Magnificent 19 Flowers That Start with M : A Gardener’s Guide

Explore our gardener’s guide to magnificent 19 Flowers that start with M. Find out how to grow and care for these unique and colorful blooms.

Are you looking to add some variety to your garden? Let’s explore 19 beautiful Flowers that start with the letter M. These plants can bring color, texture and interest to any outdoor space. We’ll cover how to grow them and what makes each one special.

1. Marigold

Here’s a short information chart about Marigold:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Tagetes spp.
Common Name	Marigold
Appearance	Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange, or red
Leaf Shape	Feathery, pinnate
Plant Type	Annual or perennial herb
Zones	USDA Zones 2-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Moderate
Fertilization	Regular application during growing season
Growth Habit	Upright, bushy
Height/Spread	6 inches to 3 feet tall, spread varies
Pests	Generally resistant; susceptible to spider mites
Special Features	Attracts pollinators; used in companion planting

Marigolds are cheerful, easy-to-grow flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange and red. They bloom all summer long and can help keep pests away from your vegetable garden.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Water regularly but don’t overwater
• Pinch off dead blooms to encourage more flowers

2. Magnolia

Here’s a short information chart about Magnolia:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Magnolia spp.
Common Name	Magnolia
Appearance	Large, showy flowers in white, pink, or purple hues
Leaf Shape	Broad, glossy, elliptical to ovate
Plant Type	Deciduous or evergreen tree or shrub
Zones	USDA Zones 4-9, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Moist, well-drained
Watering	Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Fertilization	Periodic feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Typically upright; varies by species
Height/Spread	Varies widely by species; can range from 10 to 80 feet in height
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; watch for scale insects
Special Features	Fragrant flowers; important in horticulture and landscaping

Magnolias are trees or shrubs known for their large, fragrant flowers. They can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the variety.

How to grow:

• Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade
• Plant in well-draining soil
• Water deeply and regularly, especially when young

3. Morning Glory

Here’s a short information chart about Morning Glory:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Ipomoea spp.
Common Name	Morning Glory
Appearance	Funnel-shaped flowers in various colors (blue, purple, pink, white)
Leaf Shape	Heart-shaped, lobed
Plant Type	Annual vine
Zones	USDA Zones 3-10, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Occasional feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Climbing, twining
Height/Spread	Varies; can reach up to 10 feet tall
Pests	Susceptible to aphids, spider mites
Special Features	Fast-growing; blooms in the morning and closes by midday; attracts pollinators

Morning glories are fast-growing vines with trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning. They come in shades of blue, purple, pink and white.

How to grow:

• Provide a trellis or fence for support
• Plant in full sun
• Soak seeds overnight before planting for better germination

4. Moonflower

Here’s a short information chart about Moonflower:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Ipomoea alba
Common Name	Moonflower
Appearance	Large, white, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night
Leaf Shape	Heart-shaped, deeply lobed
Plant Type	Annual vine
Zones	USDA Zones 9-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Occasional feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Climbing, twining
Height/Spread	Can reach up to 15 feet tall
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Blooms in the evening and night; fragrant flowers; attracts moths and pollinators

Moonflowers are night-blooming vines with large, white flowers that open in the evening. They have a sweet fragrance that attracts night pollinators.

How to grow:

• Provide a sturdy support for climbing
• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

5. Moss Rose (Portulaca)

Here’s a short information chart about Moss Rose (Portulaca):

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Portulaca grandiflora
Common Name	Moss Rose
Appearance	Low-growing succulent with colorful, rose-like flowers in various hues (pink, red, yellow, white)
Leaf Shape	Fleshy, cylindrical to spoon-shaped
Plant Type	Annual succulent
Zones	USDA Zones 2-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, sandy
Watering	Drought-tolerant; water sparingly
Fertilization	Minimal; prefers poor soil conditions
Growth Habit	Spreading, mat-forming
Height/Spread	Typically 4-8 inches tall; spreads up to 12 inches
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; occasional aphid or spider mite issues
Special Features	Heat and drought tolerant; blooms profusely; suitable for rock gardens, containers and ground cover

Moss rose is a low-growing annual with succulent-like leaves and colorful flowers. It’s great for rock gardens and hot, dry areas.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Use well-draining soil
• Water sparingly; it’s drought-tolerant

6. Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)

Here’s a short information chart about Muscari, commonly known as Grape Hyacinth:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Muscari spp.
Common Name	Grape Hyacinth
Appearance	Compact spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white, resembling grapes
Leaf Shape	Narrow, strap-like
Plant Type	Perennial bulb
Zones	USDA Zones 4-9, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Average; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Clumping, spreading
Height/Spread	Typically 6-12 inches tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-free
Special Features	Early spring bloomer; deer-resistant; ideal for naturalizing in woodland gardens or under trees

Muscari are small spring-blooming bulbs with clusters of blue or purple flowers that look like tiny grapes.

How to grow:

• Plant bulbs in fall
• Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade
• Well-draining soil is essential

7. Mimosa (Silk Tree)

Here’s a short information chart about Mimosa, also known as Silk Tree:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Albizia julibrissin
Common Name	Mimosa, Silk Tree
Appearance	Delicate, fern-like foliage; fluffy pink or white pom-pom flowers in summer
Leaf Shape	Bipinnately compound, feathery
Plant Type	Deciduous tree
Zones	USDA Zones 6-9
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Spreading canopy, open
Height/Spread	Typically 20-40 feet tall, spread similar to height
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; watch for webworms
Special Features	Fragrant flowers attract butterflies and bees; sensitive leaves fold in response to touch

The mimosa tree has feathery leaves and fluffy pink flowers that bloom in summer. Be careful, as it can be invasive in some areas.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Tolerates various soil types
• Prune to maintain shape and size

8. Monarda (Bee Balm)

Here’s a short information chart about Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Monarda spp.
Common Name	Bee Balm
Appearance	Clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple or white; aromatic foliage
Leaf Shape	Lance-shaped, serrated
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Zones	USDA Zones 4-9, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Moist, well-drained
Watering	Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Upright, clumping
Height/Spread	Typically 2-4 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions
Special Features	Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; used in herb gardens and as a cut flower

Monarda or bee balm, has spiky flowers in shades of red, pink or purple. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Keep soil moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

9. Malva (Mallow)

Here’s a short information chart about Malva, commonly known as Mallow:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Malva spp.
Common Name	Mallow
Appearance	Five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple or white; palmate or lobed leaves
Leaf Shape	Palmate or lobed
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Zones	USDA Zones 3-8, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Upright, spreading
Height/Spread	Typically 1-4 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Attracts bees and butterflies; used in cottage gardens and for culinary and medicinal purposes

Malva flowers have five-petaled blooms in shades of pink, purple or white. They’re easy to grow and bloom for a long time.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Well-draining soil is best
• Deadhead to encourage more blooms

10. Matthiola (Stock)

Here’s a short information chart about Matthiola, commonly known as Stock:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Matthiola spp.
Common Name	Stock
Appearance	Spikes of fragrant, four-petaled flowers in shades of pink, purple, white or yellow
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate to ovate
Plant Type	Annual or biennial herb
Zones	USDA Zones 7-10
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Upright, branching
Height/Spread	Typically 1-3 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; watch for aphids and caterpillars
Special Features	Fragrant flowers; used in floral arrangements and as a garden ornamental

Matthiola or stock, has spikes of fragrant flowers in various colors. It’s often grown for cutting gardens.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Pinch back young plants for bushier growth

11. Myosotis (Forget-Me-Not)

Forget-me-nots have tiny blue flowers with yellow centers. They’re great for woodland gardens and moist areas.

How to grow:

• Plant in partial shade
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Allow to self-seed for naturalization

12. Mandevilla

Here’s a short information chart about Mandevilla:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Mandevilla spp.
Common Name	Mandevilla
Appearance	Showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red or white; glossy, dark green leaves
Leaf Shape	Oval to lanceolate
Plant Type	Evergreen vine or shrub
Zones	USDA Zones 9-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Fertilization	Monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
Growth Habit	Climbing or trailing
Height/Spread	Varies by species; can range from 3 to 15 feet tall
Pests	Susceptible to spider mites and aphids
Special Features	Tropical appearance; used in containers and hanging baskets; attracts hummingbirds

Mandevilla is a tropical vine with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red or white.

How to grow:

• Provide a trellis or support for climbing
• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

13. Mignonette

Here’s a short information chart about Mignonette:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Reseda spp.
Common Name	Mignonette
Appearance	Clusters of small, tubular flowers in greenish-yellow to white
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate to oval
Plant Type	Annual herb
Zones	USDA Zones 2-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Moderate
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Upright, bushy
Height/Spread	Typically 6-18 inches tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Fragrant flowers; used in perfumery and as a filler in floral arrangements

Mignonette has small, fragrant flowers on spiky stems. It’s not showy, but the scent is delightful.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Well-draining soil is essential
• Sow seeds directly in the garden

14. Mirabilis (Four O’Clock)

Here’s a short information chart about Mirabilis, commonly known as Four O’Clock:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Mirabilis spp.
Common Name	Four O’Clock
Appearance	Trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors (pink, red, yellow, white); fragrant blooms that open in late afternoon
Leaf Shape	Oval to heart-shaped
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial or annual depending on climate
Zones	USDA Zones 7-11 (perennial); grown as annuals in cooler climates
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Regular; prefers moderate moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Upright, bushy
Height/Spread	Typically 1-3 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; occasional issues with spider mites and aphids
Special Features	Fragrant flowers; blooms in late afternoon and evening; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Four o’clocks have trumpet-shaped flowers that open in late afternoon. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Tolerates various soil types
• Water regularly during dry spells

15. Monkey Flower

Here’s a short information chart about Monkey Flower:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Mimulus spp.
Common Name	Monkey Flower
Appearance	Tubular flowers in various colors (yellow, orange, red, pink, lavender) with spots or markings
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate to ovate
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Zones	USDA Zones 4-10, depending on species
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Moist, well-drained
Watering	Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Upright, spreading
Height/Spread	Typically 6 inches to 2 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; watch for aphids
Special Features	Attracts bees and butterflies; suitable for moist areas and along water features

Monkey flowers have whimsical blooms that resemble a monkey’s face. They come in various colors and patterns.

How to grow:

• Plant in partial shade
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Great for bog gardens or near water features

16. Melampodium

Here’s a short information chart about Melampodium:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Melampodium spp.
Common Name	Melampodium
Appearance	Daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow or gold; compact, bushy growth habit
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate, toothed
Plant Type	Annual
Zones	USDA Zones 8-11
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, fertile
Watering	Moderate
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Compact, mounding
Height/Spread	Typically 6-12 inches tall; spreads 12-18 inches
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Heat and drought tolerant; blooms profusely; suitable for borders, containers and mass plantings

Melampodium has small, daisy-like flowers in bright yellow. It’s heat-tolerant and blooms all summer.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Tolerates various soil types
• Drought-tolerant once established

17. Mountain Laurel

Here’s a short information chart about Mountain Laurel:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Kalmia latifolia
Common Name	Mountain Laurel
Appearance	Clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white or rarely, red; glossy, leathery evergreen leaves
Leaf Shape	Oblong to elliptical
Plant Type	Evergreen shrub or small tree
Zones	USDA Zones 5-9
Sun Exposure	Partial shade to full shade
Soil Type	Moist, well-drained acidic soil
Watering	Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Fertilization	Light feeding with acidic fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Dense, rounded
Height/Spread	Typically 5-15 feet tall; spreads 5-10 feet
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Attractive to bees and butterflies; deer-resistant; used in woodland gardens and as an ornamental plant

Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub with clusters of pink or white flowers. It’s native to eastern North America.

How to grow:

• Plant in partial shade
• Acidic, well-draining soil is best
• Water deeply and regularly when young

18. Mullein

Here’s a short information chart about Mullein:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Verbascum spp.
Common Name	Mullein
Appearance	Tall, upright spikes of yellow flowers; large, fuzzy, gray-green leaves in a rosette at the base
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate, fuzzy
Plant Type	Biennial or perennial herb
Zones	USDA Zones 3-9
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
Watering	Drought-tolerant; prefers dry to moderately moist soil
Fertilization	Minimal feeding with balanced fertilizer
Growth Habit	Upright, tall
Height/Spread	Typically 3-6 feet tall; spread varies
Pests	Generally pest-resistant; watch for powdery mildew
Special Features	Used in herbal medicine; attracts pollinators; adds architectural interest to gardens

Mullein has tall spikes of yellow flowers and large, fuzzy leaves. It’s often found in wild areas but can be grown in gardens.

How to grow:

• Plant in full sun
• Well-draining soil is essential
• Drought-tolerant once established

19. Mertensia (Virginia Bluebells)

Here’s a short information chart about Mertensia, commonly known as Virginia Bluebells:

Aspect	Information
Botanical Name	Mertensia spp.
Common Name	Virginia Bluebells
Appearance	Bell-shaped, nodding flowers in shades of blue, pink or white; smooth, lanceolate leaves
Leaf Shape	Lanceolate
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Zones	USDA Zones 3-8
Sun Exposure	Part shade to full shade
Soil Type	Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Watering	Moderate
Fertilization	Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring
Growth Habit	Clumping, spreading
Height/Spread	Typically 1-2 feet tall; spreads gradually
Pests	Generally pest-resistant
Special Features	Attractive to bees and butterflies; native to eastern North America; naturalizes in woodland gardens

Virginia bluebells have clusters of blue, bell-shaped flowers in spring. They’re great for woodland gardens.

How to grow:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming

These 19 flowers that start with M offer a wide range of colors, shapes and growing habits. Whether you’re looking for annuals, perennials or shrubs, there’s something here for every garden. Remember to consider your local climate and soil conditions when choosing plants. With proper care, these magnificent M flowers can bring beauty and interest to your outdoor space for years to come.

For more gardening tips and plant care advice, check out the Cooperative Extension System website. They offer research-based information to help you succeed in your gardening endeavors.