
- Plants and flowers that start with 'C'
- Cactaceae (Cactus)
- Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold)
- Calla palustris (Water Arum)
- Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
- Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
- Campanula (Bellflower)
- Canna indica (Indian Shot)
- Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper)
- Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower)
- Carex (Sedge)
- Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
- Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
- Castanea (Chestnut)
- Catalpa (Catalpa or Indian Bean Tree)
- Ceanothus (California Lilac)
- Cedrus (Cedar)
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Centaurea (Cornflower or Knapweed)
- Ceratostigma (Hardy Plumbago)
- Cercidiphyllum (Katsura Tree)
- Cercis (Redbud)
- Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)
- Chelone (Turtlehead)
- Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
- Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)
- Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom)
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum or Mum)
- Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
- Cistus (Rock Rose)
- Citrus (Citrus Trees, like Orange, Lemon, Lime)
- Cladrastis (Yellowwood)
- Clematis (Clematis)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Clerodendrum (Glory Bower)
- Clianthus (Lobster Claw)
- Clivia (Bush Lily)
- Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)
- Coleus (Coleus)
- Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
- Coreopsis (Tickseed)
- Cornus (Dogwood)
- Corydalis (Fumewort)
- Corylus (Hazel)
- Cosmos (Cosmos)
- Cotinus (Smoke Tree)
- Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)
- Crataegus (Hawthorn)
- Crocosmia (Montbretia)
- Crocus (Crocus)
- Cynara Cardunculus (Cardoon)
Plants and flowers that start with ‘C’
Here you’ll find a list of 49 plants and flowers that start with the letter C. Of course, this is a drop in the ocean compared to the thousands of genus and species of plants that have been classified by botanists over the last few hundred years.
Nevertheless, we hope that bringing you a selection of some of the great garden flowers that start with ‘C’ will help you when you are trying to narrow down the choice of plants you may want to use in your garden.
There is no magic with flowers that start with ‘C’, of course. What I mean is that I don’t think you can say that they’re better than flowers that start with ‘A’ or ‘G’! But, even in this small selection, there are some magical plants that most gardens probably wouldn’t want to be without. Camelia, Callistemon, Canna, Cistus, Centaurea are some of my favourites, for example.
So, browse our selections of ‘C’ flowers and see which ones catch your eye.
We’ve added some useful information about each of the plants including descriptions of flowers and foliage, as well as details of hardiness, height, width, soil, position and water preferences. You’re sure to find some flowers that start with ‘C’ that you want to add to your garden.
See also our selections of :
Cactaceae (Cactus)
Cactaceae is a family of succulent, spiny plants that are well adapted to hot, dry environments. Cactus species originate from the Americas and are hardy in zones 9-11. The classic desert plant, Cactus are spiky, spectacular and have a surprising variety of beautiful flowers.

- Common Name: Cactus
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Varies by species, often yellow, pink, red, or white
- Flower Description: Typically large and showy, with numerous petals
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Fleshy, succulent, spiny stems in lieu of leaves
- Height/Width: Varies greatly by species, from a few inches to over 50 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained
- Water: Low water needs, drought tolerant
Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold)
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is an annual flower popular for its daisy-like blooms. It originates from southern Europe and is hardy in zones 3-9.

- Common Name: Pot Marigold
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: Yellow, orange
- Flower Description: Daisy-like with petal tips cut into points
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oblong, hairy leaves
- Height/Width: 12-24 inches tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Calla palustris (Water Arum)
Calla palustris, known as water arum, is a perennial grown for its lush foliage and white flowers resembling calla lilies. Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Water Arum
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Spathe surrounding finger-like spadix, resemble calla lilies
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Part sun
- Soil: Wet or boggy
- Water: Keep soil moist
Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
Callistemon, commonly called bottlebrush, refers to a group of shrubs prized for their red or pink bottle brush-like flowers. Most species are native to Australia and hardy in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Bottlebrush
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Red, pink, white, yellow
- Flower Description: Brush-like spikes resembling a bottle brush
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Narrow, lance-shaped
- Height/Width: 10-15 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
Camellia japonica, or Japanese camellia, is a flowering broadleaf shrub famous for its colorful, rose-like blooms. Native to eastern and southern Asia, it grows best in zones 7-9.

- Common Name: Japanese Camellia
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Pink, red, white, yellow
- Flower Description: Large, showy, rose-like blooms
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Foliage Description: Thick, glossy, oval leaves
- Height/Width: Up to 20 feet tall and wide
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Campanula (Bellflower)
Campanula is a diverse perennial genus including over 500 species of bellflowers popular for their bell-shaped blooms. Most campanulas originate from Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, thriving in zones 3-9 depending on the species.

- Common Name: Bellflower
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Blue, purple, white, pink
- Flower Description: Bell or star-shaped blooms
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval to heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: Varies by species, from a few inches to several feet tall
- Light: Sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Canna indica (Indian Shot)
Canna indica, known as Indian shot, is a large-leaved tropical perennial grown for its flamboyant flowers resembling orchids. Native to tropical America, it is hardy in zones 8-11.

- Common Name: Indian Shot
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, pink
- Flower Description: Large, showy flowers resembling orchids
- Foliage Color: Green, bronze, reddish
- Foliage Description: Large, tropical-looking oval leaves
- Height/Width: 4-8 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich
- Water: Moderate watering
Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper)
Capsicum annuum refers to peppers grown as annuals for their edible fruit. Most pepper varieties originate from Central and South America and are hardy in zones 8-11.

- Common Name: Bell Pepper
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Small, star-shaped
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Ovate leaves
- Height/Width: 2-4 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile
- Water: Regular watering
Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower)
Cardamine pratensis, or cuckooflower, is an herbaceous perennial known for its delicate blooms appearing in spring. Native throughout Europe and Asia, it thrives in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Cuckooflower
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Pink, white, purple
- Flower Description: Clustered, small, crucifer-shaped blooms
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Pinnate, lobed leaves
- Height/Width: 8-20 inches tall, 12 inches wide
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Moist
- Water: Moderate watering
Carex (Sedge)
Carex is a large genus of grassy perennials grown mainly for ornamental foliage. Species originate from temperate regions worldwide and are hardy in zones 3-9 depending on the variety.

- Common Name: Sedge
- Type: Perennial grass
- Flower Color: Green, brown
- Flower Description: Inconspicuous, grass-like spikes
- Foliage Color: Green, blue, yellow
- Foliage Description: Thin, grass-like leaves
- Height/Width: Varies greatly by species
- Light: Sun to shade
- Soil: Moist to wet
- Water: Moderate watering
Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
Carpinus betulus, known as the European or common hornbeam, is a deciduous tree valued for its fine-textured foliage. Native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, it grows best in zones 4-7.

- Common Name: Hornbeam
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: Green
- Flower Description: Catkins
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval, toothed, fine-textured leaves
- Height/Width: 30-60 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
- Light: Sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris, commonly called bluebeard, refers to a group of autumn-blooming shrubs grown for their blue flowers. Most species are native to eastern Asia and hardy to zones 5-9.

- Common Name: Bluebeard
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Blue, white
- Flower Description: Dense clusters of tubular flowers
- Foliage Color: Grayish green
- Foliage Description: Oval, dusty leaves
- Height/Width: 3-5 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Low water needs
Castanea (Chestnut)
Castanea refers to a genus of chestnut trees prized for ornamental value and edible nuts. Species originate from temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and are hardy in zones 4-9.

- Common Name: Chestnut
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: White, yellow, pink
- Flower Description: Long catkins
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oblong, toothed leaves
- Height/Width: 50-100 feet tall, 50 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Catalpa (Catalpa or Indian Bean Tree)
Catalpa, also called Indian bean tree, comprises a small group of flowering trees famous for their large, showy blossoms. Most are native to the eastern and central United States and hardy in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Catalpa, Indian Bean Tree
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Orchid-like, showy clusters
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Large, heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 40-60 feet tall, 20-40 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Ceanothus (California Lilac)
Ceanothus, known as California lilac, refers to a group of shrubs grown for profuse blue or white summer blooms. Species are native to North America and hardy in zones 7-10.

- Common Name: California Lilac
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Blue, white, pink
- Flower Description: Small, fragrant, clustered blooms
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval, shiny, leathery leaves
- Height/Width: 5-15 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought tolerant, low water once established
Cedrus (Cedar)
Cedrus is a genus of coniferous trees commonly known as true cedars. They originate from the mountains of Asia and the Mediterranean, thriving in zones 5-8.

- Common Name: Cedar
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flower Description: Inconspicuous
- Foliage Color: Bluish green
- Foliage Description: Flat, needle-like leaves
- Height/Width: Up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Celosia (Cockscomb)
Celosia, or cockscomb, refers to a group of annuals and tender perennials prized for their vivid plumes. Species originate from East Africa and Asia, typically hardy only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Cockscomb
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, pink
- Flower Description: Feathery plumes or crested heads
- Foliage Color: Green to reddish or purplish
- Foliage Description: Oval leaves
- Height/Width: 6-24 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Centaurea (Cornflower or Knapweed)
Centaurea encompasses hardy annual and perennial flowers like cornflowers and knapweeds. Most originate from Europe and Asia, thriving in zones 3-9 depending on the species.

- Common Name: Cornflower, Knapweed
- Type: Annual, perennial
- Flower Color: Blue, pink, purple, white, yellow
- Flower Description: Thistle-like flowers with paper bracts
- Foliage Color: Grayish green
- Foliage Description: Hairy, deeply lobed leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Drought tolerant, low water needs
Ceratostigma (Hardy Plumbago)
Ceratostigma, commonly called hardy plumbago, refers to a group of late-summer blooming perennials. Native to China and Tibet, they are hardy in zones 5-9.

- Common Name: Hardy Plumbago
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Blue
- Flower Description: Clusters of 5-petaled, trumpet-shaped flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Cercidiphyllum (Katsura Tree)
Cercidiphyllum, or katsura tree, is a deciduous ornamental tree grown for its graceful shape and fall foliage. Native to China and Japan, it thrives in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Katsura Tree
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: Purple-red
- Flower Description: Small, inconspicuous
- Foliage Color: Greenish yellow to reddish purple
- Foliage Description: Heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 40-60 feet tall, 30 feet wide
- Light: Sun to part shade
- Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Cercis (Redbud)
Cercis, known as redbud, is a genus of spring-blooming trees valued for vivid flowers opening before leaves emerge. Most are native to eastern and central North America, hardy in zones 4-9.

- Common Name: Redbud
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
- Flower Description: Pea-like flowers appear before leaves
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 20-30 feet tall and wide
- Light: Part sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic
- Water: Average water needs
Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)
Chamaecyparis refers to a group of conifers commonly known as false cypresses. Species originate from North America and eastern Asia, growing best in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: False Cypress
- Type: Conifer/Evergreen Tree
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flower Description: Inconspicuous
- Foliage Color: Green, blue-green
- Foliage Description: Flat sprays of scale-like leaves
- Height/Width: Varies greatly by variety, from shrub to over 100 ft tall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
- Water: Moderate watering
Chelone (Turtlehead)
Chelone, or turtlehead, refers to herbaceous perennials prized for unique hooded blooms. Species native to North America thrive in zones 3-8.

- Common Name: Turtlehead
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Pink, white, purple
- Flower Description: Two-lipped, hooded, snapdragon-like flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Opposite, lance-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 2-4 feet tall, 2 feet wide
- Light: Part to full shade
- Soil: Moist to wet
- Water: Average to high water needs
Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
Chionodoxa, commonly called glory-of-the-snow, comprises spring bulbs that produce charming blue flowers. Native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, they grow well in zones 3-8.

- Common Name: Glory of the Snow
- Type: Bulb (spring ephemeral)
- Flower Color: Blue, white, pink
- Flower Description: Star-shaped flowers in nodding clusters
- Foliage Color: Blue-green
- Foliage Description: Narrow, grassy leaves
- Height/Width: 4-8 inches tall, spreads by bulbs
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average watering during growth
Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)
Chlorophytum, known as spider plant, is a popular houseplant also grown outdoors as a tender perennial. It originates from tropical Africa and is hardy only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Spider Plant
- Type: Houseplant/Perennial
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Tiny flowers on arching stalks
- Foliage Color: Green with white stripes
- Foliage Description: Long, straplike leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall, spreads by plantlets
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Soil: Well-drained potting mix
- Water: Moderate, allow to dry between waterings
Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom)
Choisya, commonly called Mexican orange, refers to a group of shrubs valued for abundant starry blossoms and aromatic foliage. They originate from Mexico and the southwestern U.S., growing best in zones 8-10.

- Common Name: Mexican Orange Blossom
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Glossy, aromatic leaves
- Height/Width: 4-8 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum or Mum)
Chrysanthemum, often called mums or garden chrysanthemums, encompasses a diverse group of fall-blooming perennials. Species originate from Europe and Asia, thriving in zones 5-9.

- Common Name: Chrysanthemum, Mum
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Multicolored – white, yellow, pink, red, purple, orange
- Flower Description: Showy daisy-like flowers with many petals
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Lance-shaped, toothed leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
Cimicifuga, also known as bugbane, refers to a genus of tall perennials grown for spectacular bottlebrush blooms. Native to North America and eastern Asia, species thrive in zones 3-9.

- Common Name: Bugbane
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple
- Flower Description: Bottlebrush-like spikes of small flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Large, compound leaves
- Height/Width: 3-8 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Part shade to shade
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich
- Water: Average watering
Cistus (Rock Rose)
Cistus, or rockrose, comprises a group of shrubs renowned for colorful summer flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, they are hardy in zones 7-11.

- Common Name: Rock Rose
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: White, pink, red, yellow, orange
- Flower Description: Solitary, open, 5-petaled flowers
- Foliage Color: Grayish green
- Foliage Description: Narrow, wrinkled leaves
- Height/Width: 1-5 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, dry
- Water: Drought tolerant, low water needs
Citrus (Citrus Trees, like Orange, Lemon, Lime)
Citrus refers to a genus of shrubs and trees cultivated for their edible fruit. Species originated in southeast Asia and are grown in zones 9-11 or as potted plants.

- Common Name: Citrus
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: White, fragrant
- Flower Description: Star-shaped flowers with 5 petals
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval, glossy evergreen leaves
- Height/Width: up to 20 feet tall/wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering, allow soil to dry between
Cladrastis (Yellowwood)
Cladrastis, also called American yellowwood, is a spring-flowering tree native to the southeastern U.S., growing in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Yellowwood
- Type: Tree
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Fragrant, drooping panicles
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Pinnately compound leaves
- Height/Width: 30-50 feet tall, 40 feet wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic
- Water: Average water needs
Clematis (Clematis)
Clematis is a popular flowering vine genus with hundreds of species native to temperate regions worldwide. Most are hardy in zones 3-9.

- Common Name: Clematis
- Type: Vine/Climber
- Flower Color: Wide variety – white, purple, blue, pink, red
- Flower Description: Showy, open, solitary or clustered flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Opposite, compound leaves
- Height/Width: 10-20 feet tall, 3 feet wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moist
- Water: Average watering
Cleome (Spider Flower)
Cleome, known as spider flower, refers to a genus of annuals and tender perennials grown for unique, spidery blooms. Species originate from North and South America, hardy only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Spider Flower
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
- Flower Description: Fragrant, spider-like flowers with long stamens
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Palmate leaves with 3-7 leaflets
- Height/Width: 3-5 feet tall, 2 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Clerodendrum (Glory Bower)
Clerodendrum comprises a group of tropical shrubs and vines valued for colorful flower clusters. Native to Asia, Africa and Australia, they thrive only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Glory Bower
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple, red
- Flower Description: Showy clusters surrounded by colorful bracts
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval leaves
- Height/Width: 10-15 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Clianthus (Lobster Claw)
Clianthus, commonly called lobster claw, refers to tender herbaceous perennials prized for ornate red flowers. Native to New Zealand, they are hardy only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Lobster Claw
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Red
- Flower Description: Large, drooping, bird’s foot-shaped flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Compound, fern-like leaves
- Height/Width: 5 feet tall, 3 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Low water needs
Clivia (Bush Lily)
Clivia, also known as bush lily, refers to tender perennials grown for strappy leaves and clusters of yellow or orange blooms. Native to southern Africa, they are hardy only in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Bush Lily
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flower Description: Clusters of funnel-shaped, drooping flowers
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Foliage Description: Strap-like leaves
- Height/Width: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained
- Water: Average watering, keep moist
Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)
Colchicum, called autumn crocus, refers to fall-blooming bulbs with crocus-like flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, species thrive in zones 4-9.

- Common Name: Autumn Crocus
- Type: Bulb (flowers in fall)
- Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
- Flower Description: Goblet or lily-like flowers that appear in fall before foliage
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Strappy leaves emerge after flowers fade
- Height/Width: 4-10 inches tall, spreads via bulbs
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average watering during growth
Coleus (Coleus)
Coleus encompasses annuals and tender perennials prized for vividly colored and patterned foliage. They originate mainly from southeast Asia and are hardy only in zones 10-11.

- Common Name: Coleus
- Type: Annual/Houseplant
- Flower Color: Blue, white, pink
- Flower Description: Small spikes of flowers
- Foliage Color: Varied – green, red, orange, purple, yellow
- Foliage Description: Colorful, variegated leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Shade to part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Moderate watering
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Convallaria majalis, known as lily-of-the-valley, is a sweetly fragrant woodland perennial native to Eurasia, hardy in zones 2-7

- Common Name: Lily of the Valley
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: White
- Flower Description: Drooping, bell-shaped, sweetly fragrant flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Oval, parallel veins
- Height/Width: 6-8 inches tall, spreading via rhizomes
- Light: Part to full shade
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich
- Water: Moderate watering
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis refers to a group of hardy annual and perennial daisy-like flowers. Species are native to central and eastern North America, thriving in zones 4-9.

- Common Name: Tickseed
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Yellow, red, pink, white
- Flower Description: Daisy-like with toothed petals
- Foliage Color: Light green
- Foliage Description: Lance-shaped, threadlike leaves
- Height/Width: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average water needs
Cornus (Dogwood)
Cornus, commonly called dogwood, is a genus comprising trees and shrubs grown for ornamental flowers and foliage. Species are native to temperate regions worldwide, hardy in zones 3-9 depending on the variety.

- Common Name: Dogwood
- Type: Tree/Shrub
- Flower Color: White, yellow, pink, red
- Flower Description: Showy bracts surround tiny flowers
- Foliage Color: Green, purple
- Foliage Description: Oval, pointed leaves
- Height/Width: 15-30 feet tall/wide for trees, varies for shrubs
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
- Water: Moderate watering
Corydalis (Fumewort)
Corydalis, known as fumewort, refers to spring-blooming perennials with flowers arranged in spurred racemes. Species originate from north temperate regions, growing best in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Fumewort
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Yellow, purple, pink, white, blue
- Flower Description: Spurred, irregular flowers in racemes
- Foliage Color: Blue-green
- Foliage Description: Feathery, fern-like leaves
- Height/Width: 12-18 inches tall, 12 inches wide
- Light: Part shade to shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Average watering
Corylus (Hazel)
Corylus, or hazel, refers to a genus of deciduous shrubs bearing edible nuts. Species are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, thriving in zones 3-9.

- Common Name: Hazel
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flower Description: Catkins bloom in early spring before leaves emerge
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Roundish heart-shaped leaves
- Height/Width: 10-20 feet tall and wide
- Light: Part sun to shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
- Water: Moderate watering
Cosmos (Cosmos)
Cosmos comprises a group of annuals and tender perennials prized for abundant daisy-like blooms. Species originate from Mexico and other parts of tropical America, hardy in zones 9-11.

- Common Name: Cosmos
- Type: Annual
- Flower Color: Pink, white, orange, red, yellow
- Flower Description: Daisy-like flowers with yellow centers
- Foliage Color: Green, ferny
- Foliage Description: Fine, lacy leaves
- Height/Width: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Lean, well-drained
- Water: Low water needs, drought tolerant
Cotinus (Smoke Tree)
Cotinus, known as smokebush or smoketree, refers to a group of large deciduous shrubs renowned for airy, smoky-looking flower panicles. Native to southern Europe, they thrive in zones 4-8.

- Common Name: Smoke Tree
- Type: Tree/Shrub
- Flower Color: Pale yellow
- Flower Description: Airy panicles resembling puffs of smoke
- Foliage Color: Green, purple, orange, red
- Foliage Description: Round, changing color in fall
- Height/Width: 10-15 feet tall/wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average water needs
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)
Cotoneaster refers to a large group of shrubs grown for attractive foliage, flowers, and berries. Species originate from Europe, north Africa and Asia, hardy in zones 4-7.

- Common Name: Cotoneaster
- Type: Shrub
- Flower Color: White, pink
- Flower Description: Small clusters of 5-petaled star-shaped flowers
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Foliage Description: Oval, glossy evergreen leaves
- Height/Width: 2-6 feet tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
- Water: Average water needs
Crataegus (Hawthorn)
Crataegus, also called hawthorn, comprises a genus of thorny trees and shrubs bearing decorative flowers and fruit. Native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, species thrive in zones 3-8.

- Common Name: Hawthorn
- Type: Tree/Shrub
- Flower Color: White, sometimes pink or red
- Flower Description: 5-petaled blooms in corymbs, followed by red fruit
- Foliage Color: Glossy green
- Foliage Description: Oval, lobed, toothed leaves
- Height/Width: 15-30 feet tall/wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
- Water: Average water needs
Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Crocosmia, also called montbretia, refers to summer-blooming corms with arching spikes of funnel-shaped flowers. Native to southern Africa, species thrive in zones 5-9.

- Common Name: Montbretia
- Type: Perennial bulb
- Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow
- Flower Description: Spikes of funnel-shaped blooms
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Sword-like, arching leaves
- Height/Width: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Water: Average watering
Crocus (Crocus)
Crocus is a popular genus of early spring bulbs, including species known as crocuses and saffron. Native from Europe eastward to China, species are hardy in zones 3-8.

- Common Name: Crocus
- Type: Bulb (spring ephemeral)
- Flower Color: Purple, white, yellow
- Flower Description: Goblet-shaped, cupped flowers
- Foliage Color: Green
- Foliage Description: Grass-like leaves
- Height/Width: 3-6 inches tall and wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average watering while active
Cynara Cardunculus (Cardoon)
Cynara Cardunculus, known as the Cardoon, refers to the handsome ornamental artichoke. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated and used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Over time, its cultivation spread to other parts of the world, especially after its close relative, the globe artichoke, gained popularity for its edible flower buds. Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10.

- Common Name: Cardoon
- Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Purple/Grey/Green
- Flower Description: Large round artichoke-like inflorescence
- Foliage Color: Green or blue-green
- Foliage Description: Large soft scalloped leaves
- Height/Width: 6-8 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Average watering
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Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.