Botanical Flower Names

There are more than 200,000 species of flowering plants, or angiosperms, spread throughout world. Average people know most of these flower species by their common names--like black-eyed susan or daylily--but each flower on the planet also has a botanical, or scientific, name that can tell you more about the plant. Whether you're interested in botany, or want to enrich your own vocabulary, learning some of the botanical names for flowers is an interesting task.

Ajuga reptans

Commonly known as bugleweed, Ajuga reptans is a variable foliage ground cover that produces several leaves of colors ranging from grey-green to deep emerald with hints of yellow and white. It's hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, and prefers partial shade with compost enriched soil. It produces flower spikes throughout mid-spring to early summer that range in color from light pink to deep red.

Passiflora incarnata

Passiflora incarnata, or passion flower, is a tropical vining plant that can be seen growing throughout most of the world with tropical and sub-tropical climates. It's an interesting looking flower, being exotic and fragrant and ranging in color from white to deep red. Passion flowers vines also produce fruits of the same name. It can be grown as a houseplant in warm, black soil or it can be grown in moist parts of the home garden against trellises or fences.

Zephyranthes

Zephyranthes, or fairy lily is sometimes referred to as a rain lily because of its tendency to show off its lovely blooms during rainy seasons. It is identified by its tall, spring-green stem, leafy foliage and bright pink lily blooms. It makes a wonderful garden flower and can be sown directly into the soil by seed like most wild flower seeds can be. Soil conditions can vary from sandy to loamy, but peat moss should be used to retain moisture. Compost and worm castings make excellent fertilizers in desert climates, with plenty of access to moisture.