When you think of flowers that start with the letter R, what’s the first flower that comes to mind? If you’re like most people, the answer would be roses. Everyone knows them, but they are far from the only flowers that start with R.
From fragrant rhododendrons to showy ranunculus, here’s a list of 30 flowers that start with an R.
List of Flower Names That Start With R
ANNUALS
- Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)
- Rhodochiton atrosanguineum (Purple bell vine)
- Ricinus communis (Castor bean)
- Red spike amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)
- Red hedge sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Rehmannia angulata (Chinese foxglove)
- Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
PERENNIALS
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
- Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange cone flower)
- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
- Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)
- Ratibida columnifera (Prairie coneflower)
- Romneya coulteri (California tree poppy)
- Rose (Rosa spp.)
- Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla)
- Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Russian sage (Salvia yangii)
- Rose campion (Silene coronaria)
- Rock rose (Cistus spp.)
- Rice flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius)
- Rex begonia (Begonia rex)
- Red clover (Trifolium pretense)
- Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata)
- Red hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.)
- Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Ribes sanguineum (Flowering currant)
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Roscoea (Roscoea auriculata)
- Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac)
Annual Flowers That Start With an R
1. Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)
An annual variety of the much-loved rudbeckia, which may overwinter in warmer climates. Comes in novel varieties which make for great cut flowers or just to enjoy at the front of borders.
- Native Range: Eastern North America
- Type: Annual or tender perennial
- Color: Ranges from yellow to burnt orange and red
- Special Characteristics: Daisy-like flowers, attractive to pollinators
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Sahara’, ‘Cherry Brandy’, ‘Irish Eyes’
2. Rhodochiton atrosanguineum (Purple bell vine)
A vine that does well in shade and makes an interesting addition to hanging baskets. Rhodochiton atrosanguineum are flowers that start with an R known for its unique shape.
- Native Range: Mexico
- Type: Annual or tender perennial
- Flower Color: Deep purple with a dark purple calyx
- Special Characteristics: Long, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Regular water
- Notable Cultivars: N/A
3. Ricinus communis (Castor bean)
An attractive foliage plant that can be used at the back of beds. Generally treated as a warm season annual. Some varieties feature stunning red foliage. Please beware that the beans of this plant are poisonous.
- Native Range: Eastern Africa
- Type: Annual or tender perennial
- Flower Color: Red
- Special Characteristics: Beans are poisonous; large, spiky seedpods
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Carmencita Bright Red’, ‘Red Spire’, ‘Sanguineus’
4. Red spike amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)
An upright-growing amaranth with long spikes of deep red seed heads that can be left up over winter to provide food for birds.
- Native Range: South America
- Type: Annual
- Color: Red
- Special Characteristics: Tall spikes of small, red flowers
- Height: 4-8 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultivars: N/A
5. Red hedge sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
A branching sunflower with some of the deepest red blooms available. Robust plants that add structure to a garden and seed heads provide food and habitat for bird species.
- Native Range: North America
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: Red
- Special Characteristics: Large, daisy-like flowers
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultivars: N/A
6. Rehmannia angulata (Chinese foxglove)
Raspberry pink flowers with spotted throats adorn this delicate plant and make it a great addition to meadow or fairy gardens.
- Native Range: China
- Type: Half hardy annual
- Flower Color: Pink
- Special Characteristics: Large, bell-shaped flowers with spots
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Sun: Part sun to shade
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultirvars: N/A
7. Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
A vigorous climbing vine traditionally with bright red flowers, although it also comes in pink and white. The flowers are loved by hummingbirds and the beans are edible.
- Native Range: Central America
- Type: Climbing vine
- Flower Color: Red, pink, or white
- Special Characteristics: Large, showy flowers, edible pods
- Height: 8-10 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Scarlet Emperor’, ‘Painted Lady’, ‘White Lady’
Perennial Flowers That Start With R
8. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
A garden staple throughout North America, these flowers that start with the letter R are smothered in bells of pretty flowers during spring.
- Native range: Asia and North America
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Varies, can be pink, red, white, yellow, purple, etc.
- Special Characteristics: Often grown for their fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Some species are evergreen.
- Height: Varies, can grow from 2-15 feet tall
- Sun: Prefers partial shade
- Water: Regular watering, especially during dry spells
- Notable Cultivars: ‘PJM’, ‘Northern Lights Azalea’, ‘Gibraltar’ ‘Southgate Brandi’
9. Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange cone flower)
A bulletproof perennial with a long bloom period. Great for pollinators and low-maintenance gardens. One of the more popular flower names that start with R among gardeners.
- Native range: North America
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Bright orange or yellow with a brown center
- Special Characteristics: Flowers are daisy-like with large dark central cones, and long-blooming.
- Height: 2-3 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Drought tolerant, but does best with regular watering
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Goldsturm’, ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’
10. Rue (Ruta graveolens)
This plant has attractive grey-blue foliage followed by yellow flowers. It is sometimes used as an insect repellant.
- Native range: Mediterranean and some parts of Asia
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Special Characteristics: Leaves and flowers emit a strong aroma, and can be used for medicinal purposes.
- Height: 2-3 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant, but does best with regular watering
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Jackman’s Blue’, ‘Frierson’s Gold’
11. Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)
A ruffled showy flower prized in the cut flower trade. These plants grow from corms and can be overwintered in mild climates. Plant in early spring as these plants dislike hot temperatures.
- Native range: Europe, North America and South America
- Type: Perennial or half hardy annual
- Flower Color: Varies, can be yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, etc.
- Special Characteristics: Flowers have many petals, are showy, and have a long vase life
- Height: 6-18 inches tall
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Double Mix,’ ‘Pastel Mix’, ‘Amandine Rose’, ‘Cloni Dark Orange’
12. Ratibida columnifera (Prairie coneflower)
An interesting daisy-like flower with a large protruding cone center. Has a long blooming period from late spring through fall. Its distinctively-shaped flowers that start with R are certainly memorable.
- Native range: North America
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Yellow to rusty orange
- Special Characteristics: Flowers are daisy-like and long-blooming.
- Height: 2-4 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun Water: Drought tolerant, but does best with regular watering
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Red Midget’
13. Romneya coulteri (California tree poppy)
Sometimes called fried egg plant, these plants have attractive blue-green foliage and large showy flowers. An excellent addition to low-water gardens.
- Native range: California
- Type: Perennial Flower
- Color: White with bright yellow center
- Special Characteristics: Flowers are large and cup-shaped, and bloom in early summer.
- Height: 4-6 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Drought tolerant, requires well-drained soil.
- Notable Cultivars: N/A
14. Rose (Rosa spp.)
A much loved and bred plant throughout the world. Roses have many horticultural uses from formal gardens to trellis adornments and they are widely used in the floral industry.
- Native range: Widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with some species found in the Southern Hemisphere as well
- Type: Deciduous shrub
- Flower Color: Varies, includes red, pink, yellow and white
- Special Characteristics: Highly fragrant flowers, many with thorns
- Height: 1-20 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Medium, well-drained soil
- Notable Types: There are thousands, but some types to include in your garden are hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, climbing and miniature roses.
15. Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla)
These pink flowers that start with R are commonly used as a ground cover and grown for its large textural foliage.
- Native range: Asia
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Flower Color: White to pink
- Special Characteristics: Large, lobed leaves and spikes of showy flowers
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Sun: Partial to full shade
- Water: Medium to wet soil
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Smaragd’, ‘Bronze Form’, ‘Braunlaub’
16. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Known for its showy trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent stamens this plant does well with some shelter in colder climates but is worth it for the spectacular display of summer flowers.
- Native range: East Asia
- Type: Deciduous shrub
- Flower Color: White, pink, red, purple
- Special Characteristics: Large, showy flowers with a distinctive, hollyhock-like shape
- Height: 6-13 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Notable Varieties: ‘Bluebird’, ‘Diana’, ‘Pink Chiffon’, ‘Woodbridge’
17. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
A staple herb in many kitchens, rosemary has small flowers that are loved by pollinators and makes a great addition to sunny gardens.
- Native range: Mediterranean region
- Type: Evergreen shrub
- Flower Color: Blue, pink, white
- Special Characteristics: Aromatic leaves used in cooking and fragrant, showy flowers
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Arp’, ‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’, ‘Irene’ and ‘Tuscan Blue’
18. Russian sage (Salvia yangii)
Previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, Russian sage is a herbaceous perennial is loved by pollinators and has silvery gray stems that make an interesting addition to the winter garden.
- Native range: Central Asia
- Type: Perennial herb
- Flower Color: Blue-purple
- Special Characteristics: Aromatic, gray-green foliage and spikes of small, tubular flowers
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Blue Spire’, ‘Filigran’, and ‘Little Spire’
19. Rose campion (Silene coronaria)
Although this is technically a short-lived perennial, plants self-sow readily for years of flowers. Its flowers that start with R contrast beautifully with the silvery foliage.
- Native range: Europe and Western Asia
- Type: Perennial flower
- Flower Color: Hot pink, red, white
- Special Characteristics: Fuzzy, silver-grey foliage
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Alba’ and ‘Oculata’
20. Rock rose (Cistus spp.)
Best suited to frost-free gardens, most cistus varieties are smothered in delicate papery blooms throughout the summer.
- Native range: Mediterranean region
- Type: Evergreen shrub
- Flower Color: White, pink, yellow, purple
- Special Characteristics: Resilient and drought-tolerant, with 5-petalled rose-like flowers
- Height: 2-6 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Sunset’, and Cistus x purpureus, C. × loretii (best for colder climates)
21. Rice flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius)
Hardy down to -2 F, rice flower is most commonly used in the floral industry as a long-lasting filler. Definitely one of the more useful flowers that starts with an R.
- Native range: Australia
- Type: Evergreen shrub
- Flower Color: White or light pink
- Special Characteristics: Produces clusters of delicate, small flowers in spring and summer
- Height: 2-3 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low water requirements
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Silver Anniversary’, ‘Pink Fluff’, ‘Little Treasure’
22. Rex begonia (Begonia rex)
Rex begonia is parent to over 500 cultivars of this popular houseplant known for its interesting foliage and ability to grow in low light conditions.
- Native range: Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent
- Type: Perennial plant
- Flower Color: Inconspicuous, plant grown for its foliage
- Special Characteristics: Brightly colored, textured leaves in shades of green, red, pink, and silver
- Height: 12-18 inches tall
- Sun: Indirect bright light
- Water: Regular water requirements
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Escargot’, ‘Tiger’, ‘Gryphon’
23. Red clover (Trifolium pretense)
Known for its ability to fix nitrogen in soils, red clover is a colorful addition to wild-looking lawns as it provides forage for pollinators.
- Native range: Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa
- Type: Perennial legume
- Flower Color: Bright red or pink
- Special Characteristics: Often used as a cover crop, attracts pollinators
- Height: 12-24 inches tall
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Purple Crown’, ‘Zeno’, ‘Kenland’
24. Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata)
Perfect for sunny, well-drained gardens, these little irises welcome spring with their delicate blossoms.
- Native range: Caucasus Mountains and Northeast Turkey
- Type: Bulbous perennial
- Flower Color: Purple to blue or yellow
- Special Characteristics: Early spring bloomer
- Height: 4-8 inches tall
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low water requirements
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Katharine Hodgkin’, ‘George’, ‘Cantab’
25. Red hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.)
There are dozens of different varieties of red hot pokers that bloom at different points in the season, but they are generally drought tolerant and remain green year-round.
- Native range: Africa
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow
- Special Characteristics: Spikes of tubular flowers, attractive to hummingbirds
- Height: 2-6 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Low water requirements
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Echo’, ‘Yellow Queen’, ‘Tawny King’
26. Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)
A great addition to hedgerows or even as a specimen plant. Varieties include plants with bright red to orange stems, and some varieties boast neon green or yellow stems.
- Native range: North America
- Type: Deciduous suckering shrub
- Flower Color: White, small and insignificant
- Special Characteristics: Bright winter stems, attractive to birds and other wildlife
- Height: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Medium to wet
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Arctic Fire®’, ‘Flaviramea’
27. Ribes sanguineum (Flowering currant)
An early flowering shrub with fragrant panicles of pink flowers and small attractive foliage. The berries and flowers are edible and can be used for jams or to infuse drinks, respectively.
- Native range: Western North America
- Type: Deciduous shrub
- Flower Color: Pink, red or white
- Special Characteristics: Fragrant flowers
- Height: 3-6 ft.
- Sun: Part shade to full sun
- Water: Moist to wet
- Notable Cultivars: ‘King Edward VII’, ‘White Icicle’, ‘Koja’
28. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This small tree is known for its impressive display of small edible flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge. However, redbud is attractive year round with heart-shaped foliage, good fall color and beautiful structural, almost black, bark.
- Native range: North America
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: Pink, purple or magenta
- Special Characteristics: Beautiful, early-blooming flowers that appear before the leaves
- Height: 20-30 ft.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Average water
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Appalachian Red’, ‘Forest Pansy’, ‘Ruby Falls’, ‘Rising Sun’
29. Roscoea (Roscoea auriculata)
These flowers that start with R are members of the ginger family and boast orchid-like flowers atop dark green foliage from July to September.
- Native range: Himalayas
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Flower Color: Purple
- Special Characteristics: Unique and unusual appearance
- Height: 6-18 in.
- Sun: Part shade to full sun
- Water: Evenly moist soils with average water usage
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Purple Haze’, ‘Floriade’, ‘Summer Deep Purple’
30. Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac)
Known for its deep red conical fruit structures that persist throughout winter, these flowers starting with R also have a stunning fall color. The fruit can be used to make sumac lemonade.
- Native range: North America
- Type: Suckering shrub or small tree
- Flower Color: Greenish-yellow
- Special Characteristics: Large, textured leaves and showy red fruit clusters in late summer
- Height: 10-30 ft.
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Notable Cultivars: ‘Laciniata’, ‘Tiger Eyes’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Flowers That Start With R
What are some uncommon flowers that start with R?
Some uncommon flowers that start with R are: roscoea, Rehmannia angulata (Chinese foxglove) and Rhodochiton atrosanguineum (purple bell vine).
Are there any spring flowers that start with R?
Redbud, rosemary and Ribes sanguineum are all spring flowers that start with the letter R.
Which spikey wildflowers start with the letter R?
Roses are certainly spikey and there are many varieties that grow wild. In their native range of South Africa, red hot pokers are the dominant spikey wildflower.
Are there any flowers that start with R in America?
Some flowers that start with R, which are also native to America, are Rudbeckia, rhododendron, redbud and Ribes sanguineum.
What are some purple flowers that start with an R?
Some types of flowers of flowers that start with R that are purple are rosemary, Russian sage and roscoea.
Are there any red flowers that start with R?
Yes there are. Some red flowers that start with R are red clover, red hot poker and certain types of rhododendrons and roses.
What are some blue flowers that start with R?
Blue flowers that start with R are ‘Blue Chiffon’ rose of Sharon and ‘Harmony’ reticulated iris.
Image credit: Depositphotos
