Spring is the season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with a burst of vibrant blooms in your garden? If you're searching for fresh inspiration, look no further than the letter "N"! From the delicate charm of narcissus to the bold beauty of nasturtiums, there's a whole alphabet of stunning flowers that start with "N" that are ready to transform your garden into a springtime paradise. Get ready to discover over 20 captivating blossoms that will chase away the winter blues and add a splash of color to your world!
Read more: 20+ Flowers that Start with R to Refresh your Garden!
1. Narcissus (Daffodils)
These cheerful yellow or white trumpet-shaped blooms symbolize new beginnings and rebirth. They are a classic sign that spring has arrived, typically blooming from late February to April. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from the large-cupped varieties to the smaller bunch-flowered types. Most daffodils are low-maintenance and can naturalize easily in your garden.
2. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are edible flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They have a peppery flavor that can add a kick to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seeds and will flower throughout the spring and summer months. They are also known to deter aphids from other plants in your garden.
3. Nemesia
These delicate flowers come in various colors, including white, yellow, orange, purple, and blue, and often have a sweet fragrance. Nemesia are perfect for adding a touch of color to borders, containers, or hanging baskets. They bloom from late spring to early summer and prefer cool weather.
4. Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes)
These charming little blue flowers with white centers prefer cool, moist soil and will bloom in early spring. They are a low-growing plant that works well as a groundcover or edging. Baby Blue Eyes are self-seeding, so you can expect them to return year after year.
5. Nigella (Love-in-a-mist)
Nigella's unique airy blooms, surrounded by feathery foliage, come in shades of white, blue, and purple. They get their name from the wispy seed pods that form after the flowers fade, creating a "mist" around the black seeds. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and are attractive to pollinators.
6. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
These star-shaped flowers come in many colors, including white, pink, red, and purple, and are often fragrant, especially at night. Nicotiana are fast-growing annuals that will flower throughout the summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
7. Nierembergia
Nierembergia are cup-shaped flowers that come in purple, blue, or white. They are a low-growing plant that works well in borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Nierembergia blooms throughout the summer and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
8. Navarretia
Navarretia is a wildflower that produces clusters of tiny blue, purple, or white flowers that attract pollinators. It is a low-growing plant that works well in rock gardens or borders. Navarretia blooms in late spring and early summer and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica)
Technically not a flower itself, but the flowering stage of the nectarine tree is a beautiful sight. These delicate pink blossoms appear in early spring, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape before transforming into the juicy stone fruits we know and love.
10. Nymphoides peltata (Yellow Water Lily)
While most water lilies bloom in summer, the Yellow Water Lily is a delightful exception, gracing ponds with its bright yellow cup-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. The heart-shaped leaves float on the water's surface, creating a tranquil and beautiful display.
11. Nepeta mussinii (Catmint)
Catmint is a low-growing perennial with spikes of attractive blue or purple flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer, with occasional reblooms possible in spring. The fragrant foliage is a favorite among cats, hence the name. Catmint is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
12. Nolana
This vibrant flowering groundcover boasts a profusion of bell-shaped blooms throughout summer and sometimes into fall. Nolana comes in a delightful range of colors, including vibrant blue, purple, white, and even bi-colored options. The low-growing foliage forms a dense mat, making it ideal for suppressing weeds and adding a touch of cheer to walkways or borders.
13. Narcissus bulbocodium (Hoop Petticoat Daffodil)
This unique daffodil variety stands out with its small, cyclamen-like flowers featuring a contrasting center cup. Hoop Petticoat Daffodils come in shades of white, yellow, and orange and typically bloom in early spring. They prefer well-drained soil and are a charming addition to rock gardens or borders.
14. Nymphaea odorata (White Water Lily)
The quintessential water lily, the White Water Lily, graces ponds with its large, fragrant white blooms throughout summer. These majestic flowers open during the day and close at night, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to water gardens. They require still water and full sun for optimal growth.
15. Narcissus triandrus (Angel's Tears Daffodil)
This delicate daffodil lives up to its name with gracefully drooping clusters of white flowers that resemble teardrops. Angel's Tears Daffodils typically bloom in early spring and prefer well-drained soil in a sunny location. Their smaller size makes them a perfect choice for rock gardens or naturalized plantings.
16. Nemastylis gracilis (Clustered Bluebells)
This charming wildflower produces clusters of delicate, star-shaped blue blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers only last a day but are produced in succession, prolonging the display. They're a lovely sight in meadows and along stream banks in their native regions. Clustered Bluebells prefer slightly acidic soil and thrive in light shade with good moisture.
17. Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa)
This evergreen shrub boasts fragrant white star-shaped flowers in spring and summer. These are followed by small, red, edible fruits with a tart flavor that can be enjoyed fresh or made into jams. Natal Plum thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
18. Nerine (Sand Lily)
Native to South Africa, Nerines offer a burst of color in late summer and fall. These striking flowers come in shades of pink, red, orange, and white, with clusters emerging from strap-like leaves. Nerines prefer well-drained soil in a sunny location and are a welcome addition to borders or containers in warmer climates.
19. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
True to its name, this fragrant vine blooms at night, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating aroma. The white, tubular flowers are attractive to moths and hummingbirds. Night-Blooming Jasmine prefers warm climates, full sun to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Be aware: all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.
20. Nun's Orchid (Orchis Italica)
This unique wild orchid boasts a fascinating resemblance to a nun in a white habit with a purple hood. The fragrant flowers appear in late spring and early summer and are pollinated by bees attracted to the orchid's resemblance to a female bee. Nun's Orchis prefers well-drained soil in meadows or open woodlands.
21. Nymphoides crenata (Dwarf Water Lily)
A smaller relative of the Yellow Water Lily, the Dwarf Water Lily offers a delightful display of bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers throughout summer. The heart-shaped leaves float on the water's surface, creating a charming addition to ponds, especially in smaller spaces.
Conclusion
From the classic beauty to the whimsical charm, the world of flowers that start with N offers a delightful array of colors, textures, and fragrances to enhance any spring garden. Whether you're drawn to bold and bright blooms or delicate and dainty ones, there's something here to suit every taste and gardening style. As the warmth of spring returns, embrace the joy of planting and watching flowers that start with N come to life. Let their beauty brighten your days, invite pollinators to your garden, and create a vibrant spring landscape you can enjoy for weeks to come!
