There are currently more than 50 different flowers that start with w. Among the common ones are the Wind Dandelion flower, the Wild Red Rose, and Water Lillies. Below, I go into some detail on some of my favorite ones.
There are currently more than 50 different flowers whose names begin with the letter W. Among the common ones are the Wind Dandelion flower, the Wild Red Rose, and Water Lillies. Below, I go into some detail on some of my favorite ones.
Let’s get to it.
1. Wallflowers
Wallflowers are first on our list because they’re pretty common across Southern Europe and smell absolutely great. They’re cool-season plants, meaning, they typically bloom during the late spring and early winter seasons.
Additionally, Wallflowers are biennial flowers that bloom after two years of being seeded. Luckily though, they’re perennial as their flowers can live long after they’ve been planted. Wallflowers also come in a variety of colors, such as pink, yellow, and blue.
Taking care of a Wallflower is quite low-maintenance. They grow well in partial sun and need well-drained soil. Wallflowers are best planted in rock beds and containers.
2. Water Lillies
From their name, Water Lillies usually grow in still and freshwaters, such as lakes or ponds. They’re beautiful aquatic plants that breathe life into any area of water due to their vibrant colors and star-shaped leaves.
Water Lillies are quite beneficial to the environment. They provide shade and food to the fish, plus prevent harmful algae from forming on the surface. These Lillies grow their roots out to reach their habitat’s mud too.
Since Water Lillies originated in South America, they’re fans of sunny environments. You shouldn’t plant them in splashy zones like fountains as that’ll harm them. Once the Lillies fade, they need to be removed by cutting.
3. Watsonia Flowers
Watsonia is quite popular in African regions where the sun is warm. Their flowers grow in reed-like shapes and their buds are corm-shaped. They’re slender and their colors vary from reddish-purple to peachy pink and some even have lilac hues.
Unfortunately, the life cycle of a Watsonia flower is pretty short. They only last the few weeks of the late summer and they go dormant by the time August is over. On the bright side, Watsonia is a hardy, perennial plant that blooms back again every season.
That means that taking care of one is simple. They need generous amounts of compost and fertilizer, but otherwise, Watsonia just wants warm weather.
4. Wattle Flowers
Wattle flowers are native to Australia and their flowers are typically golden. This Australian national emblem has small petals and blooms in clusters of buds. The flowers hide behind long stamens which is what makes Wattles great ornaments.
Fun fact: Wattles are one of the few flowers that have a day of their own! September first is the Australian holiday to celebrate these wonderful plants. Queen Elizabeth II even wore Wattles on her crown back during her coronation on June the second.
Keep in mind that Wattles grow big, meaning, they need enough space in your garden to bloom. They enjoy organic fertilizer and require much water, especially during dry periods.
5. Wax Plants
Wax plants, otherwise known as Hoya Vines, are popular indoor plants that are native to tropical regions. In other words, they thrive in shady areas where the humidity is high and the space is limited.
Growing Wax plants can be challenging because their flowers can take two to three years to bloom. On the plus side, they can be sticky to the touch since they release a lot of sweet nectar, making them wonderfully scented flowers.
A Wax plant is great for beginner gardeners. So long as the soil is moist and the air around the plant is misty, Wax plants are able to thrive. Traditionally, Hoya Vines are grown indoors rather than outdoors too.
6. Wedelia
Wedelia plants are popularly described as the creeping-oxeye. They originated from Mexico, Central America, and the Neotropics. Wedelia flowers are small-sized, yellow, and often confused with daisies.
Not just that, but many advise against planting Wedelia since they’re a quick-spreading breed. Because their growth rate is fast, you’ll find that Wedelia roots hold down any soil they’re planted in. Wedelia can bloom in any soil type, including acidic or clay ones.
This means that if you plan on having Wedelia plants, make sure that they don’t grow too well. Minimize the amount of water and fertilizer you give them.
7. Windflowers
Windflowers are a big species of bright-colored, beautiful flowers that used to signify the arrival of spring in Greek myths. There are currently over 120 Windflowers, including Madonnas, Poppies, and Blue Stars.
Much like Wallflowers, Windflowers are also perennial and favor shady areas. Additionally, Windflowers can be partially toxic and exposure to their sap can cause numbness or dermatitis. In other words, it’s better to use gardening gloves when using Windflowers.
A caretaker of Windflower should regularly water them and periodically prune dead buds. Every fall, they’ll need to cut the stalks of the flowers too so they can grow back in the late winter.
8. Wild Roses
Wild Roses are not only common but also pretty popular. They’ve been around for millions of years, spreading over multiple countries, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. They’re a single bloom flower, meaning, their number of petals is limited—around five to eight per flower.
Additionally, Wild Roses come in multiple, vivid colors, such as pink, red, white, and yellow. They’re actually strong plants that thrive in neglected conditions, even in rough soil and with minimal watering sessions. Wild Roses die out during the winter and beautifully bloom back in the springtime.
Greek mythology had Wild Roses associated with the Goddess Aphrodite. They’re used in weddings as well, making them a great option to grow in your backyard. Since they don’t require much work, they’re pleasant to both look at and care for.
9. Wishbones
The stamens of Wishbones take on the shape of a wishbone and that’s where they get the name from. Their flower buds take on interesting colors, such as purple and dark pink, with a bright white in the middle. This resulted in Wishbones being known as Clown flowers too.
In art, Wishbones typically symbolize love, femininity, care, and affection. Due to their name though, many people use them to make wishes. They’ve been a lucky charm since Ancient Rome, while in Hawaii, Wishbones are floral symbols of beauty.
Not often are Wishbones grown in sunny areas because they prefer the shade. Moist soil and regular watering are also important for the growth of Wishbone flowers.
10. Wine Cups
Wine Cups are a kind of wildflower that is named after the vibrant colors they come in, such as pink, maroon, and purple. They bloom into cup-shaped flowers, hence the name, each growing with a white middle spot.
Flowers of Wine Cups are known for closing up in the evening only to open up again in the sunlight. They’re ideal as a summer-display plant in meadows, rock baths, or flower beds. They do well in chilly temperatures though, so long as the soil is drained properly.
The other great thing about Wine Cups is that they’re hardy plants that can tolerate harsh conditions and are drought-resistant. So even if you’re a poor gardener, Wine Cups are forgiving.
11. Witch Hazels
Witch Hazels are one of the many interesting flowers mentioned here. They grow among the woodlands of Canada and America, but they’re originally natives of North America. From their pliant nature, Witch Hazels got their name.
For years now, Witch Hazel flowers have been used for medicinal and cosmetical purposes. They’re fragrant, spidery flowers that have anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant properties so they’re safe to apply to the skin.
Usually, Witch Hazels like sunlight, acidic soil, and well-drained pots. They bloom around the fall and winter seasons as well.
12. Wolfsbane Flowers
Wolfsbane flowers have inspired many myths and fantasy stories, especially ones revolving around werewolves. That’s mainly because Wolfsbane plants are pretty poisonous. All their parts are harmful, including the roots as well.
Natives to European lands, particularly around the Western and Northern regions, Wolfsbane grows into bluish-purple colors. Due to their toxic nature, however, Wolfsbanes are mainly used for ornamental purposes.
So, while the uses of Wolfsbane go back to Renaissance times, they’re not that safe to plant near children or pets. You also should never handle one without gloves on.
Summary – Flowers That Start With W
We hope this article has piqued your interest in learning more about flowers that start with W—and other flowering plants too.
We’ve chosen our favorites to go through today, but there are many more flowers out there just waiting for you to pick them. If one of the plants above seemed intriguing enough already, try growing some!
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