Ever tried to name a flower that starts with P and gone blank after petunia? You’re not alone. Most people stall at three or four.Here’s the short answer. There are hundreds of flowers that start with P, and this guide covers 70 of them. You’ll find garden flowers, houseplants, cut flowers and a few oddballs.

Planning a flower bed, a bridal bouquet or just settling a trivia bet? Start here. Last updated October 2026.

Quick Answer: What Are The Most Popular Flowers That Start With P?

The big names are pansy, petunia, peony, poppy, primrose, phlox, protea and plumeria. Each one earns its place in beds, pots or vases.

Pick peony for a lush spring bloom, petunia for summer color and pansy for cool weather.

70 Flowers That Starting With P

Here’s the full flower list, with the common name first.

1. Painted Daisy
2. Painted Tongue
3. Pansy
4. Pasque Flower
5. Passion Flower
6. Pavonia
7. Peace Lily
8. Pearly Everlasting
9. Peacock Orchid
10. Pelargonium
11. Penstemon
12. Pentas
13. Peony
14. Perilla Flower
15. Periwinkle
16. Persian Buttercup
17. Persian Candytuft
18. Persian Violet
19. Peruvian Lily
20. Petunia
21. Phacelia
22. Pheasant’s Eye
23. Phalaenopsis Orchid
24. Philadelphus
25. Phlomis
26. Phlox
27. Pigsqueak
28. Pimpernel
29. Pincushion Flower
30. Pine Lily
31. Pineapple Lily
32. Pink
33. Pink Jasmine
34. Pink Rain Lily
35. Pink Musk Mallow
36. Pink Turtlehead
37. Pitcher Plant Flower
38. Platycodon
39. Plectranthus Flower
40. Pleione Orchid
41. Pleurothallis Orchid
42. Plumbago
43. Plumeria
44. Poinsettia
45. Polemonium
46. Polyanthus
47. Poppy
48. Portulaca
49. Pot Marigold
50. Potentilla
51. Prairie Gentian
52. Prairie Smoke
53. Pride of Madeira
54. Primrose
55. Protea
56. Pulmonaria
57. Purple Coneflower
58. Purple Loosestrife
59. Purple Poppy Mallow
60. Ptilotus
61. Pua Kala
62. Prickly Pear Cactus Flower
63. Prickly Poppy
64. Paper Daisy
65. Parrot Tulip
66. Paintbrush Lily
67. Pachysandra Flower
68. Pomegranate Flower
69. Plum Blossom
70. Peach Blossom

Master Comparison Table For Flowers Starting With P

This table puts the favorites side by side.

Flower	Type	Light	Bloom Season	Best Use
Peony	Perennial	Full sun	Late spring	Cut flowers, borders
Pansy	Cool-season annual	Sun to part shade	Fall to spring	Containers
Petunia	Annual	Full sun	Summer to frost	Hanging baskets
Poppy	Annual or perennial	Full sun	Spring to summer	Meadows
Primrose	Perennial	Part shade	Early spring	Woodland edge
Phlox	Perennial	Full sun	Summer	Butterfly borders
Plumeria	Tropical tree	Full sun	Summer	Fragrance
Peace Lily	Houseplant	Low to medium light	Mostly spring and summer	Indoor display

Types Of Flowers That Begin With P

Sorting by type saves time. A balcony pot needs a different plant than a long border.

Garden Bedding Flowers

Pansy, petunia, portulaca and pot marigold fill bedding plants quickly. They’re annual flowers that bloom hard and cost little.

Perennial Border Flowers

Peony, phlox, penstemon and purple coneflower return every year.

Vines And Climbers

Passion flower and pink jasmine climb trellises, pergolas and fences.

Indoor Flowering Plants

Peace lily, Phalaenopsis orchid and Persian violet bloom indoors. A bright window is usually enough.

Wildflowers And Native Style Picks

Prairie smoke, purple poppy mallow and phacelia suit meadow planting.

Borderline Blossoms And Flowering Plants

Poinsettia and pitcher plant flower in odd ways. We’ll sort them out later in this guide.

Common Flowers That Beginning With P

You’ll spot petunia, pansy, poppy, peony and pelargonium at any garden center.

Quick tip: botanists use Pelargonium for what shops sell as geraniums. Grab the P name next time you shop.

Popular Flower Names Starting With P

These 24 favorites show up in gardens, vases and windowsills everywhere. Here’s why each one deserves a spot.

Peony

Peony gives fat, layered petals and a sweet scent in late spring. It’s a perennial that can live for decades in full sun.

Pansy

Pansy handles chilly weather and light frost. Plant it in fall or early spring for cheerful faces in containers.

Petunia

Petunia blooms from late spring to frost in full sun. Pinch spent stems and feed it often in hanging baskets.

Poppy

Poppy blooms have papery petals and short lives, but they’re gorgeous. Scatter seed directly, because poppies sulk when transplanted.

Primrose

Primrose is among the first early spring flowers. It likes moist soil and partial shade along a woodland edge.

Phlox

Phlox brings flower clusters and a sweet scent in summer. Butterflies love it, though it can get mildew in stuffy spots.

Protea

Protea is a South African shrub with huge, spiky flower heads. It wants well-drained soil, a warm climate and low-phosphorus feeding.

Passion Flower

Passion flower is a flowering vine with star-shaped blooms that look almost alien. Hardiness varies by species, so check your zone.

Plumeria

Plumeria has tropical fragrance and waxy petals used in Hawaiian leis. It needs warmth and full sun, and it can’t take frost.

Peruvian Lily

Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria) is a long-lasting bloom in bouquets, often a week or two in the vase. In the garden, it spreads steadily in mild climates.

Persian Buttercup

Persian buttercup stacks layered petals in bold colors. Plant the corms in cool weather for spring blooms.

Portulaca

Portulaca, or moss rose, thrives in hot weather and dry soil. Its blooms close on cloudy days.

Penstemon

Penstemon sends up tubular flowers that hummingbirds and bees adore. Most types prefer well-drained soil.

Pentas

Pentas forms star-shaped flower clusters that draw butterflies. It loves hot weather and blooms for months.

Peace Lily

Peace lily tolerates low light better than most indoor blooms. Its white “flower” is really a leaf-like spathe.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchid, or moth orchid, can bloom for two to three months. Give it bright indirect light and a chunky orchid mix.

Poinsettia

Poinsettia is the classic holiday plant. Its red color comes from bracts, not petals.

Pincushion Flower

Pincushion flower (Scabiosa) holds airy, rounded flower heads on thin stems. Bees and butterflies visit constantly.

Platycodon

Platycodon, the balloon flower, has buds that puff up like tiny balloons. It’s a tough perennial that dislikes being moved.

Pineapple Lily

Pineapple lily is a bulb flower topped with a leafy tuft, like a pineapple. It suits pots and warm borders.

Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria, or lungwort, thrives in shade gardens. Its spotted leaves look good long after the spring blooms fade.

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower is drought tolerant once settled. Leave the seed heads in fall so finches can feed.

Paper Daisy

Paper daisy has papery petals that hold color when dried. Cut stems at full bloom for dried flowers.

Ptilotus

Ptilotus, or mulla mulla, brings soft pink plumes from Australia. It likes heat, sun and sharp drainage.

Bouquet And Florist Favorites

Florists reach for peony, Peruvian lily, prairie gentian, protea and poppy. They work as focal flowers, accent flowers or airy filler flowers.

Peonies headline wedding flowers each spring. Ask any florist about vase life, and Peruvian lily usually wins while poppies fade fast.

Less Common And Distinctive Picks

Want something nobody on your street grows? Try pine lily, prairie smoke, pua kala, pleione orchid or pitcher plant flower.

Pua kala is Hawaii’s native white prickly poppy, while pitcher plants trap insects. Buy nursery-grown stock only, since some wild species are rare.

Plants Vs Flowers That Starting With P

A flower is the bloom. A plant is the whole organism, roots and leaves included.

So pothos, palms, parsley and papyrus are plants you don’t grow for blooms. Pachysandra and other foliage plants follow the same logic.

P Flowers By Color

Purple Flowers That Start With P

Pasque flower, phacelia, purple coneflower and pride of Madeira cover purple flowers and lavender flowers. Plumbago adds soft blue.

Pink Flowers Beginning With P

Peony, phlox, pentas, pigsqueak and pink musk mallow deliver pink flowers, from blush to magenta flowers.

White Flowers Beginning With P

Peace lily, philadelphus, pearly everlasting and pachysandra bring crisp white flowers.

Red And Orange Flowers Beginning With P

Poppy, poinsettia, pelargonium, paintbrush lily and pot marigold cover red flowers and orange flowers.

Perennials That Start With P

Perennial flowers return each year, which saves money. Peony, phlox, penstemon, platycodon, primrose, pulmonaria and purple coneflower are reliable.

Divide crowded clumps every few years. Peonies resent moving, so plant them once and leave them alone.

Annual Flowers That Start With P

Portulaca, pot marigold, paper daisy and phacelia finish their life in one season.

Petunia and pansy are often treated as annuals too, though they’re technically tender perennials or biennials. Replant yearly for the best color.

Indoor Or Protected Space Picks

Peace lily, Phalaenopsis orchid, Persian violet and poinsettia stay indoors in most climates. Pleione orchid likes a cool, bright greenhouse spot.

Pelargonium can overwinter on a sunny windowsill. Skip the extra watering, since soggy roots kill more houseplants than neglect.

P Flowers By Bloom Season

Spring flowers include pansy, primrose, pasque flower, peony, parrot tulip and pulmonaria. Plum blossom and peach blossom open on bare branches first.

Summer flowers belong to petunia, phlox, portulaca, penstemon and plumeria. For fall flowers, try pink turtlehead and autumn-planted pansy. Winter flowers come from poinsettia and indoor Phalaenopsis.

P Flowers By Growing Condition

Match the plant to the spot and you’ll skip most problems.

Best For Full Sun

Petunia, portulaca, poppy, pot marigold, purple coneflower and protea want full sun.

Best For Partial Shade

Primrose, pulmonaria, pachysandra, pigsqueak and polemonium handle partial shade and other shade tolerant spots.

Best For Dry Spots

Pride of Madeira, purple poppy mallow, prickly pear cactus flower and ptilotus suit dry soil and rock gardens.

Best P Flowers By Use Case

Beginner Friendly Choices

Start with pansy, petunia, portulaca or peace lily. They forgive missed waterings and grow fast.

Fragrant P Flowers

Peony, plumeria, philadelphus, pink jasmine and Persian violet top the list of fragrant flowers.

Pollinator Friendly And Meadow Picks

Phacelia, penstemon, pentas, purple coneflower and pride of Madeira feed bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They’re ideal for pollinator gardens and butterfly gardens.

Container And Small Space Picks

Petunia, pansy, portulaca, pelargonium and pentas thrive in patio pots, window boxes and hanging baskets.

Cut Flower And Bouquet Favorites

Peony, Peruvian lily, prairie gentian, protea and pincushion flower fill vases well. Cut in the early morning for longer vase life.

Water And Pond Flower Picks

Pickerel weed grows in shallow water and sends up purple spikes. Pitcher plant and pink turtlehead suit bog gardens. Skip purple loosestrife, since it’s invasive in many regions.

Flower Meanings And Symbolism

Flowers carry messages. Peony signals prosperity and romance, while poppy stands for remembrance.

Pansy means thoughtfulness, from the French word pensée. Plum blossom speaks of strength and change, and plumeria says new beginnings.

Passion flower points to faith, and peace lily is a common sympathy gift. Meanings shift by culture, so check before gifting.

Side-by-Side Comparisons

Some pairs look alike or fight for the same spot. These quick matchups settle it.

Pansy Vs Petunia

Pansy loves cool weather and frost. Petunia wants heat and bright sun.

Peony Vs Protea

Peony suits cold winters and rich soil. Protea suits warm, lean, fast-draining ground. They rarely share a climate.

Primrose Vs Periwinkle

Primrose blooms early and wants moisture. Periwinkle spreads as an evergreen groundcover, and it’s invasive in some places, so check local advice.

Poppy Vs Pansy

Poppy loves sun and direct sowing. Pansy likes cool pots and transplants. Poppies fade fast, while pansies bloom for months.

Primrose Vs Polyanthus

Polyanthus is a primrose hybrid. Its blooms sit in clusters on taller stalks, while a true primrose carries single flowers on short stems.

Peace Lily Vs Phalaenopsis Orchid

Peace lily copes with low light. Phalaenopsis wants bright indirect light. Peace lily is toxic to cats and dogs, while Phalaenopsis is considered pet-safe.

Portulaca Vs Petunia

Portulaca shrugs off drought. Petunia needs regular water and feeding. Choose portulaca for hot, neglected spots.

Persian Buttercup Vs Peony

Persian buttercup mimics peony’s layered look for less money. Its cut blooms last about a week, while peony plants live for decades.

Plumeria Vs Pink Jasmine

Plumeria is a tropical tree with waxy blooms. Pink jasmine is a twining vine with star-shaped flowers. Both smell wonderful, but only jasmine climbs.

Borderline Entries Better Treated Separately

Some P names are tricky. Poinsettia shows colored bracts, peace lily shows a spathe, and pitcher plant shows trap leaves beside a real flower.

Plum blossom, peach blossom and pomegranate flower belong to trees, while pachysandra is mostly groundcover. Treat them as bonus picks.

Final Thoughts

Flowers that start with P cover every garden need, from a shady corner to a sunny pot. Start with petunia, peony or peace lily, then branch out.

Which P flower are you planting first? Drop it in the comments, and share this flower guide with a friend who’s stuck on a trivia question.We refresh this flower list regularly, so tell us what’s missing.

FAQs

Which Flower Starting With P Smells The Best?

Plumeria, peony and philadelphus lead the pack. Plumeria smells tropical, peony smells rosy and mock orange smells like citrus blossom.

Which Flowers That Start With P Are Perennials?

Peony, phlox, penstemon, platycodon, primrose, pulmonaria and purple coneflower return yearly in suitable zones.

Are There Indoor Flowers That Start With P?

Yes. Peace lily, Phalaenopsis orchid, Persian violet and poinsettia all grow indoors.

Which P Flowers Are Good For Beginners?

Pansy, petunia, portulaca and peace lily forgive mistakes and grow quickly.

What Are Rare Flowers That Start With P?

Pine lily, pleurothallis orchid, pleione orchid and pua kala are less common. Buy nursery-grown plants only.

What Flower Starts With P And Is Purple?

Pasque flower, phacelia, purple coneflower and pride of Madeira are great purple picks.

How Many Flowers Start With The Letter P?

Nobody keeps an official count. Hundreds of species and varieties fit, depending on whether you use common or botanical names. This list of 70 is a curated start.

What Is The Difference Between Plants And Flowers That Start With Letter P?

A flower is the bloom. A plant is the whole organism, so pothos counts as a plant you grow for its leaves.

Which P Flowers Are Best For Bouquets?

Peony, Peruvian lily, prairie gentian, protea and poppy make lovely floral arrangements.

Which P Flowers Are Best For Full Sun?

Petunia, portulaca, poppy, purple coneflower, pot marigold and protea.

Which P Flowers Grow In Shade?

Primrose, pulmonaria, pachysandra and pigsqueak cope well. Pink turtlehead enjoys part shade with moist soil.

Which Flower Names Starting With P Bloom In Spring?

Pansy, primrose, pasque flower, peony, parrot tulip, pulmonaria and plum blossom.

Which P Flowers Are Best For Pots?

Petunia, pansy, portulaca, pelargonium and pentas thrive in containers.

Is Poinsettia A Flower That Starts With P?

Yes, it’s a flowering plant. The red leaves are bracts, and the real flowers are the tiny yellow clusters in the center.

What Is The Most Unusual Flower That Starts With P?

Pitcher plant wins. Its nodding flower rises above trap leaves that digest insects.

Which P Flowers Attract Pollinators?

Phacelia, penstemon, pentas, purple coneflower and phlox draw bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Which P Flowers Are Best For Dried Arrangements?

Paper daisy, pearly everlasting, protea and poppy seed pods keep their shape well.