Some of the most recognizable flowers in the world are named with the letter I, like the iconic Iris and Impatiens.
But these two blooms are only the beginning—there are many more inspiring flowers that start with I. Take a look at this list and get ready to add some incredible plants to your garden!
Iberis
Also known as candytuft, this small, evergreen perennial produces clusters of white or pink flowers in spring and summer. Its glossy, dark green foliage makes a wonderful backdrop for other blooms and provides year-round interest.
Iberis is easy to grow and suitable for rock gardens and containers. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil in full sun for best results.
Iceland Poppy
The delicate Iceland poppy is an eye-catching perennial that blooms in late spring and early summer. Its nodding, cup-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors, from pale yellow to deep orange.
This plant is often used in cottage and rock gardens and in wildflower meadows. Iceland poppies prefer full sun and well-draining soil but can tolerate some shade.
Ice Plant
This low-maintenance flowering groundcover features succulent foliage and masses of daisy-like blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, or yellow. Ice plant’s bright flowers and tough, drought-tolerant leaves make it ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens. Ice plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
They are cold-hardy to USDA zone 6 and can take temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ilex
Also known as holly, ilex is an evergreen shrub with spiny, deep green leaves. Most varieties produce white flowers in spring, followed by a profusion of red or orange berries in winter.
Ilex is fairly easy to grow, thriving in acidic, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. It’s also fairly drought tolerant.
Impatiens
A garden classic, impatiens brings bright color to shady corners and window boxes. Its clusters of small blooms come in a range of colors, and its lush foliage provides a nice backdrop.
Impatiens is an easy-care plant that requires only partial sun and moist, well-draining soil. Some varieties are even tolerant of full shade.
Indian Blanket
Indian blanket is a low-growing, spreading wildflower that produces daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red from late spring through late summer. This wildflower is aptly named for its resemblance to blankets sewn by Native American tribes.
Indian blanket is easy to grow and thrives in poor, dry soils in full sun.
Indian Pink
These unique flowers feature slender, red petals with yellow tips that curl backward and pointed green sepals that look like leaves. They’ll bloom from summer all the way through early fall, and their long stems make them ideal for cutting.
Indian pink is easy to grow in most climates, but it prefers part shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Ipheion Uniflorum
This spring-blooming bulb produces clusters of star-shaped, bright blue flowers that last for several weeks. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers, it can also be used as a cut flower.
Native to South America, Ipheion uniflorum prefers full sun and well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. It’s hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Ipomoea Alba
This climbing vine, also known as moonflower, quickly covers walls, trellises, and arbors with its lush foliage and fragrant, white blooms. The flowers open in the evening and close the following morning, making them a favorite of evening gardeners.
Ipomoea alba prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. If you’re growing it in a container, choose one with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Ipomoea
Also known as morning glory, ipomoea produces trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of colors, from white to deep purple.
Its vines grow quickly and can reach up to 20 feet, making them a great choice for covering garden walls or arbors.
Ipomoea prefers sunny spots, but it will tolerate some shade. Plant in well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Iris
A perennial favorite, irises are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, from the tall and stately Dutch iris to the petite dwarf crested iris.
Their sword-shaped foliage and showy blooms add texture and interest to flower beds and garden borders.
Irises prefer average to moist, well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade.
Italian Aster
This hardy perennial produces colorful daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white with yellow centers. It blooms in late summer and fall and makes an excellent addition to a cutting garden or flower border.
Italian asters are tolerant of a wide range of soils, but they prefer moist, well-draining soil and full sun.
Ivy Geranium
Ivy geraniums, also known as trailing or hanging geraniums, boast beautiful, intricate blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and more.
They are popular for their low maintenance and ability to spill over the edge of containers and hanging baskets, making them perfect for adding color to outdoor spaces.
Ivy geraniums prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water regularly, but be sure to avoid overwatering.
Ixia
Also called African corn lily, this genus of bulbous plants produces flat, star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple. They’re ideal for naturalizing and make excellent cut flowers, too.
Native to South Africa, ixia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply and mulch for winter protection in colder climates.
Ixora
Also known as flame of the woods or jungle flame, ixora produces clusters of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow.
Its glossy foliage is attractive year-round and its tough, drought-tolerant nature makes it an ideal addition to the garden.
Ixora prefers full sun and well-draining soil and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Indian paintbrush
A favorite of wildflower lovers, this native of North America features colorful flowers atop tall stems in shades of yellow, orange, red, or pink.
The plant’s unusual bracts are the source of its name—they’re said to look like a brush dipped in paint.
Indian paintbrush grows best in poor soil and full sun, though it will tolerate some shade.
Irish moss
This low-growing evergreen ground cover has a bright, mossy appearance, hence the name. It grows best in cooler climates and is often used in rock gardens, as an edging plant, or to cover the soil in containers.
Irish moss prefers part to full shade and moist, yet well-draining soil. Once established, it will spread quickly, so be sure to prune it regularly.
Inch Plant
Also known as wandering jew, this succulent houseplant is an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. Its waxy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves have purple undersides, and the plant produces small pink or white flowers in spring and summer.
Inch plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil. They’re also quite tolerant of neglect, so don’t worry if you forget to water for a few days.
Indigo Plant
This striking, blue-flowered shrub is native to the Mediterranean and belongs to the legume family, meaning it’s an excellent nitrogen-fixer for the soil. The dense foliage of the indigo plant is a nice backdrop for its small, blue blooms that appear in the spring.
Indigo plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil and tolerates drought once established.
Ipomea
Also known as morning glory, this fast-growing annual produces heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white.
The blossoms open in the morning and close by late afternoon, making them a delightful addition to any sunny spot in the garden.
Ipomea needs full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.
Ivy
Ivy is a popular houseplant and groundcover due to its ability to climb and spread quickly. Its glossy green, heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of sizes and look great when cascading out of containers. Ivy can also be used to create a living wall of greenery.
Ivy prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
Italian Cypress
This evergreen conifer adds height, structure, and elegance to the landscape with its tall, columnar shape and rich green color. Italian cypress can reach heights of up to 60 feet and is often used as a privacy screen or to frame a doorway.
This drought-tolerant tree prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Indian Hawthorn
Indian hawthorn is a small, slow-growing evergreen shrub that produces white or pink star-shaped flowers in spring. Its deep green foliage, combined with its dense growth habit, makes it an ideal hedge or foundation plant. It is also a great choice for containers and mixed borders.
Indian hawthorn prefers full to part sun and well-draining soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance.
Indian Cress
Indian cress is a fast-growing annual with eye-catching yellow, orange, or red flowers. This sun-loving plant is perfect for summer containers and cut flower bouquets, and its sweet nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Indian cress requires moist, well-draining soil in full sun or part shade. Deadhead regularly to keep the flowering going.
Final thoughts
These are some of the most beautiful flowers that begin with I. Consider one of these unique flowers to add to your garden if you’re looking for something unique.
Whats your favorite flower that start with the I? Please, comment below!
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