Thinking of a flower with a name that starts with z may seem tricky. There are a few plants such as Zinnia and Zephyranthes that come to mind. But did you know that the full name of a calla lilly is a zantedeschia. Here’s a list of flowers that start with the letter z!
Zephyranthes (Rain Lily; Fairy Lily)
The zephyranthes or rain lily (Zephyranthes sp.) is a member of the amaryllis family. The flower is also known as the fairy lily because of its tiny flower and delicate appearance. Zephyranthes are easy to grow on the ground or in a pot. In colder regions, it’s best to plant the rhizomes in pots and keep them indoors until spring. Then, when the ground warms up, and the threat of frost has passed, move the pots outdoors and put them in full sunlight.
Rain Lilies Care Tips
Zephyranthes thrive under full sun and moist soil. They cannot tolerate wet or soggy soil, so drainage is important. If the roots sit in water, they will rot and die.
If you want to increase your stock of rain lilies, you can divide the rhizomes in the spring or fall when the plants begin to go dormant. Zephyranthes prefer slightly acidic soil and need a lot of sunlight to bloom well.
Zantedeschia (Calla Lily; Arum Lily)
Calla lilies are native to South Africa, but they grow well in areas with temperate regions. They’re grown as perennial plants and are available in a variety of colors. Some of the more common types include:
- ‘Brentham Beauty’ – white flower with striking yellow throat
- ‘Black Beauty’ – dark violet-black flowers
- ‘Candy Cane’ – striped red-and-white flower
- ‘Fireworks Orange Flame’ – bright orange flower
- ‘Kongo Red,’ ‘Kongo White,’ and ‘Kongo Yellow’- red, white, and yellow flowers, respectively
- ‘Little Princess’ – white flower with a yellow throat
- ‘Peacock Flare’ – violet-blue flowers with a green throat
- ‘Pink Perfection – pink flowers
- ‘Red Perfection’ – red flowers
Calla Lilies Care Tips
Calla lilies grow best in full sun. Choose a location with well-drained soil that receives at least six hours of full sunlight each day. They thrive in poor soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6. Plant your calla lily rhizomes no deeper than one-third of their length, and space them at least 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation around each plant. Like most bulbs, Callas are best planted in the fall to bloom the following summer.
You can harvest the underground bulb and replant it in the spring in fall. This plant will need plenty of water while growing, but they don’t like soggy soil. It’s also essential to care for them well throughout the growing season to ensure big and beautiful blooms.
Zinnia (Zinnia)
The Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans) is a colorful and long-lasting addition to your flower garden. They are used to grace different events and for landscaping because of the way they bring an explosion of color wherever they are. They can be easily grown in windowsills, hanging baskets, or even on the porch or patio. They provide an attractive summer flower display that attracts hummingbirds. Zinnias are love tropical, warm weather and are hummingbirds’ favorite. Hummingbirds enjoy eating the seeds that are produced by Zinnia. These birds are attracted to the bright colors and can be seen hovering in front of the flower.
Zinnia Care Tips
These flowers need a sunny location with well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season but not soggy. Zinnias are a perennial plant and will continue to bloom for several years.
Zinnias can be grown from seed or from cuttings of mature plants. The seed should be planted between the first frost and the last frost of spring in full sun. The seedlings will begin growing within a few weeks after planting and may begin flowering within eight weeks of planting.
Zygopetalum (Zygo)
Zygopetalum is a genus of plants in the family Zygophyllaceae. It contains about 50 species and is native to South America. This genus name has Z. as its unique abbreviation.
Zygopetalum Plant Data
- Plant Type: Annuals, Perennials
- Sun needs: Full sun or Partial sun
- Color: shades of blue, purple, red, and white.
- Water needs: Average
- Blooms in: Autumn, Spring, Winter
- Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil needs: Moist and well-drained soil, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Height: Grows to a height of 40 cm (16 inches).
Zygopetalum Care Tips
Zygopetalum has a sweet scent and can make an excellent wedding bouquet. It grows in various colors, such as blue, purple, red, and white. These flowers need a sunny location with well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season but not soggy. Zygopetalum is a perennial plant and will continue to bloom for several years.
Like other orchids, zygopetalums need rest after the blooms have faded. They should be placed in a cool place (around 60 F) for about two weeks before being moved to the warmer room. The best time to move them is in the fall, when temperatures are cooler. They should be placed in a location where they will receive six hours of sunlight per day.
Related article: 10 Flowers that Start with G