6 Gorgeous Flowers That Start With “K”

Common flowers that start with the letter “K” include kalanchoe, kalmia, kangaroo paw, kerria, king protea, and kiss me over the garden gate. Read on to learn more about these amazing fruits!

There are thousands of different species of flowers in the world. Below, you’ll learn about some flowers that start with “K,” including what they look like and where they grow. Ready to see these six gorgeous flowers?

Let’s dive in!

1. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)

The kalanchoe is a genus containing around 125 species of tropical succulents with beautiful blooms. The majority of these are native to Madagascar and the tropical regions of Africa. One interesting fact about this genus is that a species of this plant was among one of the first plants to be sent into Space. This occurred in 1979.

With over one hundred different species, there isn’t a single look for plants in this genus. However, many of them sport brilliant flowers. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is one example, and it’s a popular house plant. It has many names that you may recognize it by, including “flaming Katy,” “Christmas Kalanchoe,” “florist kalanchoe,” and “Madagascar widow’s-thrill.” These bush-like evergreen succulents bloom with large, colorful flower clusters. 

Kalanchoe katapifa “Tarantula” is another succulent in this family that sports beautiful flowers. These grow tall and feature pink blooms that can last for several months. 

2. Kalmia (Kalmia latifolia)

This particular species of flowers that start with “K” is also known as the “mountain laurel,” “calico-bush,” and “spoonwood.” This flowering plant is native to the eastern region of the United States. In this region, it plays an important role. It is the state flower for two different states (Connecticut and Pennsylvania), as well as the source of several places’ names. These places include Laurel County in Kentucky, Laurel, Mississippi, and the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania.

Kalmia latifolia is an evergreen shrub. However, it’s anything but a small plant, with some of the largest specimens growing to be nearly 30 feet tall. They have large flowers that grow in clusters ranging from light pink to white. It is important to note that every part of this plant is poisonous. As a result, if you choose to decorate or landscape with this beautiful flowering plant, be sure to use caution and consider small children or pets.  

3. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos sp.)

Kangaroo paws are drought-resistant flowering plants that are native to Australia. They have leafless stalks that grow upwards and end in long, thin flowers. These flowers grow in clusters, with a velvety appearance and curbed ends. All of these features have earned them the common name of kangaroo paw. 

These flowers that start with “K” can come in a variety of different colors. Some of the most common to see are red and yellow, but you can also see orange and even shades of purple and pink! These colors aren’t just for looks, however. They are also important for attracting the animals that rely on these plants for a food source, such as the honey possum and certain species of birds. 

The name kangaroo paw typically refers to all plants in the genus Anigozathos. As a result, different species of this plant may differ slightly in appearance.

4. Kerria (Kerria japonica)

This plant is also known as the “Japanese kerria” and “Japanese rose.” It is the only species in the genus Kerria, which is why it may also be known by that name alone. These beautiful flowers are native to China, Japan, and Korea, where they grow thickly in the mountainside. 

These plants can grow to be almost 10 feet tall. Each flower is golden-yellow in color with five even petals. Many people include these flowers in their gardens. In recent years, a disease has been affecting the kerria, especially in the United Kingdom. This disease results in surface-level damage, such as red spots on the leaves and lesions. In most cases, this disease resulted in the death of the plant. This highly contagious disease was linked back to the fungus Blumeriella kerriae. This fungus only occurs in this plant. 

5. King Protea (Protea cynaroides)

The king protea is the national flower of South Africa. It is also known as the “giant protea,” “honeypot,” and “king sugar bush.” It is a widespread native species found in the southwestern and southern regions of South Africa. Along with representing the country as the national flower, the king protea also represents the Protea Atlas Project, which is focused on the conservation of species in the Protea genus. 

Many consider this to be a rather unusual-looking flower. The base of the plant is a woody shrub. The stems of the flower are thick. What looks to be the flower of the king protea isn’t actually the flower. Instead, the head of the flower is a collection of separate smaller flowers. This is known as an inflorescence, and you may recognize it in broccoli. 

6. Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate (Persicaria orientale)

If you’re looking to create a cottage garden of your own, then the Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate may be the right choice for you.

This beautiful, whimsy plant is tall and dense, with pink flowers that grow in a long cluster. Many compare this cluster of lowers to beads on a string. These last from the middle of summer to around the first frost. During this time, you’ll find that the wildlife near you, such as bees, butterflies, and bees, enjoy these flowers just as much as you do.

Researchers aren’t sure of the exact origins and native range of these plants. Many estimate that their natural range includes Russia, Australia, and more. Today, however, this flower is widespread and naturalized in many places. 

Summary of 6 Flowers That Start with “K”

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Hesti Lestari/Shutterstock.com