50 popular Flowers That Start With M; Discover Rare Blooms & Gardening Tips
Introduction to Flowers That Start With M
Are you searching for ways to enrich your garden with flowers that exude beauty, elegance, and variety? Flowers that start with the letter “M” are excellent choices that bring a distinct charm to any outdoor space. From timeless classics like Marigold to unique treasures like Monkey Flower, each “M” flower adds a splash of color and character to gardens of all styles. With their unique shapes, hues, and fragrances, these flowers captivate both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike, turning any garden into a lively, inviting haven.
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Why Choose Flowers That Start With “M”?
Flowers that start with the letter “M” are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something special to enhance your garden. They range from hardy perennials to delicate annuals, making them ideal for all garden designs, whether you’re creating a wildflower meadow, cottage garden, or formal display. Adding “M” flowers can lend vibrancy, fragrance, and symbolic meaning to your garden space. Let’s explore 50+ flowers that start with “M,” care tips, and the beauty they bring.
Just like these flowers, certain indoor plants can enhance air quality. Check out our list of the Best Plants for Indoors Oxygen to complement your garden’s charm indoors.
Marigold
Marigolds are popular annuals known for their bright, cheerful colors in shades of orange, yellow, and red. They are hardy, easy to grow, and can even repel garden pests, making them excellent companion plants.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
- Water: Regularly, but avoid waterlogging
Magnolia
Magnolias are elegant trees or shrubs with large, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, or yellow. These trees make a stunning focal point in any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, acidic soil
- Spacing: Varies by variety, typically 10-15 feet apart
- Water: Moderate, with regular deep watering
Mandevilla
Mandevillas are tropical vines with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink, and white. Perfect for containers or trellises, they add a lush, exotic feel to gardens.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Monkshood is a striking perennial with tall spires of deep blue or purple flowers. It adds height and drama to garden borders but should be handled with care due to its toxicity.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a fast-growing vine with beautiful, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Its blooms open in the morning, adding freshness to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soils
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
- Water: Moderate; water during dry spells
Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflowers are heat-loving annuals that produce bright orange-red blooms, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Minimal, once established
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel is an evergreen shrub with clusters of pink or white flowers. It’s perfect for shady spots and adds year-round structure to the garden.
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil
- Spacing: 4-6 feet apart
- Water: Moderate, prefers moist soil
Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Marantas are unique houseplants with striking, patterned leaves that fold up at night. They can also be grown outdoors in warm, shaded areas.
- Sunlight: Indirect light or partial shade
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart in containers
- Water: Keep soil moist; high humidity preferred
Mimosa
The Mimosa tree is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and pink, feathery flowers. This tree adds a touch of elegance and is ideal for a tropical-themed garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil, adaptable to various soils
- Spacing: 10-20 feet apart
- Water: Moderate; tolerates drought once established
Monkey Flower
Monkey Flower is a colorful perennial with snapdragon-like blooms in a variety of colors, making it great for wet areas like streams or pond edges.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Spacing: 12 inches apart
- Water: Regular, keep soil moist
Madagascar Periwinkle
Madagascar Periwinkles are vibrant annuals that produce lovely blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. These resilient flowers are known for their ability to thrive in warm climates and are commonly used in borders, containers, and as ground covers.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
- Water: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross flowers, also known as Lychnis chalcedonica, are vibrant perennials known for their striking red, star-shaped blooms. They add bold color to gardens and are relatively easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid excessive moisture
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a perennial herb cherished for its delicate, creamy white blooms and sweet fragrance. It thrives in moist environments, often found near streams or damp meadows. Meadowsweet attracts pollinators, making it a great addition to natural gardens.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral
- Spacing: 12-24 inches apart
- Water: Regularly, keeping soil consistently moist
Mexican Heather
Mexican Heather is a charming, low-growing perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage and tiny purple, lavender, or white flowers. It’s resilient, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging
Mexican Marigold
Mexican Marigolds, also known as Tagetes erecta, are vibrant annual flowers celebrated for their rich golden-yellow hues. They are not only visually striking but also resilient and low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardens and landscapes. Their strong scent is known to deter various pests, making them beneficial companions in vegetable gardens.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a striking perennial known for its vibrant purple flowers and distinctive spiky leaves. Valued for its medicinal properties, it is hardy and relatively easy to cultivate. Milk thistle also attracts beneficial insects, making it a great addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate; allow the soil to dry between watering.
Milkwort Flowers
Milkwort flowers are charming perennials appreciated for their delicate clusters of small blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. They thrive in a variety of conditions and can attract beneficial pollinators, making them a lovely addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Mint Bush
Mint Bush is a vibrant, aromatic shrub with soft, green foliage and clusters of small purple, blue, or white flowers. It’s hardy, fragrant, and attracts pollinators, making it a beautiful and practical choice for any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings
Mokara Orchid
Mokara Orchids are vibrant, hybrid orchids known for their striking, long-lasting blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. They are resilient and elegant, making them a stunning choice for indoor arrangements or tropical gardens.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix or sphagnum moss
- Spacing: 6-8 inches apart if grown in groups
- Water: Moderate watering; allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings
Molucca Balm
Molucca Balm, also known as Bells of Ireland, is a striking annual with tall, upright stems and unique, green, bell-shaped calyces. Its fresh, bold look adds texture and height to garden borders, and it’s a favorite for cut flower arrangements.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist, but avoid standing water
Monkey Puzzle Tree Flowers
Monkey Puzzle Tree is a striking evergreen with a unique, architectural appearance and stiff, spiny leaves. Its unusual flowers, although rare, add an exotic element to its overall appeal, with male and female cones growing on separate trees.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: Allow plenty of space; mature trees can reach 50-80 feet tall
- Water: Moderate watering; prefers slightly dry conditions once established
Moonflower
Moonflower is a beautiful, vining plant with large, fragrant, white blossoms that bloom in the evening. It’s a fast-growing annual, perfect for adding nighttime charm to your garden, while attracting night pollinators like moths.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
- Water: Regular watering; keep soil moist but ensure proper drainage
Mother of Thousands
Mother of Thousands is a fascinating, succulent plant known for its unique ability to propagate from tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and adds an exotic touch to indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Low watering needs; allow soil to dry out between waterings
Related
Mountain Ash Flowers
Mountain Ash is a beautiful, deciduous tree known for its clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring. Its flowers attract birds and pollinators, and the tree is often admired for its bright red berries in the fall.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for trees
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Mullein Flowers
Mullein is a tall, striking biennial with velvety, silvery-green leaves and vibrant yellow flower spikes. It’s drought-tolerant, medicinal, and attracts beneficial insects, making it a wonderful addition to both ornamental and medicinal gardens.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Low to moderate watering; prefers dry conditions
Mulberry Flowers
Mulberry is a versatile deciduous tree valued for its lush foliage and sweet, edible berries. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are crucial for fruit development. This hardy tree is perfect for attracting wildlife and enhancing garden diversity.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil
- Spacing: 15-25 feet apart
- Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Mountain Mint
Mountain Mint is a hardy perennial known for its aromatic foliage and clusters of small, white to lavender flowers. It’s an excellent plant for attracting pollinators and deterring pests, making it a great choice for naturalizing and borders.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate brief dry periods
Musk Mallow
Musk Mallow is an enchanting, medium-height perennial with soft, deeply lobed leaves and delicate pink or white flowers. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and attracts pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging
Mouse-Ear Chickweed
Mouse-Ear Chickweed is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial with small, hairy leaves and tiny white star-shaped flowers. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and spreads quickly, making it an excellent ground cover for gardens.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging
Mock Orange
Mock Orange is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, white flowers that resemble orange blossoms. This low-maintenance plant adds a delightful aroma and beauty to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 4-6 feet apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging
Mountain Forget-Me-Not
Mountain Forget-Me-Not is a beautiful, low-growing perennial with small, sky-blue flowers and lush green foliage. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators, making it a lovely addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging
Mimulus (Monkey Flower)
Mimulus, commonly known as Monkey Flower, is a charming perennial (or sometimes annual) with a variety of vibrant flower colors, from yellow and orange to red and pink. It has attractive, deep green foliage and unique, open-faced flowers that resemble small monkey faces, adding playful beauty to garden spaces. Hardy and easy to care for, Mimulus attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a lively addition to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist; Mimulus enjoys higher moisture levels and can tolerate periodic dampness
Melampodium Flowers
Melampodium is a charming, hardy annual with cheerful, bright yellow flowers and vibrant green foliage. This plant is low-maintenance and blooms profusely, attracting pollinators and adding a burst of sunshine to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil slightly moist but avoid waterlogging
Melampodium’s resilience and long blooming season make it a delightful choice for sunny borders or container gardens.
Mexican Petunia
The Mexican Petunia is a vibrant, perennial plant known for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. Its tall, slender stems and dark green, lance-shaped leaves add a tropical touch to gardens. This hardy, low-maintenance plant is popular for its resilience and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a wonderful choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; tolerates some drought but thrives with regular moisture
Magnificent Poinsettia
The Magnificent Poinsettia is a striking plant known for its vibrant red, pink, or white bracts that resemble petals, making it a show-stopping addition to holiday décor or garden displays. This winter-blooming plant is relatively low-maintenance, adding a burst of color and elegance to any indoor or outdoor space.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering
Magnificent Poinsettia
The Magnificent Poinsettia is a striking plant known for its vibrant red, pink, or white bracts that resemble petals, making it a show-stopping addition to holiday décor or garden displays. This winter-blooming plant is relatively low-maintenance, adding a burst of color and elegance to any indoor or outdoor space.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering
Malva Flowers
Malva flowers, also known as mallows, are charming, upright perennials with delicate, pastel-hued blooms ranging from soft pinks to purples. Their lush green foliage and showy flowers create a beautiful, cottage-garden aesthetic, and they are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies, adding a lively touch to any garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil moist, especially during dry periods
Marsh Marigold
Marsh Marigold is a vibrant, low-growing perennial with cheerful, bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves. It thrives in wet or boggy areas and attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for water gardens or damp spots in the landscape.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, rich soil; tolerates heavy clay
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: High water needs; prefers consistently wet soil
Matthiola (Stock) Flowers
Matthiola, commonly known as Stock, is a charming and fragrant perennial that produces dense clusters of small, colorful blooms. The flowers range in shades from soft pinks and purples to whites and yellows, adding a delightful fragrance and vibrant color to any garden. Matthiola is relatively easy to care for and is known for attracting pollinators, making it an excellent choice for enhancing outdoor spaces.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, rich, fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-15 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering
Matthiola is a versatile and hardy flower that brings a timeless charm to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements alike.
Mexican Primrose
Mexican Primrose is a charming, low-growing perennial with delicate, pink to light purple flowers and lush green foliage. Known for its beauty and resilience, this plant is perfect for adding a soft touch to any garden. It’s easy to care for and attracts pollinators, making it a wonderful choice for garden enthusiasts.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging
This lovely plant brings a vibrant, romantic feel to garden spaces while remaining hardy and low-maintenance.
Mexican Tulip Poppy
The Mexican Tulip Poppy is a striking, low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant yellow or orange blooms to any garden. With delicate, silky petals and soft green foliage, this plant adds a bold splash of color to your landscape. It’s also popular with pollinators, making it both beautiful and beneficial.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Low to moderate watering; drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional watering in dry spells
Miniature Roses
Miniature Roses are charming, compact perennials known for their small, delicate blooms that come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant reds. These roses are ideal for small spaces, containers, or as borders in gardens. They are relatively hardy and require minimal care, rewarding gardeners with abundant flowers and attractive foliage.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging
Moor Grass
Moor Grass is an attractive, clumping perennial grass with slender, arching leaves and airy flower spikes that add movement and texture to the garden. This hardy, low-maintenance plant brings elegance to garden beds and borders and pairs well with other grasses or flowering plants.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist, though it can tolerate occasional dryness
Moon Orchid
The Moon Orchid is an elegant, tropical perennial known for its delicate, white to pale pink flowers with intricate patterns. It’s cherished for its graceful blooms and its ability to bring a touch of sophistication indoors or to shaded garden spaces. While it requires a bit of care, its stunning flowers make it a rewarding plant for any enthusiast.
- Sunlight: Indirect light or partial shade; avoid direct, harsh sunlight
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil or orchid-specific potting mix
- Spacing: Space individually in pots or, if grouped, place 8-10 inches apart
- Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa Pudica, also known as the “Sensitive Plant,” is a unique, low-growing perennial known for its fascinating touch-sensitive leaves that fold inward when disturbed. It produces small, pink, fluffy, ball-shaped flowers that add a delicate charm to gardens and indoor plant collections. This plant is both attractive and intriguing, making it a great conversation starter in any setting.
- Sunlight: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
- Water: Regular watering; keep soil consistently moist, avoiding waterlogging
Mistletoe
Mongolian Aster
The Mongolian Aster is a charming perennial that brings vibrant purple to lavender blooms to the garden. With its lush green foliage and daisy-like flowers, it’s a resilient and low-maintenance choice that attracts bees and butterflies, adding life to any garden space.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil moist, especially in dry spells
Mountain Phlox
Mountain Phlox is a charming, low-growing perennial with clusters of vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers and rich green foliage. It’s a hardy plant, easy to care for, and attracts pollinators, making it a wonderful choice for enhancing garden landscapes.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not saturated
If you’re interested in exploring more flowers by letter, take a look at our flowers that start with p for more colorful ideas.
Mini Gladiolus
Mini Gladiolus is a charming, compact perennial with tall, slender spikes adorned with vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers. It blooms in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vivid hues, adding a pop of color to any garden. This hardy plant is easy to grow and is adored by pollinators, making it an excellent choice for gardeners.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 4-6 inches apart
- Water: Regular watering; keep soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering
Mauve Tree (Polygala)
The Mauve Tree, or Polygala, is a striking, small to medium-sized shrub adorned with clusters of mauve or purple, pea-like flowers that bloom throughout the year. It’s a hardy plant with slender green foliage and a compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for gardens or containers.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist, especially in warmer months
Why You Should Add “M” Flowers to Your Garden
Flowers that start with the letter “M” bring a wonderful mix of beauty, texture, and symbolism to any garden setting. From the cheerful Marigold to the exotic Mandevilla, these blooms offer a wide range of appearances, colors, and forms. “M” flowers can add depth, fragrance, and a unique appeal to your outdoor space, creating a garden that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful. So, whether you’re planting a themed garden or simply expanding your floral collection, “M” flowers are a fantastic addition that promises beauty and diversity.
