplant elsewhere | Best for: Indoor winter color, low-light rooms

26. Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya labiata)

Cattleya — the classic corsage orchid — produces huge, ruffled, fragrant blooms in pink, purple, white, and yellow, often with a contrasting lip. These epiphytes want bright indirect light, a chunky bark mix, and a distinct wet-dry watering rhythm. Most bloom in spring or fall. Grow as a houseplant; it is hardy only in zones 10–12 outdoors.

Bloom: Spring and fall | Sun: Bright indirect light | Zone: Houseplant (10–12 outdoors) | Best for: Orchid collections, showy indoor blooms

27. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Crape myrtle is the South’s signature summer shrub — months of crepe-paper blooms in pink, red, white, and purple on handsome cinnamon-barked branches. It needs full sun, heat, and zones 7–10. Resist “crape murder” — severe topping ruins its form; instead, choose a variety sized for your space. Newer mildew-resistant cultivars stay healthier.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 7–10 | Best for: Summer shrubs, small trees

28. Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Carolina jasmine drapes fences and arbors in sweetly fragrant yellow trumpets in late winter — one of the earliest bloomers in the Southeast. This evergreen vine climbs 20 feet in zones 7–10 with full sun to part shade. Important: all parts are toxic if eaten, so admire the flowers and fragrance from a safe spot away from pets and livestock.

Bloom: Late winter to spring | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 7–10 | Best for: Fragrant vines, early color

29. Cherry Blossom (Prunus serrulata)

Cherry blossom season is pure magic — flowering cherries like Prunus serrulata cloud their branches in pink and white each spring before the leaves emerge. These ornamental trees need full sun, well-drained soil, and zones 5–8. Most are grown for flowers, not fruit. Give them room: mature trees reach 20–30 feet wide.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 5–8 | Best for: Spring spectacle, specimen trees

30. Crabapple (Malus spp.)

Crabapples earn their place with a double show: clouds of pink, white, or red blossoms in spring, then colorful fruit that feeds birds into winter. Modern disease-resistant varieties stay healthy with minimal spraying. Plant in full sun in zones 4–8 with good air circulation. Choose a variety with persistent fruit for the best wildlife value.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 4–8 | Best for: Spring trees, wildlife gardens

31. Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)

Cushion spurge lights up the spring border with chartreuse-yellow bracts that look like flowers for weeks. This tidy European perennial forms neat 12- to 18-inch mounds in zones 4–8, thriving in full sun and poor soil. Note: the milky sap irritates skin, so wear gloves when handling. It pairs beautifully with spring bulbs and purple foliage.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 4–8 | Best for: Spring color, dry borders

32. Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii)

Catmint is the blue haze of the summer border — clouds of lavender-blue flowers over fragrant gray-green foliage from early summer on. Shear it back after the first flush for a full rebloom. It thrives in zones 3–8 with full sun to part shade and shrugs off drought, deer, and neglect. Bees cover it; cats may roll in it.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 3–8 | Best for: Long-blooming borders, pollinators

33. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

German chamomile is as useful as it is pretty — ferny foliage topped with daisy-like white-and-yellow flowers that make the classic calming tea. Sow seed in spring in full sun; it blooms all summer and self-sows freely. Harvest flower heads on dry mornings for the strongest scent. A charming addition to herb and cottage gardens.

Bloom: Summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Herb gardens, tea gardens

34. Cup-and-Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens)

Cup-and-saucer vine is a speed demon — this Mexican climber can grow 20–30 feet in one season, covering trellises in large purple (or white) cup-shaped flowers from summer to fall. Start seed indoors early for the longest show. Give it full sun and sturdy support. A fantastic fast screen for fences and pergolas.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Fast-growing screens, trellises

35. Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)

Cypress vine combines feathery, fern-like foliage with star-shaped red, pink, or white flowers that hummingbirds fight over. This tropical American annual climbs 10–15 feet from summer to frost in full sun. Sow directly after frost danger — it resents transplanting. Let it self-sow and it will return yearly in warm climates.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Hummingbird vines, delicate texture

36. Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Corn poppy (Flanders poppy) is the wildflower of remembrance — silky red cups (plus pink and white forms) dancing on wiry stems in late spring. Sow seed directly in fall or early spring; poppies hate transplanting. It wants full sun and poor soil and self-sows freely. Let the ornamental seed heads stand for texture.

Bloom: Late spring to summer | Sun: Full sun | Zone: Grown as annual | Best for: Wildflower meadows, remembrance gardens

37. Crimson Flag Lily (Hesperantha coccinea)

Crimson flag lily extends the season with spikes of scarlet, pink, or white gladiolus-like flowers from late summer into fall. This South African rhizome loves moisture — it even tolerates boggy spots — and full sun to part shade in zones 7–9. Mulch crowns in borderline zones. A graceful choice for pond edges.

Bloom: Late summer to fall | Sun: Full sun to part shade | Zone: 7–9 | Best for: Late-season color, pond edges

38. Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)

Cigar plant earns its name from orange-red tubular flowers tipped with a dark “ash” — like tiny lit cigars. This Mexican tender perennial blooms nonstop from summer to frost in full sun, adored by hummingbirds. Hardy in zones 9–11; grow it as an annual elsewhere. Heat and drought don’t faze it.

Bloom: Summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 9–11; annual elsewhere | Best for: Hummingbirds, hot containers

39. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

California fuchsia is a late-summer lifeline for hummingbirds — brilliant red-orange tubular flowers blaze from late summer into fall when little else blooms. This western native perennial thrives in zones 8–10 with full sun and sharp drainage, tolerating serious drought. Cut back in late winter for a tidy, floriferous plant.

Bloom: Late summer to fall | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 8–10 | Best for: Hummingbirds, drought-tolerant gardens

40. Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

Chinese wisteria is spring’s purple waterfall — foot-long fragrant flower clusters draping from a vigorous woody vine. It needs full sun, zones 5–9, and a very sturdy support; mature vines are heavy. Prune twice yearly (summer and winter) to control its enthusiasm and boost blooms. Train it on pergolas, never near gutters.

Bloom: Spring | Sun: Full sun | Zone: 5–9 | Best for: Pergolas, dramatic spring displays

Growing Tips for C-Flowers

With 40 different C-flowers on this list, a few universal rules will set you up for success no matter which ones you choose.

Match the plant to your zone first. Check the hardiness zones in the tables above before you buy. Tropical C-flowers like canna, calla lily, and cigar plant simply cannot survive a freezing winter outdoors — lift the rhizomes in fall, grow them in pots you can move inside, or treat them as annuals.

Map your sun. Watch your garden for a day and note which spots get 6+ hours of direct sun (full-sun lovers like coneflower, cosmos, coreopsis, cornflower, and catmint go there) and which stay shady (coral bells, camellia, cyclamen, and clivia will thank you). Most flowering plants bloom poorly in too much shade.

Drainage beats fertilizer. More C-flowers die from soggy roots than from hunger. Crocus, crown imperial, California poppy, and California fuchsia demand sharp drainage — mix grit or perlite into heavy clay. When planting, set the crown at the same depth it grew in the pot; burying stems invites rot.

Deadhead for more blooms. Snipping spent flowers off cosmos, cornflower, coreopsis, catmint, and clarkia redirects energy into new buds instead of seeds, stretching the show by weeks. Leave the seed heads on coneflower and corn poppy if you enjoy winter structure, self-sown seedlings, or feeding the birds.

Feed lightly, mulch well. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch keeps roots cool, holds moisture, and suppresses weeds around clematis (whose roots must stay shaded), camellias, and most perennials. Go easy on nitrogen-heavy fertilizer — it grows leaves at the expense of flowers. A balanced slow-release feed in spring is plenty for most C-flowers.

Which C-Flowers Will You Grow?

From the first crocus of spring to the last chrysanthemum of fall, flowers that start with C carry your garden through every season. Start with easy winners matched to your conditions — coneflower and coreopsis for a sunny border, coral bells and camellia for shade, cosmos and cornflowers for instant annual color, or a cattleya orchid for the windowsill. Add the hummingbird magnets — cardinal flower, cigar plant, and California fuchsia — and your garden will buzz with life. Pick three or four favorites from this list, give them the right spot, and the letter C will fill your yard with color from March to November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flowers start with C?

Dozens of garden favorites start with C, including carnation, chrysanthemum, cosmos, coneflower, crocus, canna lily, clematis, California poppy, cornflower, calla lily, camellia, creeping phlox, coreopsis, catmint, and crown imperial. This guide covers 40 of them with growing details for each.

What are some popular flowers that start with C for a garden?

For an easy-care garden, start with coneflower, coreopsis, cosmos, cornflower, catmint, and creeping phlox — they are widely available, adapt to many US climates, and bloom reliably with basic care. Add camellia or crape myrtle for bigger shrub impact, and a clematis for vertical color.

What pink flowers start with C?

Lovely pink flowers that start with C include carnation, chrysanthemum, cosmos, coneflower, clematis, camellia, cherry blossom, crabapple, clarkia, cleome, creeping phlox, candytuft (pink forms), and crimson flag lily. Cattleya orchids and cyclamen also come in gorgeous pink shades for indoor growing.

What white flowers start with C?

White C-flowers include calla lily, candytuft, clematis (white varieties), camellia, cherry blossom, crabapple, cosmos, cornflower, corn poppy, clarkia, cleome, chamomile, and checkered lily (white form). White crimson flag lilies and cup-and-saucer vines glow beautifully in evening gardens, making them perfect choices for moon gardens and wedding plantings.

What purple flowers start with C?

Top purple choices are clematis, crocus, coneflower, cornflower, catmint, creeping phlox, Chinese wisteria, checkered lily, crape myrtle, and cup-and-saucer vine. For deep, moody color, look for dark cockscomb varieties and near-black chocolate cosmos. Purple C-flowers pair beautifully with yellow companions like coreopsis for high-contrast borders.

What yellow flowers start with C?

Yellow flowers that start with C include coreopsis, California poppy, Carolina jasmine, cushion spurge, crown imperial, crocus (yellow forms), chrysanthemum, canna lily, and cattleya orchid (yellow varieties). Clivia and calla lily hybrids also offer cheerful yellow blooms that brighten shade plantings and cut-flower arrangements alike.

What red flowers start with C?

Striking red C-flowers include cardinal flower, carnation, California fuchsia, crimson flag lily, corn poppy, chrysanthemum, canna lily, cockscomb, cosmos (red forms), crape myrtle, and clivia. The cigar plant’s orange-red tubes and cypress vine’s starry red blooms are hummingbird favorites, drawing pollinators to summer borders.

Which perennial flowers start with C?

Reliable perennial flowers that start with C include coneflower, coreopsis, catmint, creeping phlox, candytuft, coral bells, carnation, chrysanthemum, cardinal flower, cushion spurge, California fuchsia, and checkered lily. Most return bigger and better each year with minimal care in zones 3–9.

What annual flowers start with C?

Favorite annual flowers that start with C are cosmos, cornflower, clarkia, cleome, cockscomb, chamomile, corn poppy, California poppy (grown as annual in cold zones), and the vines cup-and-saucer and cypress vine. They are cheap to grow from seed and bloom for months.

What flowers that start with C bloom in spring?

Spring bloomers include crocus, camellia, cherry blossom, crabapple, candytuft, creeping phlox, crown imperial, checkered lily, Carolina jasmine, cushion spurge, California poppy, corn poppy, and Chinese wisteria. Plant a mix for continuous spring color from March through May, starting with crocus and ending with the dramatic wisteria show.

Which flowers starting with C are best for beginners?

Cosmos, cornflower, coneflower, coreopsis, catmint, and California poppy are nearly foolproof — they germinate or transplant easily, bloom for months, and forgive missed waterings. For containers, try cigar plant or clarkia. New gardeners should avoid the fussy ones until they gain confidence: clematis pruning and cattleya orchid care take practice.

Which C-flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies?

Cardinal flower, cigar plant, California fuchsia, and cypress vine are top hummingbird magnets. Butterflies flock to coneflower, cosmos, cornflower, catmint, cleome, coreopsis, and crape myrtle. Planting several together creates a buffet that supports pollinators from spring through fall — leave some coneflower seed heads standing for winter birds too.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden — Plant Finder
• The Old Farmer’s Almanac — Gardening Guides
• Royal Horticultural Society — Plant Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Native Plants
• USDA PLANTS Database