22 Beautiful Flowers That Start with K Around the World

Benjamin Lewis

December 2, 2024Did you know some of the most vibrant and unique flowers start with K?
This blog explores a fascinating variety of 22 flowers that begin with K, each bringing something special to gardens and landscapes.
From the striking spikes of Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, to the delicate blooms of Kalanchoe, these plants are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re looking for bold colors, low-maintenance options, or something more exotic, this list has something for everyone.
We’ll dive into each plant’s origins, blooming seasons, and uses, offering valuable tips for garden enthusiasts.
So, this guide will inspire you whether you’re planning your next garden project or just curious about unique flowers.

List of Flowers that Start with K

1. Kalmia (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia, or Mountain Laurel, is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its clusters of pink or white blooms. These flowers add a touch of elegance to woodland gardens and thrive in cooler climates.

Common Name
Mountain Laurel

Scientific Name
Kalmia latifolia

Origin
North America

Blooming Season
Late Spring to Early Summer

Uses
Ornamental, woodland gardens

2. Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)

Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, is famed for its tall, spike-like flowers that range in colors from red to yellow. These plants are excellent for adding vertical interest to sunny garden beds.

Common Name
Red Hot Poker

Scientific Name
Kniphofia uvaria

Origin
South Africa

Blooming Season
Summer to Fall

Uses
Borders, wildlife gardens

3. Knautia (Field Scabious)

Knautia, or Field Scabious, produces long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, or red. Its flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for wildflower gardens.

Common Name
Field Scabious

Scientific Name
Knautia arvensis

Origin
Europe

Blooming Season
Summer to Early Fall

Uses
Pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows

4. Kerria (Japanese Rose)

Kerria, commonly known as Japanese Rose, is a deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow, pompom-like flowers. It is a popular choice for brightening up shaded areas in the garden.

Common Name
Japanese Rose

Scientific Name
Kerria japonica

Origin
China, Japan

Blooming Season
Spring to Early Summer

Uses
Shade gardens, ornamental shrub borders

5. Koelreuteria (Golden Rain Tree)

Koelreuteria, or Golden Rain Tree, is a tree that dazzles with yellow flower clusters, followed by lantern-like seed pods. It’s a versatile ornamental tree, perfect for urban landscapes and large gardens.

Common Name
Golden Rain Tree

Scientific Name
Koelreuteria paniculata

Origin
China, Korea

Blooming Season
Summer

Uses
Ornamental tree, street tree

6. Kolkwitzia (Beauty Bush)

Kolkwitzia, known as Beauty Bush, is an attractive flowering shrub with clusters of bell-shaped pink flowers. Its arching branches create a graceful look, ideal for cottage gardens.

Common Name
Beauty Bush

Scientific Name
Kolkwitzia amabilis

Origin
China

Blooming Season
Late Spring

Uses
Ornamental, borders, cottage gardens

7. Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a succulent known for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers. It is often grown indoors as a houseplant but can also thrive outdoors in warm, dry climates.

Common Name
Kalanchoe

Scientific Name
Kalanchoe spp.

Origin
Madagascar

Blooming Season
Winter to Spring

Uses
Houseplant, outdoor succulent gardens

8. Keckiella

Keckiella is a genus of flowering plants closely related to Penstemon, with tubular, colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. It thrives in dry, rocky conditions, making it perfect for xeriscapes.

Common Name
Keckiella

Scientific Name
Keckiella spp.

Origin
Western United States

Blooming Season
Spring to Summer

Uses
Xeriscaping, wildlife gardens

9. Kaempferia (Peacock Ginger)

Kaempferia, or Peacock Ginger, features striking foliage and purple blooms. It is often used as ground cover in shady, tropical gardens, adding an exotic touch.

Common Name
Peacock Ginger

Scientific Name
Kaempferia spp.

Origin
Southeast Asia

Blooming Season
Spring to Summer

Uses
Ground cover, tropical gardens

10. Kunzea

Kunzea is a genus of shrubs known for their fluffy clusters of small flowers, often white or pink. These plants are drought-tolerant and highly attractive to pollinators.

Common Name
Kunzea

Scientific Name
Kunzea spp.

Origin
Australia, New Zealand

Blooming Season
Spring to Summer

Uses
Native gardens, wildlife gardens

11. King Protea

The King Protea is the largest of the protea family and is renowned for its large, spiky, pink flowers. It is an iconic flower in South Africa and is frequently used in bold floral displays.

Common Name
King Protea

Scientific Name
Protea cynaroides

Origin
South Africa

Blooming Season
Year-round in mild climates

Uses
Ornamental, floral arrangements

12. Kentranthus (Red Valerian)

Kentranthus, or Red Valerian, is a hardy perennial known for its clusters of red or pink flowers. It is a favorite for cottage gardens and is also drought-tolerant.

Common Name
Red Valerian

Scientific Name
Centranthus ruber

Origin
Mediterranean

Blooming Season
Late Spring to Early Fall

Uses
Cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens

13. Kigelia (Sausage Tree)

Kigelia, or Sausage Tree, is known for its large, sausage-shaped fruits and unique red, bell-shaped flowers. It’s commonly found in tropical gardens for its dramatic appearance.

Common Name
Sausage Tree

Scientific Name
Kigelia africana

Origin
Africa

Blooming Season
Late Spring to Early Summer

Uses
Tropical gardens, specimen tree

14. Krameria (Rhatany)

Krameria, or Rhatany, is a small, desert shrub known for its bright magenta flowers. Its roots are historically used for medicinal purposes, and it thrives in dry, sandy soils.

Common Name
Rhatany

Scientific Name
Krameria spp.

Origin
Americas

Blooming Season
Spring to Summer

Uses
Xeriscaping, medicinal uses

15. Kalimeris (False Aster)

Kalimeris, or False Aster, produces small, daisy-like flowers in soft colors like white, blue, or purple. It’s a reliable plant for borders and cottage-style gardens.

Common Name
False Aster

Scientific Name
Kalimeris incisa

Origin
East Asia

Blooming Season
Summer to Fall

Uses
Cottage gardens, borders, pollinator gardens

16. Kennedia

Kennedia is a climbing plant that produces vibrant red, pink, or purple pea-like flowers. It’s perfect for adding color to trellises and fences in warm climates.

Common Name
Kennedia

Scientific Name
Kennedia spp.

Origin
Australia

Blooming Season
Spring

Uses
Trellises, fences, climbing plant

17. Kokia (Tree Cotton)

Kokia, or Tree Cotton, is a rare and endangered plant that produces bright red flowers. Native to Hawaii, it is an important symbol of the island’s unique biodiversity.

Common Name
Tree Cotton

Scientific Name
Kokia spp.

Origin
Hawaii

Blooming Season
Spring

Uses
Conservation gardens, botanical collections

18. Kirengeshoma (Yellow Wax Bells)

Kirengeshoma, or Yellow Wax Bells, is a perennial with soft yellow, bell-shaped flowers. It prefers shaded areas and is perfect for woodland gardens.

Common Name
Yellow Wax Bells

Scientific Name
Kirengeshoma palmata

Origin
Japan, Korea

Blooming Season
Late Summer to Fall

Uses
Woodland gardens, shade gardens

19. Klasea (Saw-wort)

Klasea, also known as Saw-wort, is a genus of flowering plants with spiky purple or pink blooms. It thrives in meadows and wildflower gardens, attracting pollinators.

Common Name
Saw-wort

Scientific Name
Klasea spp.

Origin
Europe, Asia

Blooming Season
Summer

Uses
Wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens

20. Koeleria (June Grass)

Koeleria, or June Grass, is a perennial grass that produces delicate greenish flowers. It’s often used in naturalistic landscapes and meadows, adding texture and movement.

Common Name
June Grass

Scientific Name
Koeleria macrantha

Origin
North America, Europe

Blooming Season
Late Spring to Summer

Uses
Meadows, naturalized areas, erosion control

21. Kosteletzkya (Seashore Mallow)

Kosteletzkya, known as Seashore Mallow, is a flowering plant that produces pink, hibiscus-like blooms. It grows well in wet, salty soils, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Common Name
Seashore Mallow

Scientific Name
Kosteletzkya virginica

Origin
Eastern United States

Blooming Season
Summer to Early Fall

Uses
Coastal gardens, wetland areas

22. Kopsia (Pink Kopsia)

Kopsia, or Pink Kopsia, is a tropical flowering plant known for its fragrant pink flowers. It’s often grown in tropical climates where it can thrive as a small tree or shrub.

Common Name
Pink Kopsia

Scientific Name
Kopsia fruticosa

Origin
Southeast Asia

Blooming Season
Year-round in tropical climates

Uses
Tropical gardens, ornamental shrub

Summing Up

Are you ready to add some unique flowers to your garden?
This list of 22 flowers that start with K offers various options, from the bold colors of King Protea and Kniphofia to the delicate beauty of Kalanchoe and Kerria.
Each plant brings charm, whether for brightening a garden bed, attracting pollinators, or adding a tropical feel.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, these flowers can offer something special to any outdoor space.
Explore their uses, origins, and blooming seasons to find the perfect fit for your garden.

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