Few things in nature are as visually pleasing and fragrant as flowers. For centuries, flowers have captivated people and played a crucial role in both our ecosystems and our cultures.
Whether you’re looking to add some color to your garden or simply want to learn more about the natural world, exploring flowers is a worthwhile endeavor. A great way to get started is to learn about flowers alphabetically, and in this article, we’ll take a look at some beautiful flowers beginning with D.
From familiar favorites like daffodils and daisies to less common varieties like datura and dittany, you’ll find a wide variety of flowers beginning with d to explore. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonderful world of flowers!
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Overview
Daffodils are perennial plants that grow from bulbs. They’re known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and bright colors, and they belong to the genus Narcissus. You’ll often see them called narcissus, too.
Daffodils originated in the meadows and woodlands of Europe and North Africa, but people have cultivated them in gardens around the world, and they’ve naturalized in many other regions.
Characteristics and Varieties
Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom in spring, and they signal the arrival of warmer weather. They come in many colors, including yellow, white, orange, and even pink.
There are more than 50 species of daffodils. They range in size from 6 inches to 30 inches.
Growing Conditions and Uses
Daffodils grow best in well-drained soil and full or partial sunlight. They’re relatively easy to grow, and they don’t need a lot of care.
Because they’re so cheerful and easy to grow, daffodils are popular in gardens and borders. They’re also a favorite in cut flower arrangements. Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, so they’re often given as gifts in the spring.
Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
Overview
Dahlias are perennials that grow from tubers. They’re known for their big, showy flower heads. You can find dahlias in the genus Dahlia.
These flowers are native to Mexico and Central America. Today, they’re grown all over the world in many climates.
Characteristics and Varieties
Dahlias bloom from mid-summer until the first frost. That means they offer a long season of color in your garden!
They come in many colors, sizes, and shapes. Some are small and round, like pompons, while others are enormous, like dinner plates.
There are thousands of dahlia cultivars, so you’re sure to find some you love.
Growing Conditions and Uses
Dahlias like well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering.
Because their flower heads can get so big, they often need staking to keep the stems from breaking.
Gardeners love dahlias for borders, cutting gardens, and even for entering in flower shows.
Dahlias symbolize dignity, elegance, and commitment.
Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Overview
Daisies are cheerful, classic flowers with a simple, charming appearance. The common lawn daisy, also known as the English daisy, is botanically called Bellis perennis.
Daisies are native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, but they’ve become naturalized in lawns and meadows all over the world.
Characteristics and Varieties
Daisies bloom from spring to fall, and when they’re happy, they’ll provide continuous color. They feature a bright yellow center surrounded by petals that are usually white or pink.
There are many different daisy cultivars that offer variations in flower size, color, and form.
Growing Conditions and Uses
Daisies thrive in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. They’re adaptable and easy to grow, and many people consider them to be weeds in lawns.
Daisies are wonderful in lawns, meadows, and informal gardens. They symbolize innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
Dahlberg Daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba)
The dahlberg daisy is a small, cheerful flower that looks a lot like a daisy. The plant grows to about a foot tall and has delicate, divided foliage. It’s also known as Golden Fleece.
Dahlberg daisies thrive in hot, dry conditions and well-drained soil, making them a great choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
They add a splash of color to dry landscapes and attract butterflies to your yard.
Dalmatian Iris (Iris pallida)
The Dalmatian iris is a tall, elegant plant with fragrant, pale blue flowers. These irises grow to between 24 and 36 inches tall, giving height and drama to your garden.
Growing conditions: Dalmatian irises like well-drained soil and full sun. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Uses: Dalmatian irises add vertical interest to flower gardens. The fragrant flowers make them especially nice for cutting and bringing indoors.
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Dame’s rocket is a tall, fragrant wildflower that grows clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers. These flowers are very fragrant, which is why some people call it “sweet rocket,” though it’s not actually related to culinary rocket.
Dame’s rocket grows to be about 1 to 3 feet tall and does well in different kinds of soil and light.
It’s a good choice if you want to give your garden a cottage feel, and the fragrant flowers attract pollinators. But you should know that dame’s rocket can spread quickly and become invasive in some areas.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
When you think of flowers that start with “D,” you can’t forget the dandelion. Although many people consider them weeds, dandelions are actually versatile and useful plants. Taraxacum officinale is the genus of flowering plants that includes dandelions.
Dandelions are native to Eurasia, but they’re found around the world today.
Characteristics and Uses
Dandelions have bright yellow flowers and deeply toothed leaves that are very recognizable.
Every part of the dandelion is edible — the leaves, flowers, and roots. Dandelions are used in salads, teas, and traditional medicines. You can even use the flower buds to make capers.
Growing Conditions
Dandelions are extremely adaptable and will grow in almost any conditions.
You can find them in lawns, meadows, and even in disturbed areas where other plants won’t grow.
Daphne (Daphne spp.)
Overview
Daphne is a genus of shrub that’s known for its intensely fragrant blooms. These shrubs tend to stay small, usually topping out around 3 or 4 feet tall.
Daphne is native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
Characteristics and Varieties
Daphne plants bloom in late winter or early spring, and their sweet smell wafts through the air. Daphne flowers can be white, pink, or purple.
Daphne odora is a popular variety, and it’s especially known for its fragrance.
Growing Conditions and Cautions
Daphne prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. They can be tricky to grow, but their fragrance makes them a worthwhile effort for many gardeners.
Keep in mind that all parts of the daphne plant are poisonous if ingested, so handle with care, and consider whether this plant is right for you if you have pets or small children.
Datura (Datura spp.)
Datura is a group of flowering plants with big, trumpet-shaped flowers. You may also know them as Devil’s Trumpet.
Overview
Datura plants are native to the Americas and Asia.
Characteristics and Varieties
Datura plants typically bloom in the summer and fall, often at night. The flowers can be white, purple, or yellow.
One of the most common types of datura is Datura stramonium, or Jimsonweed.
Growing Conditions and Cautions
Datura is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
A word of caution: All parts of the datura plant are highly poisonous, so you’ll need to handle it with extreme care.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Overview
Daylilies are beloved perennial flowers that are known for being easy to care for and coming in a rainbow of colors. They’re members of the genus Hemerocallis.
These plants are native to Asia, but they’re grown in gardens all over the world.
Characteristics and Varieties
Daylilies bloom in the summertime, and each flower only lasts for one day. But don’t worry — each plant produces lots of buds, so you get a long season of blooms. Plants typically reach between 24 and 30 inches in height.
There are thousands of different cultivars of daylily, and they come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and flower forms.
Growing Conditions and Uses
Daylilies are pretty adaptable. They can tolerate different types of soil and varying amounts of sunlight. They’re also relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow, which makes them a favorite for gardeners of all skill levels.
They’re a popular choice for borders, mass plantings, and perennial gardens. Some varieties are even edible!
Delosperma (Delosperma spp.)
Delosperma is a succulent groundcover, also known as the Ice Plant. It’s a low-grower, typically reaching only 4 to 6 inches in height. The flowers look like bright, daisy-like stars, and come in a range of vibrant colors.
Delosperma loves hot, dry conditions and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.
It’s ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers. Use it as a colorful groundcover in any dry landscape where you want a pop of color.
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Overview
Delphiniums are showstoppers, known for their height and the colorful blooms that shoot up their spires. These beauties belong to the genus Delphinium.
They’re native to the Northern Hemisphere and the high mountain regions of Africa.
Characteristics and Varieties
Delphiniums bloom in the summer months, adding a vertical accent to gardens. The flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and the plants can grow to be 4 to 6 feet tall.
Pacific Giant hybrids are a popular choice, thanks to their enormous size and impressive flower spikes.
Growing Conditions
If you’re looking to add delphiniums to your garden, keep in mind that they thrive in well-drained soil and need plenty of sunshine. They also need protection from strong winds. Because of their height, you’ll need to stake them to keep their flower spikes upright.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
The Desert Rose is a succulent shrub that grows three to nine feet tall. It’s known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, red, and white.
The Desert Rose thrives in hot, dry conditions and well-drained soil. It needs full sun and protection from frost, so it’s often grown in containers that can be moved indoors in cold weather.
Because of its striking flowers and unique growth habit, the Desert Rose makes a beautiful focal point in desert gardens and container arrangements.
Desert Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa)
Desert sand verbena is a low-growing plant that spreads out, forming clusters of fragrant pink or purple flowers. It only grows to about six inches tall.
It thrives in sandy soil that drains well, and it loves full sun. This plant can tolerate both drought and high heat, so it’s perfect if you live in a hot, dry climate.
Desert sand verbena works well in desert gardens and rock gardens. You can also use it as ground cover. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
Deutzia (Deutzia spp.)
Deutzia is a deciduous shrub that grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall. In the spring, it puts out clusters of delicate white or pink flowers.
Plant your deutzia where it can get full sun or partial shade, in soil that drains well. They’re relatively easy to grow and take care of.
Deutzia adds a delicate touch to borders and shrub gardens. The flowers also attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to your yard.
Dew Flower (Drosanthemum spp.)
The dew flower is a succulent groundcover that stands out because of the shimmering droplets that appear on its leaves. It grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches and produces colorful flowers.
It’s a good choice if you live in a hot, dry climate. Dew flowers love full sun and well-drained soil.
Use dew flowers in rock gardens, along borders, or in containers. They add sparkle and color to landscapes that don’t get a lot of water.
Dianella (Dianella spp.)
Dianella is an evergreen perennial that grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches. It has strappy leaves and produces blue or purple flowers followed by attractive blue berries.
Dianella is adaptable to many soil types and light conditions, and it’s relatively low maintenance once established.
It’s a great choice to add color and texture to borders, container gardens, and mass plantings. The berries will attract songbirds to your garden.
Diascia
Diascia is a compact, trailing plant. The flowers are spurred and come in shades of pink, orange, and salmon. The plant typically reaches a height of 8 to 12 inches.
Diascia grows best in well-drained soil and either full sun or partial shade. You’ll need to water it regularly.
These flowers are perfect for hanging baskets and other containers, as well as garden borders. Plant diascia if you want a long season of blooms.
Dittany (Dictamnus albus)
Dittany is an aromatic perennial that grows to be about two to three feet tall. It features spikes of white or pink flowers, and its seed pods can actually be ignited with a flame (though I wouldn’t recommend trying this at home!).
Dittany thrives in well-drained soil and loves full sun. Once established, it’s pretty low-maintenance and can live for a long time.
Use dittany to add a unique touch to your herb garden or flower bed. Historically, it’s also been used for medicinal purposes.
Dodder (Cuscuta spp.)
Dodder isn’t your typical charming flower. It’s a parasitic plant, meaning it survives by attaching itself to other plants and stealing their nutrients. It looks like a mass of thin, thread-like stems, often orange or yellow, that wrap around its host.
You’ll find dodder just about anywhere it can latch onto another plant, especially crops and ornamental plants. Gardeners definitely don’t want to see it.
Dodder can seriously weaken or even kill the plants it infests. It’s definitely not a welcome addition to any garden.
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
The Dog Rose is a wild rose with thorny stems that can grow to be about 15 feet tall. It produces single pink or white flowers, followed by red rose hips.
Dog Roses are pretty adaptable and will grow in most soil types and light conditions. Be careful where you plant them, though, because they can be invasive in some regions.
The rose hips are often used to make jams, jellies, and teas. Dog Roses are native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Dogwoods are deciduous trees or shrubs famous for their showy bracts, which look like petals, surrounding the tiny flowers.
Dogwoods typically grow to a height of 15 to 30 feet.
These trees thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial shade. They’re native to Eastern North America.
Dogwoods add beauty to any landscape with their flowers, foliage, and berries. They also provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Dutch Iris (Iris x hollandica)
Dutch irises are hybrid irises that look a lot like orchids. These elegant flowers come in many shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white, and they grow to be 15 to 24 inches tall.
To grow Dutch irises, choose a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sun.
Because of their beauty and variety, Dutch irises are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
Dutchman’s breeches are a spring-blooming wildflower that adds charm to any woodland garden. They stand about 6 to 12 inches tall and prefer moist soil and partial shade.
The flowers are shaped like little pantaloons, hence the name.
If you have a shady spot, Dutchman’s breeches are a great way to add interest and texture to your garden, and to remind yourself that spring is on the way.
Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata)
The Dwarf Crested Iris is a small, spreading iris that blooms with delicate, crested flowers. You can find them in shades of blue, purple, and white. These plants only grow to be about 6 to 10 inches tall.
If you want to grow Dwarf Crested Iris, make sure they have moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
They’re great for rock gardens and woodland gardens.
Dyer’s Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria)
Dyer’s chamomile is a perennial herb with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and fragrant leaves. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads about a foot to a foot and a half.
It likes well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine.
Historically, people have used the plant as a source for dye. You can also use the flowers to make tea.
In closing
From the bright yellow daffodil to the intoxicating datura, the letter “D” offers a dazzling array of flowers.
If you’re a gardener or just someone who loves flowers, it’s important to know about the growing conditions each flower needs, whether they’re toxic, and if they tend to spread aggressively. You’ll want to consider these factors when choosing flowers for your garden.
Exploring flowers alphabetically can be a fun and educational way to find new favorite flowers and appreciate the amazing diversity of plants. So, whether you’re looking for a new addition to your garden or just want to learn more about the world of flowers, start with “D” and see where your floral journey takes you!