19+ Cute Flowers That Start With O | Exciting Pictures
Looking to add unique beauty to your garden or bouquet? Flowers that start with O are the answer. I’ll never forget the first time I grew an Oriental Lily in my home garden—its bold petals and intoxicating scent instantly elevated the beauty of my home.
Before you continue, explore our fun articles on flower names that start with K, L, and M.
Let’s uncover more!
Olearia
Olearia, also known as “Daisy Bush,” is a flowering plant member of the Asteraceae family, the largest plant family in the world. These are mainly herbaceous shrubs and small trees. Olearia has beautiful daisy-like flowers in mauve, purple, pink, and white.
Its growth rate is about 30cm, and it blooms well in full sunlight with appropriate watering. For optimum growth, the soil must be moist and well-drained.
The plant has been used in traditional herbal remedies in New Zealand for its calming properties.
Scientific Name | Olearia |
Blooming Time | Spring to Summer |
Symbolism | Endurance |
Number of Species | Approximately 180 Species |
Native To | New Zealand and Australia |
Osteospermum
Osreopermum is one of the smallest tribe of the daisy or sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is also famous as an “African Daisy” and “Daisy Bushesh,” a refreshing bloom in shades of purple, yellow, pink, and white. They have daisy-like flowers and dark green leaves that add beautiful colors to your home garden or any container.
They prefer warm, humid, and sunny sides and rich soil for blooming, although they can tolerate salt, poor organic soil, or drought excellently. The latest cultivars flower gradually when watered and fertilized appropriately. On the other hand, deadheading is not vital because they do not produce seeds quickly.
Osteospermum flowers can “close” at night and “wake up” when the sun rises, following the movement of the sun? This amazing natural behavior is called heliotropism.
Scientific Name | Osteospermum |
Blooming Time | Spring to Fall |
Symbolism | Purity and Cheerfulness |
Number of Species | Around 7 Species |
Native To | South Africa |
Orange Hawkweed | Flowers That Start With O
Another charming flower in my list of flowers that starts with O is Orange Hawkweed. It is a very striking [erennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The other common names of this attractive wildflower are “Grim-the-collier and “Devil’s Paintbrush.” They usually have bright orange or yellow colored flowers.
All parts of this plant produce a milky juice and are most commonly present in meadows and along the roadsides. Its name originated from the Latin epithet “aurantiaca” which means ‘orange,’ the common color of the flower. The common name of Fox-and-cubs” is because of the similarity of the open flowers (the fox) along the flower buds.
These wildflowers are aggressive spreaders and form great blocks of color. They are mostly used in home gardens because of their bright and bold orange flowers that are also best for pollinators.
Scientific Name | Pilosella aurantiaca |
Blooming Time | Summer |
Symbolism | Wealth and Strength |
Number of Species | Unknown |
Native To | Europe |
Ostrich Fern
The Ostrich Fern is a fern genus with only 1 species and a member of the Onocleaceae family. It has large, tall, feathery, and vertical fronds. Its deciduous green fronds are 39-67 inches tall and 7.9–14 inches broad, similar to the ostrich plumes. They are motley seen in green color.
The Ostrich Ferns grow in partial to full shade, well-drained soil, and average to high amounts of water. They are susceptible to sunlight, and leaves can be discolored or burned when under direct sunlight.
Ostrich Ferns can produce a “fiddlehead” in spring? These tightly coiled young fronds unfurl into beautiful, ferny leaves, and are even edible when harvested early, offering a delicious, earthy flavor often used in cooking!
Scientific Name | Matteuccia struthiopteris |
Blooming Time | Non-flowering |
Symbolism | Sincerity and New Beginning |
Number of Species | 1 Spesie |
Native To | North Hemisphere |
Orchid | Flowers That Start With O
Orchids are unique and delicate flowers belonging to one of the great flowering plants, Orchidaceae. They are exotic and perennial flowers with complex and white colored flowers.
They don’t have permanent woody structures. Ochids grow well under 85 degrees Fahrenheit and regular irrigation.
One of the most interesting features of an orchid is that its blooming quantity can be triggered artificially according to need by different techniques like increasing or decreasing in day length and controlling temperature.
Orchids are one of the oldest flowering plants on Earth. Some species date back over 80 million years. Many species can even mimic the scent of other insects to attract pollinators, ensuring their survival!
Scientific Name | Orchidaceae |
Blooming Time | Spring to fall |
Symbolism | Lover, Beauty, and Charm |
Number of Species | 28,000 Species |
Native To | Everywhere on the earth |
Obedient Plant
Obedient Plant is a perennial flower that belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint family). Its name is because its flowers remain in the place when moved. Also known as “Obedience and False Dragonhead.” Obeyed plants have lances of conical flowers with shades of purple and pink on white.
Obedient plants flourish well in full sunlight and well-drained soil, which helps to avoid the loss of lower leaves on the plant stems. Direct full sunlight is also favorable for flower growth and gives the number of flowers. They can have minor problems like spiders, rust, mites, and aphids, so it’s vital to keep this plant safe from them.
Scientific Name | Physostegia virginiana |
Blooming Time | Summer to early fall |
Symbolism | Flexibility and Bravery |
Number of Species | Only 2 Subspecies |
Native To | North America |
Ononis | Flowers That Start With O
Ononis are perennial herbs or shrubs that belong to the Fabaceae family. They are low-growing shrubs with bunches of purple or pink eye-catching blooms. Onions are commonly seen on coasts and rocky areas. They are used as food.
Ononis plants prefer full sunlight to partial shade in low to medium-watered soil. The plants also have medicinal properties, and many herbalists widely use them in traditional home remedies.
These plants are often used in erosion control due to their strong root systems, which help stabilize the soil.
Scientific Name | Ononis (genus) |
Blooming Time | June to mid-September |
Symbolism | Healing |
Number of Species | 600-900 Species |
Native To | North Africa and Western Asia |
Orach
Orach is a green plant of the Amaranthaceae family. They have tiny flowers and leaves that are edible with a salty and spinach-like taste. They are used in different salads, cooked or raw. In Italy, green leaves are used to color pasta. A common use of the orach is to balance out the sour flavor of sorrel.
They are also cultivated as an ornament and serve as a vegetable and are diuretic, anti-oxidant, emetic, and purgative. Its seeds grow fastest when the temperature of the soil is between 50 and 65 degrees. It is a cool-weather lover and frost-tolerant, but it also grows in warm temperatures.
Orach was once used as a natural dye? Its vividly colored leaves and flowers—especially the deep purples and reds—were crushed to tint fabrics and even food, long before synthetic dyes existed.
Scientific Name | Atriplex |
Blooming Time | Summer |
Symbolism | Cure and Meditation |
Number of Species | 250-300 Species |
Native To | Temperate and Subtropical regions |
Oenothera
Oenothera, also known as “Evening Primrose,” “Sundrops,” and “Suncups”, is a flowering plant that is a member of the Onagraceae family. They have different species of plants with pink, yellow, or white-coloured flowers.
Its oil (Oenothera biennis) is used for different health conditions, especially for women, such as breast pain (mastalgia), premenstrual or menopausal symptoms, and labour induction. Interestingly, all parts of Oenothera are edible, but its oral use might increase the chances of bleeding.
If you are planning to have any surgery, stop consuming it 15 days beforehand.
Scientific Name | Oenothera |
Blooming Time | Early summer to fall |
Symbolism | Healing, Hope, Love, and Protection |
Number of Species | 145 Species |
Native To | America |
Oleander | Flowers Beginning With O
Rosebay is another common name for Oleander; it is a hardy evergreen small tree or shrub belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Its flowers have different shades of dark pink, light red, and yellow. Almost all parts of this dangerous plant are extremely toxic, and a single leaf can kill an adult.
Oleander can cause other health problems like vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, hyperkalemia, diarrhoea, and dysrhythmias. By the way, it is illegal in the USA.
They perform well in full sunlight and moderate watering.
Oleanders are beautiful yet toxic. You should remove oleander from your home garden, especially if you have kids.
Scientific Name | Nerium oleander |
Blooming Time | Year-round, peaking in summer |
Symbolism | Danger, Destint, and Resilience |
Number of Species | Unknown |
Native To | Mediterranean region, Iran, and southern China |
Oxeye Daisy
The Oxeye Daisy, Dog daisy, and Marguerite are lovely flowers belonging to the Asteraceae family. A mature Oweye Daiy plant can produce approximately 26,000 seeds that vehicles, animals, and humans can spread. They are larger than the common daisy flowers.
It is non-toxic, and animals can consume its milk. Oxeye daisy has bright white petals and a dark yellow center, the best addition to add warmth and colors to any garden. They have some traditional medicinal uses, too, considered best for healing cough, asthma, and other types of coughs.
The stems, petals, and leaves can be eaten raw in sandwiches or salads. Oxeye Daisies bloom well in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. They are mostly grown on woodland edges and roadsides.
The stems, petals, and leaves can be eaten raw in sandwiches or salads.
Scientific Name | Leucanthemum vulgare |
Blooming Time | May to September |
Symbolism | Cheerfulness, Innocence, and Patience |
Number of Species | Approximately 23,000 |
Native To | Europe and the temperate region of Asia |
Ornithogalum | Flowers Beginning With O
Ornithogalum is a lovely perennial flowering plant, a member of the Asparagaceae family. It is also called the “Star of Bethlehem,” due to its star-shaped and white-coloured bloom, which resembles the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in the biblical account of Jesus’ birth.
Ornithogalum flourishes on moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
They can spread quickly through their bulbs, making them active garden spreaders that frequently migrate into the wild. However, they are toxic to dogs and can cause visual impairment and irreversible blindness in them.
Some species of Ornithogalum can release a faint, musky scent at night to attract nocturnal pollinators, turning your garden into a secret midnight meeting spot for moths!
Scientific Name | Ornithogalum umbellatum |
Blooming Time | April to May |
Symbolism | Purity and Hope |
Number of Species | 300 Species |
Native To | North-western America |
Oregano
Oregano is one of the most famous herbs from the Lamiaceae family. They have pretty charming flowering variations. Its flowers come in bright pink or purple color, making them a luxury addition to any home eco-friendly garden.
Because of its rich flavor, oregano is also used in cooking. It tastes warm, spicy, and slightly bitter, with different levels of intensity. This can be grown in full sunlight with minimal to average watering.
Scientific Name | Origanum vulgare |
Blooming Time | Summer |
Symbolism | Joy and Happiness |
Number of Species | 45 Species |
Native To | Mediterranean region |
Oriental Poppy
The Oriental poppy is a rare and unique perennial flower with large and bright flowers in attractive colors like pink, red, and orange. They prefers soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and full direct sunlight or partially shaded conditions.
These are low-maintenance and hardy poppies, members of the Papaveraceae family.
Each and every part of the poppy is toxic and contains alkaloids that serve as sedatives. Large amounts of it consumed may be dangerous to dogs, even lethal to smaller breeds and puppies.
Scientific Name | Papaver orientale |
Blooming Time | Spring to early summer |
Symbolism | Romane, Success, Peace, and Beauty |
Number of Species | 3 species |
Native To | Iran and Turkey |
Ornamental Onion
Allium is basically a monocotyledon flowering plant, a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. Ornamental Onions have globe-shaped flowers in purple, yellow, and white.
It is a globular perennial known for its garlic onion fragrance. It stands 35-50 inches tall and has a massive umbel of densely packed flowers.
Both edible and ornamental alliums are toxic to dogs. Red blood cell destruction, upset stomach, oral discomfort, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea are all brought on by consuming large quantities of ornamental onion.
Scientific Name | Allium |
Blooming Time | Late spring to early summer |
Symbolism | Unity |
Number of Species | More than 500 Species |
Native To | Northern Hemisphere |
Ozothamnus
Rice Flower is the most common and well-known name for the Ozothamnus flower. It is a woody shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has dense heads of tiny, rice-like bunches of white or pink flowers, primarily used in floral arrangements.
Fast-growing, medium-sized shrub, 6 to 12 feet tall, with appealing green leaves. It can tolerate moderate frosts, full sun, and most well-drained soils.
Ozothamnus flowers release a sweet, honey-like scent that intensifies in the sun, attracting bees, butterflies, and even curious humans. Some species were traditionally used by Indigenous Australians as natural air fresheners due to their aromatic foliage.
Scientific Name | Ozothamnus |
Blooming Time | Spring to summer |
Symbolism | Endurance, Longevity, and Love |
Number of Species | 53 Species |
Native To | Australia and New Zealand |
Oswego Tea | Flowers That Begin With The Letter O
Oswego Tea is an aromatic herb of the Lamiaceae family. It is also called the “Bee Balm”. “Bergamot”, “Eau-de-Cologne plant”, and “Scarlet monarda,”.
It’s said to smell like bergamot oranges, which are used to flavour Earl Grey tea.
This plant attracts hummingbirds and serves as a juvenile host for the hermit sphinx, berry pyrausta, and orange mint moth. It has a mint-lie taste.
It grows best in full sun, but it can also flourish in moist, well-drained soil and withstand some mild shade.
Scientific Name | Monarda didyma |
Blooming Time | Summer to fall |
Symbolism | Protection and Hospitality |
Number of Species | 6700 Species |
Native To | Eastern North America |
Oxalis
Oxalis, commonly known as Wood Sorrel, is a flowering plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. These plants can be either annual or perennial. The leaves are divided into three, five, or ten or more oval, outstanding leaves.
In India, it is only eaten during the winter months, from December to January. Oxalis like strong indirect sunlight and can also tolerate direct sunlight through a door or window. It must be kept in the shade, though, as it cannot withstand direct light outside.
Many Oxalis plants have a tangy, lemon-like flavor due to oxalic acid and are used in small amounts to add zest to salads and drinks.
Scientific Name | Oxalis |
Blooming Time | Spring-Summer |
Symbolism | Joy, Happiness, Faith, and Luck |
Number of Species | 550 Species |
Native To | Worldwide |
Ornamental Peppers | Flowers That Begin With The Letter O
These ornamental peppers have beautiful, small, colorful, and attractive fruits. It is also known as Sweet Pepper, Jalapeño, Bell pepper, or Cayenne.
Ornamental peppers are fruits from the nightshade family. Their high content of antioxidants and low-calorie content make them an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Its leaves are a little toxic to humans. They can attract bees, whiteflies, cutworms, and Colorado potato beetles, best for an eco-friendly garden.
Scientific Name | Capsicum annuum |
Blooming Time | Summer to fall |
Symbolism | Spice and Excitement |
Number of Species | About 3,000 Species |
Native To | Central and South America |
Conclusion
Nature doesn’t just grow flowers—it tells stories through them. The blooms that start with ‘O’ are proof of this, each carrying its own mystery, charm, or even a touch of danger (looking at you, Oleander!).
From the luminous Evening Primrose that wakes up at dusk to the ever-smiling Osteospermum that follows the sun, these flowers are more than just garden beauties—they’re little wonders with big personalities.
So, whether you’re planning your next floral masterpiece or just love discovering nature’s best-kept secrets, stay with us. A whole world of blooms is waiting to be explored, let’s uncover them together!
Be happy!