Captivated by the numerous flowers out there? We undoubtedly are. So we did what we do best: compile a list of the florist’s favorite flowers that start with O.
Our AWESOME-O flowers are as diverse as can be. We have the unique three-petaled Ohio spiderwort that would gladly cover up any space you provide it with; the all so forgiving, but nonetheless gorgeous Old lady cactus; the elegant bare-rooted Orchids; your kitchen’s favorite Oregano; Oregon’s state flower the Oregon grape; the widely adored and equally feared Oleander; and the fragrant, brilliant Oriental lily.
Now, it’s time to smell the roses—or plant them.
7 Flowers That Start With O
Our picks of flowers that start with O guarantee to polish up any space you plant them in. whether you’re looking for a relaxed, elegant, or edible plant, we’ve got your back.
Let’s dig in!
1. Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia Ohiensis)
Famous for their unique three-leaved blue-purple flowers, Ohio spiderworts are native to the Americas.
Ohio spiderworts are among the easiest grown flowers. Their adaptability means they can grow in various conditions; sunlight and shade, fertilizer or not, and in almost any soil type.
Due to their forgiving nature and their self-seeding ability, the Ohio spiderworts are considered invasive.
Despite their easy-going nature, to get the best Ohio spiderwort blooms, you have to provide them with their favorite environment.
The plant prefers part-shady spots. However, if it’s planted in a spot that receives full sunlight, provide it with more water to help it to grow healthy.
Although Ohio spiderworts can be grown in any soil type, the most crucial aspect to be considered is that the soil must be moist and adequately draining. To help your plants a bit more, grow them in slightly acidic soil with plenty of humus.
Outdoor-grown Ohio spiderworts would normally do with fertilizer once or twice in early spring. However, if grown indoors they would require monthly feeds.
Ohio spiderworts are non-toxic to both humans and animals making them a perfect addition to your garden if you have children or pets.
2. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria Hahniana)
Members of the Cactaceae family, the Old lady cactus is native to Mexico.
Like many of their siblings in the Cactaceae family, the Old lady cactus requires little attention and care making them a favorite both inside and outdoors.
The Old lady cactus comprises many white spikes atop a spherical stem. Its purple blooms, starting early spring all through summertime, are arranged in a crown-like fashion.
With all cacti, less is more when it comes to caring routines. Water your Old lady cactus only when you feel the soil dry. Feed your cactus with fertilizer only during its bloom season–spring through summer.
Perhaps the most crucial part of cactus care is providing it with the right type of soil. You don’t want to plant your cacti in soil that holds on to moisture. Remember, excess moisture could lead to root rot.
Your best bet is with sandy, well-draining soil. You could also purchase a special cactus mix.
If grown indoors, supplement your well-draining soil with special planting pots that allow adequate water drainage.
3. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Orchids make the top of the favorite houseplants list. Their vibrantly colored blooms sitting atop arching branches are sure to give your home that frequently sought-after fairytale atmosphere.
The Orchidaceae family hosts around thirty thousand pure and ten thousand hybrid orchid species. Knowing which species it is that you own is imperative to know how to best take care of it.
All members of the Orchidaceae family are epiphytes—they grow on top of other objects for support, having their roots exposed to the atmosphere. Their roots are adapted to capture water from rain or humidity.
As epiphytes, Orchids don’t do well if their roots are buried. They require a special Orchid potting mix.
You could DIY your Orchid media by mixing up tree bark, wine bottle corks, moss, and some rocks or bricks. The end goal should be a media that supports the Orchid roots but allows them to breathe as well.
Grow your Orchids in a spot that receives plenty of indirect sunlight.
Do not overwater. While Orchid roots love a humid atmosphere, they detest being soggy. During the summer months, you can drench the roots for a few minutes—you could even put them under the kitchen tap—but make sure to dry them completely afterward.
However, during the winter only water your Orchids once monthly. To prevent their roots from rotting.
Feed your Orchids with a weak liquid fertilizer weekly when they’re in bloom. Then withhold feeding during the winter.
Be attentive to your plant showing signs of stress. Consider over or under watering if you see shriveled leaves, yellow spots on leaves, and falling flower buds.
Carefully inspect your plant for any signs of pest or fungal infestations.
4. Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)
Native to the Mediterranean region of Asia and Europe, Oregano is a star in Mediterranean cuisine. Frequently grown for its leaves, many gardeners don’t allow Oregano to bloom.
Aside from their alluring white, pink, and purple hues, Oregano flowers offer various other benefits.
Like the leaves, Oregano flowers bring a subtle flavor when used in cooking. They can also be used to make soothing Oregano herbal tea.
Oreganos are grown as perennial herbs. Plant your Oregano in a spot with sandy, well-draining soil that gets full sunlight—around six hours of sunlight a day.
As is the case with many aromatic plants, excessive feeding and watering dilute their unique scents. Therefore, hold your water till the Oregano’s soil has dried up. You might also want to skip the fertilizer feed altogether.
Ideal growing temperatures for Oregano are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Oregano generally doesn’t like humidity, so if you live in a particularly humid area, consider spacing your plants to allow for good air circulation.
Finally, note that Oregano is toxic to pets, so be careful with where you plant it if you have any.
5. Oregon Grape (Berberis Aquifolium)
The Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub native to northwest America. It’s even named Oregon’s state flowers—hence the name.
As an evergreen shrub, planting an Oregon grape promises to keep your garden alive with its different colors throughout the year. You’ll enjoy its yellow blooms in spring, green leaves and juicy fruits in summer, and its dark red colored leaves in autumn.
Plant your Oregon grapes in a partially shady spot, with moist—weekly watering—, slightly acidic, good draining soil.
Give your plant all the nutrients it needs with a multipurpose balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
The Oregon grape is hardy in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. Just remember to shelter them between tall plants during windy seasons, to protect their evergreen leaves from especially strong winds.
Keep in mind that in certain areas, the Oregon grape can be quite invasive and spread to cover your entire garden. Thus check with the extension service local to your region before you plant any Oregon grapes.
Regularly inspect your plant for any indications of a pest infestation. And quickly treat your plant with insecticidal soaps.
The Oregon grape has sharp leaves, you can use this to your advantage if you plant it as a fence or barrier to keep any intruders out.
6. Oleander Plant (Nerium Oleander)
The Oleander plant is native to Mediterranean countries and southern Asia. But it has been frequently featured as a favorite among ancient Romans and Babylonians.
It naturally grows as a thick evergreen dome-shaped shrub, but you can train it as a single-trunked tree.
The Oleander plant is widely adored for its dainty and fragrant white, yellow, orange, pink, and red blooms.
However, besides being greatly admired for its beauty, it is equally feared for its toxicity. Named the ‘Deadly beauty’, all parts of this plant, even the fumes that arise when the plant is burned, are toxic to both humans and animals.
If you know better than to eat or burn this plant, you can use its dense foliage to your advantage, since it creates the best living walls.
Plant your Oleander in a well-draining, sandy, alkaline soil located in a sunny spot.
Water the plant only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. As for fertilizer, Oleanders are generally light feeders. Treat bad soil with a balanced fertilizer during the plant’s first-bloom period, then only add light feeds yearly.
7. Oriental Lily (Stargazer)
The Oriental lily has been hybridized in the seventies by crossing Lilium speciosum and Lilium auratum. This crossing aimed to produce a lily species that doesn’t droop and looks up towards the stars—named the stargazer.
Oriental lilies are among the most aromatic flowers. When combined with their eye-catching pink and white blossoms, they act as focal spots in your garden.
In addition to their appeal to the human eye, Oriental lilies are a favorite among useful pollinators as well.
Perfect for the back row position, Oriental lilies grow regal and tall thanks to your sturdy long stems.
Plant your Oriental lilies in loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in a spot that receives at least eight hours of sunlight a day.
Oriental lilies love to have their roots moist, you can maintain this by adding a layer of mulch to keep the roots moist and cool. Remember your plants like their roots moist, not soggy, so only water them whenever you feel their soil dry.
As summer bloomers, Oriental lilies blossom best in temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oriental lilies have a hearty appetite for fertilizers. Feed them with ample amounts of a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the spring season when the shoots have emerged. Then give your lilies frequent small feeds every two weeks throughout the bloom season.
Oriental lilies are toxic to cats, so if you’re a cat parent choose your Oriental lily’s planting spot wisely.
Conclusion: Flowers That Start With O
Now, after going through our article about the flowers that start with O. you know a bit of information about each of our featured flowers.
You can decide which one is your favorite, and more importantly whether it’s the right addition to your garden.
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