40 Flowers That Start With C – From Cana Lily to California Poppy and More

Colorful, captivating, and full of charm – flowers that start with C have a way of brightening any garden space. From Carnations to Chrysanthemums, these blooms come in countless shapes, shades, and scents. 

If you are looking for vibrant flowers that combine beauty and character, you will surely love exploring these botanical marvels. 

Each flower has its own deep meaning and holds a rich historical and cultural significance. Moving further, let us jump in and quickly discover some astonishing flowers that start with the letter C that can transform your balcony garden effortlessly!

Did You Know?
Many flowers that start with C carry deep symbolic meaning across different cultures. From Carnations symbolizing a range of emotions like love, admiration, and resilience to Chrysanthemums representing endurance and resilience, these flowers are hence known as the most gifted blooms worldwide. 

20 Flowers That Start With C – Classic Carnation, Camellia, and Many More!

Here is a curated list of flowers that start with C, which can instantly uplift the vibe of any landscape. From classic Carnation to alluring Cana Lilly, the table covers all!  

S. No	Flower Name	Image	Description
1	Carnation		Carnations are native to the Mediterranean region and are mostly known for their vibrant blooms. Botanically called Dianthus caryophyllus, Carnation flowers are mostly used for floral arrangements.
2	Chrysanthemum		Chrysanthemum is originally from China and is also known as the November birth flower. This species is a versatile flower that start with C and comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
3	Cosmos		Cosmos is an October birth flower and is known to symbolize harmony and unconditional love. The species thrives in low-nutrient soil and can be easily taken care of.
4	Crocus		Crocus is a low-growing seasonal flower that starts with C. This spring flower offers captivating visuals if planted in any garden space.
5	Canna Lily		Canna Lily belongs to the Cannaceae family and is the only flowering plant of the group. The vibrant red flowers of the genus are its main attraction.
6	Calla Lily		Calla Lilies are mostly grown for their trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green stems. Native to Southern Africa, these blooms are cultivated worldwide for their elegant flowers.
7	Camellia		Camellias are known for their large, showy flowers. Particularly grown in China and Japan, these are mostly used as ornamental houseplants.
8	Columbine		Columbine is a uniquely shaped flower and is popular for its glossy, green, and divided foliage. Botanically known as Aquilegia spp, these blooms are mostly grown in the woodlands, rocky areas, and meadows.
9	Coneflower		Native to North America, the coneflower is a perennial species and is mostly used as a border plant. Apart from being low-maintenance, it is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
10	Coral Bells		Coral Bells are widely acknowledged for their heart-shaped leaves found in different hues. Native to the woodlands of North America, these are mostly planted in the front lawns due to the beautiful, delicate flowers.
11	Coreopsis		Coreopsis is a stunning yellow flower that graces large landscapes in the United States. Mostly found in open woodlands, the genus is a hardy, drought-tolerant bloom that attracts many pollinators.
12	Cornflower		Cornflower is an annual flowering plant and holds a deep cultural and historical significance in many European countries. Botanically known as Centaurea cyanus, these are commonly found along the roadside.
13	Canterbury Bells		Canterbury Bells are one of the most alluring bell flowers that start with a C. These long-lasting blooms are native to many European countries and are often used as border plants. Scientifically called Campanula medium, the genus is an annual flowering plant.
14	Cyclamen		Cyclamen is an eye-pleasing indoor plant that blooms all year long if given proper care. Native to Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa, the species is commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant.
15	Celandine		Although Celandines are considered jungle wildflowers, the elegant yellow blooms of the genus have various healing properties. Originally from Europe and Western Asia, these are mostly grown as garden flowers.
16	Creeping Jenny		Popularly called Moneywort, Creeping Jenny is a stunning ornamental plant. Scientifically called Lysimachia nummularia, the genus is low-maintenance, easy to grow, and can be grown as a hanging plant.
17	Chinese Lantern		Originating from Europe and Asia, the Chinese Lantern is a hardy perennial plant that is famous for its orange flowers, which are better known as lantern blooms. The rose gold bud in the center is its most striking feature.
18	Crocosmia		Crocosmia belongs to the Iris family and is famous for its funnel-shaped flowers found in different hues. Native to Southern and Eastern Africa, this species is prized for its ornamental value.
19	Cineraria		Cineraria is widely cultivated due to its shiny and vibrant flower heads found in many hues. Often grown as a ground bedding flower, these blooms can be planted indoors and outdoors as ornamental species.
20	Candytuft		Candytuft is a woody perennial shrub that mostly grows in clusters. The long-lasting blooms of the genus make it a popular choice for large landscapes and border cover.

Each of these blooms has unique features that make it stand out from other genera. From bold and bright to elegant hues, the aforementioned list covers all the flowers.

Extended List of Flowers Beginning With the Letter C

If you are planning to create a vibrant front lawn or a charming backyard, you simply cannot miss flowers that begin with the letter C. Without any further delay, explore the extended list given below for your reference. 

One of the most popular flowers that start with C is Cranesbill Geranium. Also known as Hardy Geranium, these blooms generally have a clumping or mounding growth habit. 

Preferably grown in cottages, rock gardens, and gravel gardens, the dark purple or nearly black flowers of the genus add a stunning pop of color in any landscape. 

Native Region	Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Botanical Name	Geranium sanguineum
Care Guide	Requires full sunlight, can also be grown in partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and needs moderate watering to flourish.

The Crown Imperial is one of the rare flowers that start with C and is commonly called the upside-down tulip. Glossy leaves surround a stout stem with a vibrant orange flower, making it one of the most charming blooms. Apart from being a hardy perennial, the Crown Imperial is often grown as a decorative garden flower because of its uniquely shaped bloom. 

Native Region	Mountainous regions of Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia.
Botanical Name	Fritillaria imperialis
Care Guide	Thrives in full sunlight or partial shade and can be grown in a permeable soil type with a range of pH levels. Regular watering is needed during the initial growing stages.

In this extended list of flowers that begin with C, Cotoneaster is the most eye-pleasing species. Known for its glossy leaves, the plant bears alluring pink or white flowers during spring and produces bright red berries in fall or winter. 

Although it is a low-growing species, it is quite invasive and is often used as a ground cover plant. These plants are often added to gardens because they attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Native Region	Temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
Botanical Name	Cotoneaster salicifolius
Care Guide	Prefer growing under direct sun exposure, but can be kept in areas having partial shade. Adapts to a wide range of soil types and does not need much watering since it is drought-tolerant.

Popularly known as Leather Flower or Virgin’s Bower, Clematis is a perennial species belonging to the buttercup family. There are nearly 400 species of this genus, and it can grow up to 1–18 feet tall. Additionally, the large, showy blooms of Clematis make it an attractive plant in any landscape. 

The genus can also be grown in narrow spaces, containers, or vertical areas as an indoor plant. Make sure to handle the bloom carefully during the initial growing stage, as the stems of the plant are very fragile. 

Native Region	Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Asia and North America.
Botanical Name	Clematis spp.
Care Guide	Grows best in cool, moist, and well-draining soil. Try planting the genus in a spot where it can get filtered sunlight. Moderate watering is enough for the flower to flourish.

Calendula is one of the most exquisite flowers starting with the letter C. Known for its orange-yellow daisy-like blooms, this species is also used for many culinary practices. The petals of Calendula are used in salads for decorative purposes and to make herbal tea. 

Also known as Pot Marigold, this genus is a perennial herb and can grow up to 80 cm tall. Though the bloom is easy to care for, it does have certain requirements to flourish. 

Native Region	Mediterranean Region (though cultivated worldwide)
Botanical Name	Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold, English Marigold)
Care Guide	Prefers growing in abundant sunlight. Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil type and requires average watering, only to keep the soil moist.

If you are looking for astonishing plants that start with C, the Cuckoo flower cannot be missed. The four-petaled blooms in pale pink color provide nectar to pollinators and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden space. 

Historically, the leaves of the genus were used for various medicinal purposes. The antiscorbutic properties present in the foliage of the Cuckoo Flower were used to treat ailments like skin rash and asthma. Its low-maintenance nature makes the genus loved by many novice plant lovers. 

Native Region	It grows profusely in Europe and Western Asia.
Botanical Name	Cardamine pratensis
Care Guide	Prefers growing under direct sun exposure with frequent watering, especially during hot summer days. The genus flourishes in nutrient-rich soil, which is acidic in nature.

California Poppy is a short-lived perennial flower that begins with the letter C. It is an annual species known for its bright, cup-shaped blooms that can instantly uplift the vibe of any garden space. 

Being a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant flower, California Poppy is widely cultivated to add a pop of color and also for its ability to attract pollinators. Even the leather-like, glossy green leaves of this orange flower are absolutely eye-pleasing.

Native Region	Western United States and Mexico
Botanical Name	Eschscholzia californica
Care Guide	Thrives under full sun exposure and well-draining, fertile soil. Once the plant is established, water only when the topsoil feels dry. Apply a layer of organic mulch to boost the overall health of the genus.

Popularly called “Great Bellflower” or “Large Bellflower”, Campanula Latifolia is yet another beautiful bloom that starts with the letter C. It is a wild perennial species mostly found in the jungles with spikes on its leaves. The purplish-blue bloom of the genus makes it a sight to behold. 

If you are planning to add an elegant species to your front lawn, there is nothing better than Campanula Latifolia. Commonly found in woodlands, meadows, and rock gardens, this clump-forming perennial generally blooms in midsummer. 

Native Region	Temperate regions of Europe, Western Asia, and the Himalayan region of India and Nepal.
Botanical Name	Campanula Latifolia
Care Guide	Usually planted during Spring, the bloom grows best if planted in areas having abundant sunlight. Use a permeable soil type and keep it evenly moist with moderate watering only.

This trumpet-shaped purple flower is widely acknowledged for its purple bloom and shiny dark green leaves. Mostly grown as a houseplant, Cape Primrose can be found in many different hues, such as pink, white, black, and even in brown tones. 

Although this beauty does not have any special care demands, it is prone to certain pests. Make sure to use a good-quality liquid fertilizer to prevent pest infestation.

Native Region	Mountainous regions of Africa
Botanical Name	Streptocarpus
Care Guide	Best grown in bright indirect light. Try to place the plant near a west-facing window. Water only when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry, and try using a general potting mix for optimal growth of the genus.

This flower that starts with C is known for its uniquely shaped, feather-like blooms. Celosia flowers are yet another striking bloom that is mainly grown for ornamental purposes. The blooms of the genus are either used for floral arrangements or dried for amazing artwork. 

Often grown with companion plants like Zinnia, Marigold, or Petunia, the bloom of the flower looks like a flame and is surely a head turner if planted in the front lawn. 

Native Region	Mainly cultivated in warmer regions, especially in Tropical Africa.
Botanical Name	Celosia argentea
Care Guide	Requires full sunlight to thrive. Grows best in nutrient-rich organic soil that does not hold much water. Does not require much watering, and be sure to use containers with proper drainage holes.

Now that you know about some of the fascinating flowers starting with C, it can be easy for you to pick the right blooms for decoration or for gifting purposes. 

Key Aspects of Some Rare Flowers That Begin With The Letter C

In this section, we have mentioned some more exotic flowers that have their names start with the letter C. Let’s quickly examine some of these blooms in detail and review their key aspects.

Flower Name	Image	Key Aspects
Cardinal Flower		Native Range: North and Central America Hardiness Zone: 2-9 USDA Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis
Clarkia		Native Range: Pacific Northwest and parts of California Hardiness Zone: 2-11 USDA Botanical Name: Clarkia
Clover		Native Range: Europe and Central Asia Hardiness Zone: 3-10 USDA Botanical Name: Trifolium repens
Cockscomb		Native Range: Africa, Asia, and America Hardiness Zone: 9-12 USDA Botanical Name: Celosia argentea
Clivia		Native Range: Southern Africa Hardiness Zone: 9-11 USDA Botanical Name: Clivia miniata
Cuphea		Native Range: Mexico to Guatemala Hardiness Zone: 9-11 USDA Botanical Name: Cuphea hyssopifolia
Catmint		Native Range: Europe, Asia, and Africa Hardiness Zone: 3-9 USDA Botanical Name: Nepeta
Chionodoxa Frobesii		Native Range: Eastern Mediterranean Hardiness Zone: 3-8 USDA Botanical Name: Scilla forbesii
Camellia japonica		Native Range: East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan) Hardiness Zone: 7-9 USDA Botanical Name: Camellia japonica
Christmas Cactus		Native Range: Coastal mountains of Southeastern Brazil Hardiness Zone: 9-12 Botanical Name: Schlumbergera

From Cardinal to Christmas Cactus, the above-mentioned list clearly shows the diversity in the floral world. Each bloom promises to bring elegance and joy to the surroundings they are being planted.

Conclusion 

Whether you love the elegance of Camellias or the simplicity of Cosmos, flowers that start with C have something for everyone. Each bloom that exists has a story to tell, and the species mentioned in this article also holds deep meanings and comes from a rich botanical background.  

As we wrap our floral journey, if you are a garden enthusiast or novice plant lover, be sure to add these exquisite blooms to your collection to instantly enhance the vibe of the whole space.