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Flowers are Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. They can make even the most ordinary places look beautiful. There are different types of flowers all over the world. Each flower has its own unique shape, color and special features.

Here is a list of some popular flowers that start with c. Read on to know more about these beautiful flowers.

Calendula

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The Calendula Officinalis is better known as the marigold or pot marigold. The genus comprises 15 to 20 different species of daisy-like flowering plants. These plants may be annual or perennial depending on the species. The blooming season for Calendula is mid summer through early fall. Yellow and orange are the most common colors of this flower. These plants are easy to maintain. Calendula (marigold) flowers are used as an ingredient in many medicinal oils. Also, calendula tea is popular among tea connoisseurs. The petals of Calendula are edible. These can be used in salads or as a natural coloring agent for cheese.

California Poppy

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The next popular flower among flowers that start with c is the Eschscholzia Californica or the California Poppy. It is also known as the “Golden Poppy” or the “Flame Flower”. The flowers have an interesting shape and brilliant golden yellow petals. The plants are annual in nature and thrive in good sunlight. Blooming season for the California Poppy usually occurs from late winter to early spring. From mid-February through mid-May, the flowering turns intense. These bright orange wildflowers have also been used for producing cosmetics and medicines.

Camellia

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There are about 100 different species of Camellia flowers. These belong to the family “Theaceae” and genus “Camellia”. The plants are evergreen and native to the Asian continent. They originated in countries like Japan, China and Malaysia. The flowers are also differentiated by their shapes. Peony-shaped camellias (these look like roses) and flat-faced camellias (large, flat flowers) are some variants. Camellias come in different colors such as red, pink, white, yellow, purple, etc. Some species also display a combination of these basic colors. The blooming season differs for individual Camellia species. While some species start blooming mid-October, others may reach peak flowering in December and January.

Chrysanthemum

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Chrysanthemums usually appear as temporary decorations in public areas. However, these flowers are highly regarded for their symbolic value. Chrysanthemums are known by different names such as “Pompoms” and “Button Mums” or simply “Mums”. The plants are perennial and bloom mostly during Autumn. There are several varieties of Chrysanthemums which display a wide range of colors. The most common shades are white, orange, yellow, red, lavender, and purple. Sometimes, the plants bear bi-color flowers as well.

Cape Daisy

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The Cape Daisy is better known by its official name – African Daisy. The common scientific name of the genus is Osteospermum and alternative common names are South African daisy, Cape Marigold, and blue-eyed daisy. These are annual flowers and start blooming during mid-summer months. Flower colors include white, purple or red with blue at the center. The plants are suited to sunlight and moderate quantity of water. However, these flowers are unable to tolerate frost or snow. The plants wither and usually die during winter months.

Cardinal Flower

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The scientific name for cardinal flower is Lobelia Cardinalis. It is a flowering species of the bellflower family Campanulaceae. The origin of this flower covers both Americas – from southeastern Canada through eastern and southwestern regions of the United States, and Mexico to northern Colombia. The Cardinal flower plant thrives better in full sunlight, but it survives better in shade during the hotter hours of the day. Cardinal flowers bloom with a vibrant red hue. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their attractive color.

Carnation

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Carnations (scientific name – Dianthus Caryophyllus) are flowers that start with c and belong to the genus Dianthus. The genus consists of about 300 different species. The flowers can be identified by their unique colors and color combinations. Based on the species used, the herbaceous carnation plant can be annual or perennial in nature. The most common colors are white, red, purple, pink, and yellow. However, you will also find attractive bi-colored variants such as white and pink, white and scarlet, etc. Carnation flowers are widely used in cut-flower arrangements such as bouquets and corsages.

Calla Lily

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The next mention in this list of flowers that start with c is the Calla lily. It belongs to the Zantedeschia genus within the family Araceae. The genus consists of eight species of perennial plants that are all herbaceous. The flower is native to Southern Africa and was subsequently introduced all over the world. White calla lilies grow and bloom best when they are kept in full sunlight. Also, appropriately moist soil is necessary. These flowers are dramatic beauties. The elegant white or purple petals curled at the edges – make Calla lilies very attractive. These are perfect flowers for bridal bouquets, and centerpieces.

Campanula Latifolia (Giant Bellflower)

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The Campanula Latifolia is better known as the “giant bellflower”. It is a species of bellflower and belongs to the family Campanulaceae. The flower is also known as “large Campanula” or “wide-leaved bellflower”. The flower is native to Europe and was later introduced to Western Asia. Campanula Latifolia is mostly grown as an ornamental plant. Campanula is a herbaceous plant and it may be annual or evergreen perennial. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer depending on the species used.

Cape Primrose

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The Streptocarpus or Cape Primrose is a popular houseplant. It is a genus of flowering plants within the family Gesneriaceae. The flower is native to central, eastern and Southern Africa. The flowers are large and attractive. They bloom with a pale purple color which slowly changes to pink as the plant ages. The flowering usually happens during the winter months of December or January. Interestingly, the long flower stem bends over after flowering. The stem eventually touches the ground and forms a new rosette. New leaves appear from this rosette during spring.

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

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The Coreopsis is a flowering plant within the family Asteraceae. Common alternative names are Calliopsis and more often – Tickseed. It is a delicate flower and is famous for its bright yellow flowers. The blooming time starts in early summer and continues throughout the season. These plants grow well in areas that receive adequate sunlight, and are often planted in gardens. Coreopsis flowers are usually of orange, yellow or red color. However, other colors such as white, pink or brown are also seen. The flowers attract lots of butterflies, bees and other insects due to their bright appearance.

Clematis

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Clematis is a genus that covers nearly 300 species within the family Ranunculaceae. The garden variants of Clematis flowers have been popular with gardeners since the 1800s. The plant reportedly originated in Japan and China, and was later introduced outside Asia. These herbaceous plants usually need lots of sunlight and adequately moist soil to grow. Clematis flowers can be seen blooming from early spring through late fall. The flowers have 4-8 long petals. These are joined into a single tube towards the base of the flower. The flower comes in colors such as white, red, pink, lavender, purple, and blue.

Crown Imperial

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The Crown Imperial (scientific name: Fritillaria Imperialis) is a distinctive species of the Lily (Liliaceae) family. Historical data suggests that the flower is native to the Middle East and Western Asia. In fact, the Crown Imperial is also called the Persian Lily (Lilium Persicum). Its blooms create a “crown” on a stalk that can grow up to three feet tall. The flowers are shaped like pendants. These flowers come in several colors – mostly red, orange, and yellow. The flowering season starts during mid to late spring (April through June). The plants are usually dormant during summer. This flower is often the central attraction in many gardens.

Canna Lily

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The Canna Lily is usually referred to simply as Canna. It is a part of the 10 species of herbaceous perennial plants within the family Cannaceae. The flower is native to the tropical regions of North, Central and South America. Interestingly, the “Canna Lily” has no likeness to the lily family (Liliaceae). The plants produce large leaves and gorgeous, colorful flowers that resemble Irises more than lilies. These exotic flowers will add a lot of color, texture, and visual interest and to your garden. Canna Lilies are symbolically associated with glory and power. However, they also signify purity, beauty and perfection.

Special mention

Apart from the flowers we have described in the list above, the plant world has many more wonders to offer. Here are a few other flowers that start with c:

  • Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine Pratensis)
  • Crocus
  • Centaurea (also known as Bachelor’s Button or Basket Flower)
  • Celosia (also known as Cock’s comb)
  • Claytonia (also known as Spring Beauty)
  • Crinum (also known as Swamp Lily or Spider Lily)
  • Crocosmia
  • Creeping Phlox
  • Cosmos
  • Coral Bells
  • Carolina Allspice
  • Canary Island Daisy
  • Clarkia
  • Camassia
  • Clerodendrum (also known as Glorybower or Bagflower)