Borage, butterfly bush, and bee balm lead the list of B-named blooms that pull pollinators into garden beds. If you are looking for flowers that start with b, you have a wide range of choices, from tiny groundcovers to tall, dramatic spikes. This guide covers the best options for your garden, along with growing tips and design ideas.
You might be surprised by how many popular garden plants fall under this letter. Some are common annuals, while others are hardy perennials that come back year after year. We have organized this list to help you find the perfect bloom for your specific climate and soil type.
Flowers That Start With B
This section breaks down the most popular and easy-to-grow options. We will cover their light needs, water requirements, and what makes each one special. Whether you have a sunny border or a shady corner, there is a B-flower for you.
Bachelors Button (Centaurea Cyanus)
These are also called cornflowers. They are tough, old-fashioned annuals that are super easy to grow from seed. The classic color is a bright, true blue, but you can also find pink, white, and purple varieties.
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, not too rich
- Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer
- Uses: Cutting gardens, wildflower meadows, dried arrangements
They are drought-tolerant once established. You should deadhead them to encourage more blooms. If you leave some spent flowers on the plant, they will self-seed for next year.
Balloon Flower (Platycodon)
Before they open, the buds puff up like little balloons. This is a fun plant for kids and adults alike. It is a hardy perennial that does not like to be moved once it is settled in the ground.
The flowers are usually blue or purple, but white and pink cultivars exist. They bloom in mid-summer and last for several weeks. The foliage is also attractive, forming a neat, low mound.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Water regularly during the first growing season.
- Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Mark the spot, as this plant emerges late in the spring.
Balsam (Impatiens Balsamina)
This is an heirloom annual that is often overlooked. It has camellia-like flowers that grow right against the stem. They come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple.
Balsam likes moist, rich soil. It will grow in part shade, making it a good alternative to impatiens if you have issues with downy mildew. The stems are succulent and can get quite tall, so they benefit from being planted in a sheltered spot.
Baptisia (False Indigo)
This is a large, shrub-like perennial that is very long-lived. It has spikes of pea-like flowers in blue, purple, yellow, or white. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and requires very little care.
Baptisia has deep roots, so it is hard to divide. You should plant it in a permanent spot where it has room to grow. The foliage turns an attractive black color in the fall.
Basket Of Gold (Aurinia Saxatilis)
This is a low-growing perennial that is covered in tiny, bright yellow flowers in early spring. It is perfect for rock gardens, walls, or the front of a sunny border. It prefers sharp drainage and does not like wet winter soil.
After it blooms, the foliage is a silvery-gray color. You can shear it back to keep it compact. It looks great spilling over a path or edge.
Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus)
This plant is known for its dramatic, spiky flower stalks and large, glossy leaves. The flowers are white and purple and appear in late spring or early summer. The foliage is architectural and looks good all season long.
Bear’s breeches can be a bit invasive in some gardens. It spreads by underground roots. Give it plenty of space and be prepared to pull up unwanted shoots.
Beardtongue (Penstemon)
There are many species of penstemon, and they are all great for pollinators. They have tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. The colors range from red and pink to purple and white.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They do not like to sit in wet soil during the winter. Plant them in a spot that is protected from harsh winds.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
This is a must-have for any pollinator garden. The flowers are unique, with a shaggy, open look. They come in red, pink, purple, and white. The leaves have a minty, citrusy scent.
Bee balm can get powdery mildew, especially in humid climates. To prevent this, give it good air circulation and water at the base of the plant. It spreads quickly, so you may need to divide it every few years.
Begonia
Begonias are a huge group of plants, but the most common ones are grown as annuals. They are perfect for shady spots and containers. The tuberous types have large, showy flowers, while the wax begonias have smaller, more numerous blooms.
- Wax Begonias: Great for beds and edging, they handle sun better than other types.
- Tuberous Begonias: Best for hanging baskets and containers, they need more shade and moisture.
- Rex Begonias: Grown for their colorful foliage, not their flowers.
All begonias like consistent moisture but do not like to be waterlogged. They are heavy feeders, so use a balanced fertilizer regularly.
Bellflower (Campanula)
This is a large family of plants, ranging from tiny alpines to tall border perennials. The common trait is the bell-shaped flower. They are usually blue or purple, but white and pink forms exist.
They are easy to grow and do well in most soils. Some types are short-lived, while others are very hardy. They are excellent for cutting gardens and cottage gardens.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
These are classic late-summer bloomers. They have bright yellow or orange petals with a dark brown or black center cone. They are tough, reliable, and very easy to grow.
They are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies. They also make great cut flowers. The seed heads provide food for birds in the fall and winter.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
These daisy-like flowers come in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are often bicolored, with a contrasting band around the center. They bloom from early summer to fall.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are short-lived perennials, but they self-seed easily. Deadheading will keep them blooming longer.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
This is a classic shade plant. The heart-shaped flowers hang from arching stems in late spring. The most common color is pink with white, but white varieties are also available.
Bleeding hearts go dormant in the summer heat. They disappear completely, so do not be alarmed. They will come back the following spring. They like rich, moist soil.
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides)
These are spring-blooming bulbs that form a beautiful blue carpet in woodlands. They are perfect for naturalizing under trees and shrubs. They prefer partial shade and moist, but well-drained soil.
They are very easy to grow. Plant the bulbs in the fall. They will multiply over time. They look great with ferns and other shade-loving plants.
Blazing Star (Liatris)
This plant has tall spikes of fuzzy, bottlebrush-like flowers. They are usually purple or white. They bloom from the top down, which is unusual. They are a magnet for bees and butterflies.
They are prairie plants, so they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are very drought-tolerant. They are also excellent cut flowers, both fresh and dried.
Bougainvillea
This is a tropical vine known for its vibrant, papery bracts. The actual flowers are small and white, but the colorful bracts are what you see. They come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white.
They are not frost-hardy, so they are grown as houseplants or annuals in cooler climates. They need full sun and very well-drained soil. They bloom best when they are slightly root-bound.
Bougainvillea Care Tips
If you grow this plant, you need to be careful with watering. They prefer to dry out between waterings. Too much water will cause them to drop their leaves and bracts. They also need a lot of light to bloom well.
- Place in the sunniest spot you have.
- Water deeply, but infrequently.
- Fertilize with a high-phosphorus formula to encourage blooms.
- Prune after flowering to control the size.
Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
This is a shade-loving perennial that is grown for its heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers. The flowers look like forget-me-nots and appear in early spring. The foliage is often variegated with silver or white.
It is a very low-maintenance plant. It likes rich, moist soil. It is a great companion for hostas and ferns. It is deer and rabbit resistant.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
This is a fast-growing shrub that produces long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers. The flowers are very fragrant and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. They come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow.
Butterfly bushes bloom on new wood, so you should prune them hard in early spring. They are very tough and can handle poor soil and drought. Some varieties can be invasive in certain areas, so check your local recommendations.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)
This is a milkweed species that is the host plant for monarch butterflies. It has bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer. It is a clump-forming perennial that is very drought-tolerant.
It has a deep taproot, so it does not like to be moved. It is slow to emerge in the spring. It is a vital plant for the monarch butterfly population, so it is a great addition to any garden.
Bush Clematis (Clematis Integrifolia)
Unlike the climbing clematis, this type grows as a bushy, non-vining plant. It has nodding, bell-shaped flowers in blue, purple, or white. It blooms in early summer.
It is a great plant for the middle of a border. It does not need support. It likes its roots to be cool and shaded, so plant it near other low-growing plants.
Blue Star (Amsonia)
This is a perennial that has clusters of soft blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring. It is a tough, reliable plant that is easy to grow. The foliage is fine and feathery, turning a beautiful golden yellow in the fall.
It is a great plant for adding texture to the garden. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. It looks great with ornamental grasses and other prairie plants.
Burning Bush (Euonymus Alatus)
While not grown for its flowers, this shrub is famous for its brilliant red fall foliage. It is a very popular landscaping plant. However, it is considered invasive in many parts of North America, so you should check before planting.
If you do plant it, it is very easy to grow. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and light levels. It can be pruned to control its size.
Bells Of Ireland (Moluccella Laevis)
This is an unusual annual that is grown for its green, bell-shaped calyces. The actual flowers are small and white, hidden inside the green bells. They are a favorite for cut flower arrangements.
They are easy to grow from seed. They prefer cool weather and full sun. They can get tall, so they may need staking. They are very striking in the garden.
Bidens
These are cheerful, daisy-like annuals that are covered in yellow or orange flowers all summer long. They are great for containers and hanging baskets. They are very heat-tolerant and do not need deadheading.
They are low-maintenance and easy to care for. They will spill over the edges of a pot nicely. They are a great filler plant for mixed containers.
Browallia (Sapphire Flower)
This is a lesser-known annual that is perfect for shade. It has small, star-shaped flowers in blue, purple, or white. It blooms continuously from early summer to frost.
It is a great alternative to impatiens if you want a blue flower. It is also good for hanging baskets. It likes consistent moisture and partial to full shade.
Borage
This is an herb that has beautiful, star-shaped blue flowers. The leaves and flowers have a cucumber-like flavor. It is a great plant for attracting bees and other pollinators.
It is an annual that self-seeds readily. It is very easy to grow and does not need much care. The flowers are edible and make a beautiful garnish for salads and drinks.
Growing Tips For B Flowers
Many of these plants have similar needs. Here are some general tips to help you succeed. Always check the specific needs of the plant you are buying, but these are good starting points.
Sun And Soil Requirements
Most of the flowers on this list prefer full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A few, like begonias and bleeding hearts, prefer shade. The soil should be well-drained to prevent root rot.
- For full sun plants, choose a spot with no overhead shade.
- For shade plants, look for a spot under a tree or on the north side of a building.
- Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
- Raise the bed if your soil stays wet.
Watering And Feeding
New plants need regular watering until they are established. After that, many of these are quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering is a common mistake, so let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
- Water deeply and less often to encourage deep roots.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the leaves dry.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Design Ideas For Your Garden
You can use these B flowers in many ways. Think about color, height, and bloom time to create a beautiful and dynamic garden. Mixing different textures is also key.
Pollinator Paradise
To attract the most bees and butterflies, plant a mix of these flowers. Bee balm, butterfly weed, and borage are excellent choices. They provide nectar and pollen for a long period of time.
- Plant in large drifts for a bigger visual impact.
- Choose single-flowered varieties, as they are easier for pollinators to access.
- Avoid using pesticides in your garden.
- Provide a shallow water source for butterflies.
Cut Flower Garden
Many B flowers make excellent cut flowers. Bachelors button, bells of Ireland, and black-eyed Susan are all great for bouquets. They have a good vase life and are easy to work with.
- Cut flowers in the early morning when they are hydrated.
- Place them in water immediately.
- Remove any leaves that will be below the water line.
- Change the water every couple of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about these plants. We hope this helps you make the right choices for your garden.
What Are Some Easy To Grow Flowers That Start With B?
Bachelors button, black-eyed Susan, and blanket flower are all very easy to grow. They are tough, drought-tolerant, and do not need much fussing over. They are great for beginners.
Are there any shade-loving flowers that start with b?
Yes, begonias, bleeding hearts, and brunnera are all excellent choices for shade. Browallia is another good annual option. They will brighten up a dark corner with their colorful blooms.