Did you know some of the most vibrant and unique flowers start with K?
This blog explores a fascinating variety of 22 flowers that begin with K, each bringing something special to gardens and landscapes.
From the striking spikes of Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, to the delicate blooms of Kalanchoe, these plants are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re looking for bold colors, low-maintenance options, or something more exotic, this list has something for everyone.
We’ll dive into each plant’s origins, blooming seasons, and uses, offering valuable tips for garden enthusiasts.
So, this guide will inspire you whether you’re planning your next garden project or just curious about unique flowers.
List of Flowers that Start with K
1. Kalmia (Mountain Laurel)
Kalmia, or Mountain Laurel, is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its clusters of pink or white blooms. These flowers add a touch of elegance to woodland gardens and thrive in cooler climates.
| Common Name | Mountain Laurel |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kalmia latifolia |
| Origin | North America |
| Blooming Season | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Uses | Ornamental, woodland gardens |
2. Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, is famed for its tall, spike-like flowers that range in colors from red to yellow. These plants are excellent for adding vertical interest to sunny garden beds.
| Common Name | Red Hot Poker |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kniphofia uvaria |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Blooming Season | Summer to Fall |
| Uses | Borders, wildlife gardens |
3. Knautia (Field Scabious)
Knautia, or Field Scabious, produces long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, or red. Its flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for wildflower gardens.
| Common Name | Field Scabious |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Knautia arvensis |
| Origin | Europe |
| Blooming Season | Summer to Early Fall |
| Uses | Pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows |
4. Kerria (Japanese Rose)
Kerria, commonly known as Japanese Rose, is a deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow, pompom-like flowers. It is a popular choice for brightening up shaded areas in the garden.
| Common Name | Japanese Rose |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kerria japonica |
| Origin | China, Japan |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Early Summer |
| Uses | Shade gardens, ornamental shrub borders |
5. Koelreuteria (Golden Rain Tree)
Koelreuteria, or Golden Rain Tree, is a tree that dazzles with yellow flower clusters, followed by lantern-like seed pods. It’s a versatile ornamental tree, perfect for urban landscapes and large gardens.
| Common Name | Golden Rain Tree |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Koelreuteria paniculata |
| Origin | China, Korea |
| Blooming Season | Summer |
| Uses | Ornamental tree, street tree |
6. Kolkwitzia (Beauty Bush)
Kolkwitzia, known as Beauty Bush, is an attractive flowering shrub with clusters of bell-shaped pink flowers. Its arching branches create a graceful look, ideal for cottage gardens.
| Common Name | Beauty Bush |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kolkwitzia amabilis |
| Origin | China |
| Blooming Season | Late Spring |
| Uses | Ornamental, borders, cottage gardens |
7. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a succulent known for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers. It is often grown indoors as a houseplant but can also thrive outdoors in warm, dry climates.
| Common Name | Kalanchoe |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kalanchoe spp. |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Blooming Season | Winter to Spring |
| Uses | Houseplant, outdoor succulent gardens |
8. Keckiella
Keckiella is a genus of flowering plants closely related to Penstemon, with tubular, colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. It thrives in dry, rocky conditions, making it perfect for xeriscapes.
| Common Name | Keckiella |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Keckiella spp. |
| Origin | Western United States |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Summer |
| Uses | Xeriscaping, wildlife gardens |
9. Kaempferia (Peacock Ginger)
Kaempferia, or Peacock Ginger, features striking foliage and purple blooms. It is often used as ground cover in shady, tropical gardens, adding an exotic touch.
| Common Name | Peacock Ginger |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kaempferia spp. |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Summer |
| Uses | Ground cover, tropical gardens |
10. Kunzea
Kunzea is a genus of shrubs known for their fluffy clusters of small flowers, often white or pink. These plants are drought-tolerant and highly attractive to pollinators.
| Common Name | Kunzea |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kunzea spp. |
| Origin | Australia, New Zealand |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Summer |
| Uses | Native gardens, wildlife gardens |
11. King Protea
The King Protea is the largest of the protea family and is renowned for its large, spiky, pink flowers. It is an iconic flower in South Africa and is frequently used in bold floral displays.
| Common Name | King Protea |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Protea cynaroides |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Blooming Season | Year-round in mild climates |
| Uses | Ornamental, floral arrangements |
12. Kentranthus (Red Valerian)
Kentranthus, or Red Valerian, is a hardy perennial known for its clusters of red or pink flowers. It is a favorite for cottage gardens and is also drought-tolerant.
| Common Name | Red Valerian |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centranthus ruber |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Blooming Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Uses | Cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens |
13. Kigelia (Sausage Tree)
Kigelia, or Sausage Tree, is known for its large, sausage-shaped fruits and unique red, bell-shaped flowers. It’s commonly found in tropical gardens for its dramatic appearance.
| Common Name | Sausage Tree |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kigelia africana |
| Origin | Africa |
| Blooming Season | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Uses | Tropical gardens, specimen tree |
14. Krameria (Rhatany)
Krameria, or Rhatany, is a small, desert shrub known for its bright magenta flowers. Its roots are historically used for medicinal purposes, and it thrives in dry, sandy soils.
| Common Name | Rhatany |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Krameria spp. |
| Origin | Americas |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Summer |
| Uses | Xeriscaping, medicinal uses |
15. Kalimeris (False Aster)
Kalimeris, or False Aster, produces small, daisy-like flowers in soft colors like white, blue, or purple. It’s a reliable plant for borders and cottage-style gardens.
| Common Name | False Aster |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kalimeris incisa |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Blooming Season | Summer to Fall |
| Uses | Cottage gardens, borders, pollinator gardens |
16. Kennedia
Kennedia is a climbing plant that produces vibrant red, pink, or purple pea-like flowers. It’s perfect for adding color to trellises and fences in warm climates.
| Common Name | Kennedia |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kennedia spp. |
| Origin | Australia |
| Blooming Season | Spring |
| Uses | Trellises, fences, climbing plant |
17. Kokia (Tree Cotton)
Kokia, or Tree Cotton, is a rare and endangered plant that produces bright red flowers. Native to Hawaii, it is an important symbol of the island’s unique biodiversity.
| Common Name | Tree Cotton |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kokia spp. |
| Origin | Hawaii |
| Blooming Season | Spring |
| Uses | Conservation gardens, botanical collections |
18. Kirengeshoma (Yellow Wax Bells)
Kirengeshoma, or Yellow Wax Bells, is a perennial with soft yellow, bell-shaped flowers. It prefers shaded areas and is perfect for woodland gardens.
| Common Name | Yellow Wax Bells |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kirengeshoma palmata |
| Origin | Japan, Korea |
| Blooming Season | Late Summer to Fall |
| Uses | Woodland gardens, shade gardens |
19. Klasea (Saw-wort)
Klasea, also known as Saw-wort, is a genus of flowering plants with spiky purple or pink blooms. It thrives in meadows and wildflower gardens, attracting pollinators.
| Common Name | Saw-wort |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Klasea spp. |
| Origin | Europe, Asia |
| Blooming Season | Summer |
| Uses | Wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens |
20. Koeleria (June Grass)
Koeleria, or June Grass, is a perennial grass that produces delicate greenish flowers. It’s often used in naturalistic landscapes and meadows, adding texture and movement.
| Common Name | June Grass |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Koeleria macrantha |
| Origin | North America, Europe |
| Blooming Season | Late Spring to Summer |
| Uses | Meadows, naturalized areas, erosion control |
21. Kosteletzkya (Seashore Mallow)
Kosteletzkya, known as Seashore Mallow, is a flowering plant that produces pink, hibiscus-like blooms. It grows well in wet, salty soils, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
| Common Name | Seashore Mallow |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kosteletzkya virginica |
| Origin | Eastern United States |
| Blooming Season | Summer to Early Fall |
| Uses | Coastal gardens, wetland areas |
22. Kopsia (Pink Kopsia)
Kopsia, or Pink Kopsia, is a tropical flowering plant known for its fragrant pink flowers. It’s often grown in tropical climates where it can thrive as a small tree or shrub.
| Common Name | Pink Kopsia |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kopsia fruticosa |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Blooming Season | Year-round in tropical climates |
| Uses | Tropical gardens, ornamental shrub |
Summing Up
Are you ready to add some unique flowers to your garden?
This list of 22 flowers that start with K offers various options, from the bold colors of King Protea and Kniphofia to the delicate beauty of Kalanchoe and Kerria.
Each plant brings charm, whether for brightening a garden bed, attracting pollinators, or adding a tropical feel.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, these flowers can offer something special to any outdoor space.
Explore their uses, origins, and blooming seasons to find the perfect fit for your garden.
