Flowers That Start With O: An Out of The Ordinary Collection

The oh-so-beautiful blooms are calling. Starting a flower-themed trip through the alphabet is fun in and of itself, and the letter O does not let you down. These flowers that start with O bring something different to the table, from the foreign beauty of orchids to the happy mood of osteospermums.

We hope this guide makes you want to try these flowers out in your own yard and make it as beautiful and varied as the flower world itself. Remember that each flower has a story to tell, and those that begin with O are ready to share stories of beauty, strength, and the amazing things that happen in nature.

Orchid

Orchids are among the most diverse and elegant flower families, with thousands of species and an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Known for their delicate, symmetrical flowers and long, slender stems, orchids can symbolize love, luxury, beauty, and strength. They thrive in humid environments and can be grown indoors with proper care, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts and collectors.

Oxeye Daisy

The Oxeye Daisy is a perennial wildflower with a classic daisy appearance—white petals circling a bright yellow disk. It symbolizes innocence and purity and is often found in meadows, roadsides, and gardens. This flower is easy to grow and can spread quickly, offering a cheerful and lively presence wherever it blooms.

Oleander

Oleander is a highly ornamental shrub known for its vibrant flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. While stunning, all parts of the Oleander plant are toxic if ingested, requiring caution in households with pets and children. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers warm climates, making it a popular choice for landscapes in warmer regions.

Osteospermum

Osteospermum, or African Daisy, features daisy-like flowers with a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, pink, and white. These sun-loving plants are used to brighten gardens and containers. Osteospermum blooms in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, adding a splash of color when other flowers might not be in season.

Orange Blossom

The Orange Blossom, with its sweet fragrance and delicate white petals, is the flower of the orange tree. It's highly valued not just for its beauty but also for its use in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. The Orange Blossom symbolizes purity, innocence, and eternal love, often used in wedding bouquets and arrangements.

Ornamental Onion (Allium)

Ornamental Onions, or Alliums, boast spherical blooms made up of dozens of small flowers, creating a striking effect in the garden. They come in various sizes and colors, including purple, blue, white, and yellow. Alliums are easy to grow, drought-resistant, and beloved by bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any garden looking to promote pollinator activity.

Opopanax (Sweet Myrrh)

Opopanax, also known as Sweet Myrrh, produces clusters of small, yellow flowers known for their rich, balsamic fragrance. It has been used historically for medicinal purposes and in perfumery. Growing Opopanax requires a warm climate and well-drained soil, making it more commonly found in botanical gardens or as a specialty plant in warmer regions.

Osmanthus

Osmanthus is a genus of small, but highly fragrant flowers ranging from white to yellow and orange. Often used in teas and perfumes, Osmanthus blooms in autumn, filling the air with a sweet, apricot-like fragrance. It symbolizes love and romance in several cultures and can add both visual and sensory appeal to gardens.

Owl's Clover

Owl's Clover is a charming wildflower with dense spikes of pink to purple flowers, which resemble an owl's face when viewed up close. It thrives in meadows and wildflower gardens, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Owl's Clover prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it a delightful addition to native plant gardens.

Oenothera

Oenothera, also known as Evening Primrose, features yellow, pink, or white cup-shaped flowers that typically open in the evening and close by the next morning. Known for its medicinal properties and edible parts, Evening Primrose oil is widely used for skincare. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming throughout summer into early fall.

Orange Coneflower: A Burst of Sunshine

The Orange Coneflower, a vibrant cousin of the Black-Eyed Susan, offers a splash of bright orange to the garden palette. Easy to grow and maintain, these perennials are perfect for adding a pop of color and attracting wildlife. Explore the care tips and landscape ideas for incorporating the Orange Coneflower into your garden.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

While widely known as a culinary herb, Oregano also boasts tiny, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. These blooms are not only beautiful but attract a host of beneficial insects, making it a functional addition to any garden.

Obelia

A lesser-known gem, Obelia features clusters of small, dainty flowers that can add a subtle beauty to any garden. These flowers often come in shades of white or pale pink and can add a touch of elegance to the landscape.

Omphalodes

Commonly referred to as "Navelwort" or "Blue-eyed Mary," Omphalodes is a charming ground cover known for its bright blue flowers with white centers. It thrives in shady areas, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Osbeckia

Osbeckia, part of the Melastomataceae family, offers vibrant purple or pink flowers with unique, textured petals. This tropical plant can add a splash of color to gardens in warmer climates or serve as an intriguing houseplant in cooler regions.

Oxalis

Also known as wood sorrel, Oxalis is appreciated for its clover-like leaves and delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, or purple. This easy-to-care-for plant can be a lively addition to containers, indoor settings, or shaded garden spots.

Oxytropis

Oxytropis, or "Locoweed," features spikes of vivid flowers ranging from purple and blue to yellow and white. Known for its resilience in cold, alpine climates, it can add interest and color to rock gardens or high-altitude landscapes.

Oxypetalum

Also known as "Tweedia," Oxypetalum is celebrated for its striking blue or sky-blue star-shaped flowers. This somewhat rare bloom can be a focal point in bouquets or add a unique touch to garden beds and borders.

Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea)

oyster plant | Flowers That Start With O

While not traditionally known for its flowers, the Oyster Plant produces small, white or pink blooms. It's primarily grown for its attractive foliage, which features green leaves with purple undersides, making it a visually striking addition to indoor and outdoor spaces alike.

Okra Flower

The Okra Flower, belonging to the same plant known for its edible seed pods, showcases stunning pale yellow petals with a crimson center. Thriving in warm climates, this bloom not only adds beauty to the garden but also promises a harvest of okra pods, blending ornamental appeal with practical gardening.

Olearia

Olearia, or Daisy Bush, is a group of shrubs native to Australia and New Zealand, renowned for their daisy-like composite flowers. These hardy plants range from small bushes to tree-sized species, adorned with white or purple flowers that attract butterflies and provide a dense, floral display.

Oregon Grape (Mahonia)

oregon grape | Flowers That Start With O

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub known for its holly-like leaves and yellow flowers, which bloom in early spring. It's valued not just for its ornamental appeal but also for its edible berries and use in traditional medicine. This plant thrives in shady spots, adding year-round interest to the garden.

Oxalis

Oxalis, or Wood Sorrel, is recognized for its delicate, clover-like leaves and vibrant flowers, typically in shades of white, yellow, pink, or purple. This low-growing plant is versatile, thriving in both gardens and containers, and its tangy leaves can add a citrusy flavor to salads.

Ornithogalum

Ornithogalum, also known as Star of Bethlehem, features clusters of star-shaped white flowers that rise above slender, grass-like foliage. These bulbs are beloved for their durability and the pure, crisp beauty of their blooms, which can last long in cut-flower arrangements.

Oenothera speciosa (Pink Evening Primrose)

The Pink Evening Primrose, with its delicate pink blooms, is a captivating sight. These flowers are especially known for opening in the evening and staying vibrant through the morning. Ideal for adding a touch of whimsy to any garden, they're drought-tolerant and attract night pollinators.

Onopordum acanthium (Scotch Thistle)

Scotch Thistle is striking for its large, spiny leaves and tall stems topped with purple flowers. Despite its thorny appearance, it's a favorite among gardeners looking to add texture and a touch of the wild to their landscapes. It’s also a symbol of nobility and protection.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass)

Though more commonly known for its dramatic, almost black foliage, Black Mondo Grass produces small, bell-shaped purple flowers in summer. This unique ground cover adds a sophisticated edge to gardens and is perfect for creating contrast with lighter, more vibrant flowers.

Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)

The Prickly Pear Cactus is celebrated not just for its distinctive pads but also for its beautiful yellow, red, or purple flowers. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for xeriscaped gardens, adding a desert flair and vibrant blooms that later turn into edible fruits.

Ornithophora radicans

Ornithophora radicans is a small, charming orchid known for its delicate, airy flowers that seem to dance on slender stems. Ideal for orchid enthusiasts looking to diversify their collection, it thrives in well-ventilated environments with plenty of indirect light, showcasing the incredible diversity within the orchid family.

Osmunda (Royal Fern)

Though not a flower, Royal Fern deserves mention for its grandeur and the delicate, tassel-like structures that bear its spores, resembling flowers from a distance. This ancient fern variety adds a touch of royalty to shade gardens, growing best in moist, woodland settings.

Conclusion: The O-So-Beautiful Blooms Await

Embarking on a floral journey through the alphabet brings its own set of delights, and the letter O does not disappoint. From the exotic allure of Orchids to the cheerful disposition of Osteospermums, each flower starting with O brings something unique to the table. We hope this guide inspires you to experiment with these blooms in your own garden, creating a space that's as beautiful and diverse as the world of flowers itself. Remember, every flower tells a story, and those that start with O are ready to narrate tales of beauty, resilience, and nature's wonders.