Flowers are one of the most delightful aspects of nature, bringing color, joy, and fragrance to our lives. Many flowers start with the letter G, opening a world of beauty and variety for gardeners and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a groundcover or a decorative accent, there is a flower starting with G to fit your garden perfectly.
Gaillardia: Endemic to North and South America
Gaillardia, or blanketflower, is a native North and South American plant that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. These vibrant daisy-like blooms are known for their striking, daisy-like center cones. Their flowers come in various shades of red, orange, yellow, and bi-color combinations and bloom throughout the summer.
Galanthus (Snowdrop): Endemic to the Middle East and Europe
Galanthus, or snowdrop, is a genus of bulbous flowering plants native to the Middle East and Europe. These cold-resistant plants typically produce white color, bell-shaped flowers that hang down loosely. Their elegant beauty makes them a popular choice for garden decoration and a must-have for any winter garden.
Gardenia: Endemic to Tropical and Subtropical Regions
Gardenia, or cape jasmine, is a genus of over 100 species of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. These fragrant, waxy, white, or cream flowers have glossy green leaves and are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Their exquisite beauty has made gardeners fall in love with this plant and its synonyms, such as Gardenia jasminoides.
Geranium: Native to Various Regions
Pelargonium (scientific name: Pelargonium) is a genus of 280 species of flowering plants in the family Geraniaceae. Common names for this plant's species include geraniums, pelargoniums, and storksbills. These perennials, succulents, and shrubs are popular in many gardens due to their hardiness and long-lasting blooms.
Gaura: Adapted to North America
Most species of this plant are called “Beeblossoms” or Gaura lindheimeri, a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae. These dry-tolerant perennials native to North America are often found in random regions across the globe. Their delicate, wand-like stems make them an excellent choice for adding texture and movement to garden borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.
Gazania: Endemic to South Africa
Named after a 15th-century Greek-Italian scholar, Theodorus of Gaza, Gazania (a.k.a. African daisies) is a genus of warm-weather perennial plants native to South Africa. This genus' species are typically planted as annuals yet can be grown as perennial plants in warmer climates. Their colorful daisy-like flowers are unique and patterned, making them an excellent choice for add-ins to any flower arrangement.
Gentiana: One of the Largest Genera in the Family Gentianaceae
Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gentianaceae. It has over 400 species, making it one of the largest genus in the family. These large, trumpet-shaped flowers mainly appear in blue and can be found in many regions globally. The plants grow up to 15cm in height and are often sought after as ornamental plants for their striking beauty and medicinal properties.
Gerbera: Native to Southern Africa
Gerbera L., simply called Gerbera, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, named after a German botanist and medical doctor, Traugott Gerber. This genus species is native to tropical regions of Africa, South America, and Asia. Gerberas produce flowers of different colors, including White, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Red, and other bright colors. Cream, Burgundy, and Purple.
Gladiolus: Endemic to Various Regions
Gladiolus, simply called "Glads," is a genus of perennial cormous plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. This genus is also called the "sword lily" by most people. It typically grows in South Africa, Asia, tropical Africa, and Mediterranean Europe. The species grow up to 5ft tall and produce flowers of different colors.
Geum: Native to Europe, Asia, North America, and South America
Geum is the scientific name, this genus of flowering plants is referred to as “Avens.” It belongs to the Rose family, Rosaceae, and has about 50 species widespread across Asia, Europe, North and South America, New Zealand, and Africa. This genus’ plants bloom in spring and summer, producing colorful single or double flowers.
Goldenrod (Solidago): Over 100 Species of Flowering Plant in the Aster Family
Goldenrod (scientific name: Solidago) is a genus of over 100 species of flowering plant in the Aster family, Asteraceae. Its species mostly serve as traditional herbal supplements. Other names for this genus include Solidago canadensis or Solidago virgaurea. You will find these perennial species in open areas like meadows, savannas, and prairies.
Gloriosa: Endemic to Tropical Africa and Asia
The genus, Gloriosa, has about 12 species of flowering plants in the family Colchicaceae. It is endemic to tropical Africa and Asia, and its species are classified under perennials; though they are typically treated as half-hardy annuals. Gloriosa species produce attractive flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. They are widely cultivated.
Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth): Over 100 Species in the Amaranthaceae Family
Gomphrena is a genus of plants – with over 100 species – in the family Amaranthaceae. This genus’ plants are widely referred to as globe amaranths. You will the species across several warm temperate, subtropical regions of the world. The species include perennials and low-growing annuals, often used for medicinal purposes.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari): Endemic to Eurasia and North Africa
Grape Hyacinth (scientific name: Muscari) is a genus of perennial bulbous plants in the family Asparagaceae. The species grow up to 12-inch tall, and they bloom in April or May. This genus, Grape Hyacinth, is native to Eurasia, and the species produce spikes of dense, bluish, urn-shaped flowers that look like bunches of grapes.
Grevillea: Diverse Genus of Evergreen Plants in the Proteaceae Family
Grevillea is a diverse genus of 350 species of evergreen plants in the Proteaceae family. It is endemic to Australia and valued due to the exotically shaped, vibrant color flowers produced by the plants' species. The species flowerheads open at varying times and comprise many small flowers of different colors.
Gypsophila (Baby's Breath): 100 Species of Flowering Plant in the Caryophyllaceae Family
Gypsophila is a genus of 100 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Africa, Eurasia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. However, one of the species, Gypsophila taxa, has a high diversity of about 35 endemic species, in Turkey. The species produce bulk tiny flowers, usually white or pink, on tall stems, with lance-shaped leaves.
Flowers that start with G provide a myriad of garden opportunities, offering variety in color, form, and texture. Whether you are starting a new garden or adding to an existing one, selecting flowers starting with G will ensure that your garden will be a source of beauty and inspiration.
