Flowers are one of those rarities that suit every purpose and every situation. With a host of varieties in the world and at your local florist’s, we will be focusing on a niche: list of flowers that start with I!
1. Iberis
To kick off our list of flowers that start with I, we are starting with a good one! Iberis, or more commonly called, “candytuft”. A perennial flower, blooming and brightening gardens in April or May. The flower comes in white, pink, or purple, depending on the variety of seeds. They are effective at drawing bees and butterflies, thereby acting as a good source of pollination.
Candytuft is an evergreen shrub. Suitable for growing in hardiness zones of 4-8, with a bush-like appearance obscuring and taking much of the gardening space. Iberises are related to cabbage and broccoli and the flowers of this plant look similar to those of a carnation.
Candytufts bloom best when planted in the sun but the plant will also tolerate shade, to an extent. As for soil conditions, candytufts are native to Southern Europe and prefer gravelly soil. It is imperative to give them well-drained soil. Once the seed has sprouted, the young plant will tolerate drought but make sure to water the plant especially during the hot days of April and May.
Symbolism: iberis represents indifference perhaps due to their inability to adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions. But not all suggest that, it can also mean sweetness and beauty. In terms of gifting, however, the meaning changes to a sweet one. It would symbolize joy, thanks to its lively and puritan color and appearance. These flowers are often presented and gifted on occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
2. Iceland poppy
This small and bright flower is sure to add that splash of color to your garden! This plant is a perennial but slow-growing plant. Best planted in late winter or early spring, with noticeable bloom in late spring or early summer. Coming in rich and vibrant yellow or red, these flowers attract bees to ensure pollination.
Despite being a plant from colder regions of Iceland, the plant prefers and thrives in plenty of sunlight. However, they can also tolerate shade. Too much water is the Iceland poppy’s nemesis! Soggy and drenched plants can lead to a fungus outbreak. It’s prudent to stick to a watering schedule and not to drown the plant.
Germinating the seed will require a warmer temperature but once it’s sprouted, it’s best to move them to cooler temperatures to ensure growth.
Symbolism: the poppies denote sleep, peace, and, in rarer cases, death. (Iceland poppy came to be equated in recognition of armed forces around the world and to honor the soldiers who gave their lives fighting). Worn to embody peace, and to commemorate someone you love.
Fun fact: the poppy flower is the official state flower of California!
3. Ilex
More commonly known as holly. These plants are dioecious, meaning, nearly all holly plants are either male or female. Only a few known plants are as varied and versatile as holly. With more than 400 species and their hybrids existing.
Holly can be planted all year round, but preferably in autumn. Once planted, hollies require very little care and attention. Aside from the regular watering schedule, these plants will grow with minimalistic efforts. Best bloomed in partial shade, they require chalky soil to grow.
Symbolism: there is much to the symbolism and significance of holly than there is to say about planting and growing them! Thanks to their role in Christmas, hollies are a symbol of fertility and eternal life. Perhaps that’s why you’ll see wreaths of holly on doors during the holiday season. Becoming the (un)official flower of Christmas, due to its thorny leaves equated to the thorn crown worn by Christ, with red berries representing his blood. Holly has become a metaphor for eternal life.
4. Impatiens
We’re halfway through our list of flowers that start with I! our next addition is Impatiens, more commonly known as “touch me not”. These plants are rooted in spring. They are perennial, with seeds sprouting into bright and bursting color. Impatiens prefer part shade and will likely only bloom in warm climates. You can acclimatize the flowers to full shade by gradually exposing the plant to more sunlight but the plant will wilt in full-blown light. They do well in partially drained soil.
Impatiens are tropical plants with fun facts like they are self-cleaning plants. As such, they remove their spent blooms themselves and fresh blossoms occur throughout the season. Another such fun fact is, that they have the strange capability of changing their sex. That is, the flower remains male when they are first bloomed. And later after the pollen cap sheds off, they reveal female organs. The ‘touch me not’ name comes from the explosive nature of their seed pods. Ripe pods explode when disturbed!
Symbolism: impatiens represents motherly love. In the medieval Mary gardens devoted to the Virgin Mary, impatiens plants were called “Our Lady’s earrings”
5. Indigo plant
Famous for their natural blue color, indigo plants were used in making dyes. Nowadays, indigo plants are also suited for medical purposes. These plants belong to the pea family and are native to subtropical and tropical regions of the world.
Indigo plants are relatively simple in gardening terms. An evergreen variety, that prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Indigo plants enjoy full sunlight except in very hot climates, where it might be wise to put up some shades to protect them. The best time to sow indigo seeds is right before the monsoons, in the month of June. Saplings start to appear as early as a week after sowing. In about three months, plants are harvested.
The root of the indigo plant was historically used by native Americans to clean wounds. A tea made from the root was used to treat fevers and acute immune challenges. And as a poultice, it was used to treat toothaches and wounds.
Symbolism: a representation of sustainability and empowerment. In appearance, indigo can stir up a calming effect. But it also has an air of mystery, balance, and structure. Gifting someone indigo flowers can be a perfect way to tell them to slow down and enjoy the small moments of life.
6. Ipheion
Starflower, or spring starflowers, are native to Argentina and Uruguay. Named for their star-shaped petals, these flowers bloom in a range of colors, from white to violet-blue. The ideal time to plant ipheion is fall. Flowers will bloom in April, preferring full sun to partial shade. These flowers grow in clay soil that is well watered. Very little care is required once they start to bloom. Aside from their invasive nature due to their bulbous size, Ipheions are a great choice for starter and amateur gardeners.
Symbolism: the star flowers derive meaning and symbolism from both religion and their appearance. As a white flower, it symbolizes honesty, purity, innocence, and truth. These flower arrangements are gifted on occasions like weddings and christenings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
7. Iris flower
The tall flower, named after the Greek goddess who rode rainbows. Irises begin to bloom in late winter to early spring. Irises bloom best in full light though they can tolerate partial shade. They prefer slightly acidic soil. Iris’s care is minimal once the growing part is established. The care consists mainly of dividing the plants to assure continued blooms. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, irises grow in varying shades of purple, blue, white, and yellow.
Symbolism: irises make an appearance in Greek mythology. Iris was the goddess of rainbows and a messenger for Zeus and Hera. She would carry messages from heaven to earth on a rainbow. Iris was also a companion to female souls on their way to heaven. To this day, people of Greece place iris flowers on women’s graves so that iris will guide their souls to heaven.
Iris commonly is a symbol of wisdom, hope, and trust. The varied shade has its own meaning. Purple iris stands for royalty and wisdom. Yellow irises symbolize passion. Blue irises symbolize faith and hope. White irises represent purity.
Fun fact: the iris flower is the national flower of Tennessee. Additionally, it is also the birth flower for February. And are considered a traditional gift for the 25th wedding anniversary.
8. Ixora
Lastly, in the list of flowers that start with I, is an evergreen shrub native to subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The bright clusters of tubular flowers come in a variety of shades. Ixora’s grow in a bright place, protected from the direct glare of the sun. they thrive in alkaline soil, rich in moisture and mulch. Ixora can be planted all year round preferably in spring. The plant is sensitive to colder climates and will die quickly if the temperature falls too low.
Ixoras are also called west Indian jasmine and are known to emit an intoxicating fragrance that is sweet making them an ideal choice for your garden. Aside from the temperature needs, ixoras require very little care, and they look very beautiful with their bright-colored petals.
Symbolism: ixoras represent passion and increased sexuality. It is a symbol of valor in ancient Tamil literature. It is said that soldiers wore the flowers and leaves of this plant before going into battle. In Thailand, it is a symbol of wisdom. For generations, students combine these flowers to make a tribute in honor of their beloved teachers.
Well, folks, this is our list of flowers that start with I! Did we get your favorite?! Because when it comes to flowers, you have endless options. We hope our short but concise list gave you some pretty cool facts to boast about the next time you hang out with your friends! Our favorite was the tale of Iris and the history behind it! Truly marvelous how folklore finds a way into our lives. Plus it makes for a great name for a baby girl!
PansyMaiden is an online platform where you can find everything to do with flowers. If you love flowers, love to plant them, take care of them, create beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets, or create mesmerizing art using flowers, this is the right place for you.