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17 Of The Most Fascinating Flowers That Start With H & Their Symbolism

Charmed by the H

Many flowers are more than just pretty sights to observe and admire. Many flowering plants can be quite versatile. Case in points are the favorite flowers that start with H. For example, one of the many uses of the heather plant is beer making.

Meanwhile, hydrangeas and hibiscus have many culinary applications. So in addition to their beautiful foliage and attractive blooms, we’ll also look at how practical they can be for many different things.

Giving off a flower not only soaked in loveliness but also meaning, and practical use adds depth to your gift. This depth will bring more appreciation for your bouquet.

17 Fascinating Flowers That Start With H

1. Heather

  • Botanical name: Calluna vulgaris
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Summer to late fall

The Heather was initially despised because of its connection to the poor but has since grown in popularity for its intensely colored blooms and foliage, as well as its many practical uses.

In addition to being an important source of food for various animals, Heather is an essential ingredient in beer-making, besom-making, and heather honey.

Steeped in legend and history, white heathers have come to signify protection and good fortune. Due to Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, the heather also carries the meaning of healing and good health.

2. Hibiscus

Hibiscus - Flowers That Start With H
via Pxhere
  • Botanical name: Hibiscus sp
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Spring to late fall

You can easily see the importance of the hibiscus flower as evidenced by its representation of different nations. These countries, namely Malaysia, South Korea, and Haiti all use the Hibiscus as their national flower. Furthermore, hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii.

As for its versatility, especially the tropical variety, we can use hibiscus in both hot and cold teas, various other culinary applications, and as a potent herbal remedy.

Due to their delicate beauty, hibiscus symbolizes femininity, female beauty, and purity.

3. Hebe

  • Botanical name: Hebe speciosa
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Summer to fall

The name Hebe, pronounced “Hibi,” comes from the name of the Greek goddess of youth, her name meaning “prime of life.” It’s probably appropriate then that the hebe plant, with its evergreen foliage and colorful blooms, takes its name from this eternally young goddess.

The hebe, particularly the hebespeciosa species, is a natural fire retardant or low flammable plant. Hence, fire prevention groups recommend it’s placement around the home as an additional fire protection.

The hebe plant’s namesake gives it the meaning of youthful prime and vitality, as well as the rebirth in springtime

4. Hyacinth

Hyacinth - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Spring

Another flower that symbolizes rebirth and spring is the Hyacinth. We would usually grow this flowering plant in clusters and then later fall in love in spring as it blooms in bright colors and emits its sweet fragrance.

Hyacinth is typically toxic, so that plant is first boiled or dried (or a combination of both) to remove toxicity. Afterward, the residue is particularly useful as an herbal medicine.

Hyacinths can represent sincerity and devotion, but also loneliness and jealousy.

5. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Summer and fall

Forming natural bouquets, the fluffy pom-pom-shaped blooms of the hydrangea are a delight to see. The name hydrangea itself means “water barrel,” alluding to both the shape of the blooms and the flowers need for water.

In Japan and Korea, fresh hydrangea leaves are the chief ingredient for herbal tea. The leaves develop a sweet taste as it steeps.

The Hydrangea’s deep character represents gratefulness, grace, and heartfelt emotion.

6. Heath

Heath Erica - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Erica
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Spring and Winter

Heath, also known as Erica by its scientific name, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Ericaceae family. It is not exactly Heather but both shared common things in terms of the looks, family and even color. What makes them different is their bloom season.

This specific plant has several species but most are in small shrubs growing as high as 5 feet only. The flowers vary from spikes or umbels or axillary. They face downward or outward. They appear in a trumpet like shape then bloom with usually five petals. They are beautiful in their purple and pink colors.

Erica is a Latin word that means “heath” or “broom”, which is believed that Pliny adapted the word from Ancient Greek. This flower symbolizes beauty and admiration. It is also connected to solitude, protection and good luck.

7. Helenium

Helenium Autumnale - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Helenium Autumnale
  • Plant Class: Perennial, Annual
  • Bloom time: August to October/Fall

The colorful daisy-like flowers of Helenium creates not only a beautiful presence to any garden, but also adds charm, which may uplift bad vibes and extend happiness. It has several petals typically in orange, golden yellow, red, brown and bi-color.

Its stamen, having three-lobed tips, also varies in colors, a blend of two or three shades. This grows with stiff and upright stems for up to 5 feet to 6.6 feet tall.

Sneezeweed is a very popular name of this flowering plant. It’s named for the fact that their dried leaves were used for making snuff to get rid of evil spirits and bad luck.

Its genus name was from Helen of Troy in Greek mythology. Moreover, this belongs to the sunflower family, and is native to both South and North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family.

8. Hepatica

Anemone Hepatica - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Anemone Hepatica
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: April to May/Spring Season

A small wildflower in bluish purple or lavender is the distinctive look of Hepatica. Also known as Liverleaf and Liverwort, this is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family. It is native to Asia, eastern part of North America, and both central and northern Europe.

The name of this plant is derived from the Greek word “hēpatikós” and “hêpar”, which literally means liver. It’s also termed by the three-lobed, rounded leaf resembles the human liver, although some species have one pointed-lobed leaves.

As mentioned earlier, the flowers in blue-purple as this is the most common shade. But there are also other colors, which can be pink and white. They are considered to be bisexual flowers and great pollinators by common insects, which include butterflies, bees, beetles, moths and even flies.

This flowering plant symbolizes protection. It is believed to bring safety or security against evil as well as ill wishes.

9. Henbane/Hogbean

Henbane Hogbean Hyoscyamus Niger - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Hyoscyamus Niger
  • Plant Class: Annual or Biennial
  • Bloom time: May to June (biennial), July to September (annual)

Henbane is otherwise known as Hogbean, but also has different names in several languages. This is native to Asia and Mediterranean regions, and is presently thriving in other parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, North Africa, North America and Brazil. It means it can grow from various types of soil conditions and weather.

This flowering plant can be either biennial or annual. It belongs to the nightshade family called Solanaceae. It grows up to 3 feet in height and blooms from May to June or July to September depending on its type and species.

It features hairy and very bright green leaves in elongated or oval shape with toothed edges. Although the leaves are often used as herbal medicines, there is a high level of toxicity of the herb that requires the wearing of gloves when harvesting the flowers.

This also simply implies that the herbal parts are not recommended to use.

The symbol of this flower is connected to witchcraft. It is based on a legend wherein witches used to make ointment that includes this plant and rubbed them on the brooms that help fly them away.

10. Hollow Root

Hollow Root Dischidia - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Dischidia
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Late Spring or Early Summer to Mid Summer

Hollow-Root, also spelled and known as Hollow Root, Hollowroot, Holewort, and Hollow Leek, is a member of the Papaveraceae family.

It is a genus of Corydalis, which is derived from the Greek word “korydalis”, signifying crested lark, which refers to the “similarity between the flowers and spurs to a lark’s head”. This flower symbolizes weakness.

With enough water and sun exposure under light shade, this plant grows well in foliage and produces small, spiky lavender or whitish purple flowers.

The maximal height for its growth can be as 3 feet tall only. Although considered as a wildflower, this flowering plant can make a sidewalk, porch borders and garden edges look more charming. Plus, it is low-maintenance and can tolerate a mix of hydrangeas and hostas.

11. Holly

Holly Flower - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Ilex
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Spring

Ilex, or otherwise known as Holly, is a genus of less than 500 species of fruit-producing and flowering plants in the Aquifoliaceae family. It varies from shrubs to deciduous or evergreen trees.

Some can be tropics, while others are climbers. They naturally grow in subtropical and temperate regions from all over the world.

Once the flowers appear, it indicates the season of red berry fruits of this plant. It produces four-petaled greenish white flowers with pink or purple on the tips and base. It blooms like a cross, having symmetrical petals. Overall, they can be harvested for ornamental display and as table centerpieces.

Apart from its cross-like shape, this flowering plant is associated with Christianity, particularly Christmas or the birth of baby Jesus. Hence, this is commonly considered as the birth flower of December. It also symbolizes domestic happiness, protection and defense.

12. Hollyhock

Hollyhock Alcea - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Alcea
  • Plant Class: Annual, Biennial or Perennial
  • Bloom time: June to August

Charming and pretty in different colored flowers, Hollyhock is a must-have to any gardens. They are very attractive to look at.

Known as Alcea by its scientific name, this is a genus of more or less 60 species of plants in the mallow family called Malvaceae. This is typically a native to Asia and Europe. It can be annual, biennial, or perennial.

Once maturity is reached, it grows from 6 feet to 8 feet tall and its foliage spreads for as wide as 2 feet. Its cup-shaped flowers are produced in racemes or fascicles showcasing lovely blooms in pink, red, yellow, purple, white, reddish black, blue and other shades.

As a matter of fact, the spikes, which are naturally tall, are covered with these beautiful flowers.

Hollyhock symbolizes fruitfulness and fertility. It is associated with a majestic orientation that is fairly because of its stunning presentation and structure of flowers.

13. Honesty

Honesty Lunaria Annua - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Lunaria Annua
  • Plant Class: Annual or Biennial
  • Bloom time: Mid-Late Spring to Early Summer

Either annual or biennial, Honesty is a cute clove-like flower that is native southwest Asia and the Balkan regions. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family.

This temperate tolerant plant is named after the Latin word “lunaria” or moon-shaped referring to its seed pods’ shape and appearance. This is often known as the “money plant”.

From spring to summer, this plant produces flowers in terminal racemes. The most common color is violet and purple but some species bloom in pink and white. It only has four petals and very small stamens.

This flower symbolizes fascination, and of course, honesty.

14. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle Lonicera - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Lonicera
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Mid to Late Summer

Blooming from May to June, Honeysuckle is a flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. There are about 180 species of this climber and ornamental shrub.

When flowers are starting to produce, it showcases tubular or bell shaped heads. These flowers are yellow and white or pink and sometimes red.

Since the long and elongated petals are fused very close to one another, the total number of petals is not that easy to determine, although it can be mistaken for having two petals only. Plus, they blossom in a very unique structure.

Having a straightforward meaning, this symbolizes happiness and affection, either devoted or fraternal. It is also associated with living a sweet life or sweet disposition, which relates to its nice fragrance and sweet nectar.

15. Hellebore

Hellebore Helleborus - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Helleborus
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: December to April

For only 20 species available, Hellebore is one pretty flowering plant. This is also known as Winter Rose Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose since its first bloom starts around December and its look having a resemblance to rose.

This is a genus of herbaceous or evergreen plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Its name Helleborus is derived from the Greek word “helléboros” or “heleîn”, which means “to injure” and “borá” referring to food.

Its flowers feature five petals or cup-like nectaries. The colors vary from single shade to bicolor. Some of the common species produce crimson red, blue, white, and green.

16. Hypericum

Hypericum Perforatum - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Hypericum Perforatum
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Mid to Late Summer

St. John’s Wort is the most popular and familiar name to many people around the world that refers to Hypericum. This is well known because of its medicinal properties. It’s a genus of flowering, low-maintenance perennial plants in the Hypericaceae family.

The flowers are bright yellow, although some species are white and pink. They usually have five petals with numerous stamens, some can be up to 200. Each head is formed from four to five fascicles.

Hypericum symbolizes rebirth and protection. During the early pre-Christian era in England, this was used for divination purposes. It’s believed to have connection with the sun due to its bright golden yellow color.

17. Hosta

Hosta Funka - Flowers That Start With H
  • Botanical name: Funka
  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Bloom time: Summer to Fall

Hosta is more of a leafy plant as its foliage alone makes a stunning display. But this herbaceous perennial plant produces beautiful flowers. In addition to its overlapping striking leaves, the flowers bloom in white and purple.

Also known as Plantain Lily, Hosta is a genus of plants in the family Asparagaceae. This s native to Asia, especially the northern regions. It is named after Nicholas Thomas Host, a botanist from Austria, while its scientific name Funkia was termed from a collector of alpines and ferns named Heinrich Funk. The symbolism associated with Hosta is devotion.

Its flowers are pendulous, which means the heads face downward instead of upward. Normally, there are six petals.

Most of the species have no fragrance, but the strong smelling one is Hosta Plantaginea, usually in white shade that blooms in the evening and closes the next morning. These bell-shaped flowers are pollinators, They fairly attract bees and hummingbirds.


Conclusion

There are different flowers that start with H that are unique and beautifully fascinating. They differ in terms of colors, petal numbers, soil type, etc. But you must know which ones from the list can add charm and beauty to your garden.

Remember that it’s not about the maintenance level that matters the most since basic caring should be applied beforehand. Whether you consider yourself an amateur or expert in growing flowers, these pretty plants are adorable in every way to any botany enthusiast.

Have you found which among these flowers to add to your garden? Share them in the comments!

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