I constructed this list of flowers that start with S to help aspiring gardeners select plants for spring. Undoubtedly, spring is a time of new beginnings and it is the best time to start a garden.
You can easily germinate seeds either indoors or in beds outside and have a thriving garden in no time.
There are many flowers that start with S and I’ve selected thirty of my personal favorites. These flowers or flowering shrubs or trees each have their own characteristics.
This means that not all of them may be suitable, but you’re sure to find a few that you like.
Picking Flowers Beginning with S
The whole idea of this list of flowers that start with S is to help you select plants for your garden. Therefore, I have included some important metrics on the sun and water requirements for each plant or flower.
Be sure to take a close look at the soil pH requirements as well. If you plant these flowers in favorable conditions, then they are more likely to thrive.
1. Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Most readers will already be familiar with saffron as an exotic and expensive spice. However, the plant itself is a popular garden variety and boasts beautiful flowers as well.
Saffron is so expensive that many people wonder whether or not it’s possible to grow their own. The short answer is yes, but it may take a long time to get a bountiful harvest.
This is the very reason why saffron is so pricey. The saffron flower is a deep purple flower and the saffron spice is actually the red stigmas inside the flower.
Water: Keep watered until established, then once every 15 days
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.8 – 7.8
2. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a fairly woody shrub and it makes a good addition to any herb garden. Most people will know sage as the pale green herb that pairs well with sausage, chicken breast, and Thanksgiving stuffing.
What I like about using sage in a herb garden is that it can be harvested up to three times a season. As a bonus, the sage bush has upright, purple flowers that will add a splash of color to your garden.
Water: Regularly
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5
3. Sand Dollar Cactus (Astrophytum Asterias)
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/astrophytum-species-common-names-dollar-urchin-1354456421
Although most of the flowers that start with S on this list are intended for the garden, not all are. The sand dollar cactus, for example, will do very well if planted in a pot indoors. Cacti and succulents are favorite indoor plants because they are so easy to care for.
The sand dollar cactus is a round little cactus with pretty spots and has large, yellow flowers. If you like cacti, you’re sure to love this one that will look beautiful on a sunny counter or desk.
Water: Only when dry, from March to October
Sun: Partial sun
Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.5
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4. Sand Phlox (Phlox Bifida)
Sand phlox grows low to the ground and tends to create a carpet-like effect. This makes it wonderful to use in gardens where coverage is necessary or wanted.
The small flowers vary from lavender to white and can even be a light blue in color. They are also highly attractive to butterflies, so if you want fluttering visitors, choose phlox.
There are many different species of phlox, but sand phlox is more resistant to pests and disease than others. That is why this variety is so popular in gardens all over the world.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, or neutral
5. Scarlet Buckeye (Aesculus Pavia)
The scarlet buckeye is also known as the red buckeye and it is a very beautiful wildflower. It is native to America, particularly North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, and grows as a shrub or small tree.
The plant flowers beautifully with flower clusters in either a deep red or vibrant yellow. The leaves are large, dark green, and glossy and tend to drop at the end of the summer.
Because it loses its leaves at least once a year, it’s a good idea to plant it somewhere less obvious. It will do well planted among other small trees that can obscure it when it sleeps.
Water: Regularly
Sun: Partial shade
Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5
6. Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus Coccineus)
Of the flowers that start with S on this list, I particularly like those that attract life to a garden. The scarlet hedgehog cactus is one such plant that hummingbirds find especially attractive.
The name of the cactus probably comes from the bright red flowers that bloom on its little round body. As with all cacti, these do well in either a pot or in a rock garden.
However, unlike other cacti, the scarlet hedgehog cactus has a profusion of flowers come spring instead of just one.
Water: Drought-tolerant
Sun: Partial shade
Soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, or neutral
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7. Scarlet Rosemallow (Hibiscus Coccineus)
The scarlet rosemallow boasts beautiful red flowers with five petals each. However, even though the flowers are very showy, this plant is a favorite just because of its foliage.
The leaves are deep green and shiny and they make fantastic borders. This plant loves water and many people tend to plant them in boggy gardens or near ponds as well.
Water: Naturally wet conditions or 2 inches of water per week
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 6.5 – 6.8
8. Scarlet Strawberry (Fragaria Virginiana)
The scarlet strawberry may sound exotic, but it is, in fact, just the common strawberry. It is also known as a wild strawberry or mountain strawberry and bears the fruit of the same name.
The plant is low-growing and has dense, dark green, hardy foliage. The sweet red strawberries form in the spring and are delicious when harvested ripe and ready.
The flowers of the strawberry plant are small and white with a yellow center. Many people enjoy having strawberries in their gardens because they are so easy to care for.
Water: Regularly
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 5.4 – 6.5
9. Sugar Bowl Clematis (Clematis Scottii)
The sugar bowl clematis is probably the most prolific flowering variety of the clematis family and of flowers that start with S. The plant is known for its showy flowers in especially meadows and thickets.
It grows very well in rock, wildflower, or cottage gardens. The flowers are bells in deep purple or blue that droop downward and have outward curling ends.
Water: 2 – 3 times per week until established, then less often
Sun: Full sun, if well irrigated, to partial shade
Soil pH: 6.5
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10. Sea Holly (Eryngium)
Flowers are generally beautiful and soft and fragrant and that is why they are a favorite in gardens. However, sometimes people choose flowers that are interesting or unique to add interest to their yard.
The sea holly is one such interesting plant with spiny-spiked blue flowers. As a bonus, sea holly also deters deer and attracts butterflies, so it’s a win-win situation!
Water: Only during a drought or dry spell
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0
11. Serbian Bellflower (Campanula Poscharskyana)
The Serbian bellflower is a sprawling plant with tiny blue flowers that work very well when planted as a border. The plant tends to cascade and takes over and they look great in cottage gardens.
The blue flowers among the lime green foliage also look fantastic when allowed to cascade over walls. Because this plant likes to sprawl, it’s best to cut it back after flowering to keep it compact.
Water: 1 inch per week
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 6.6 – 8.5
12. Seven Star Needle (Pereskia Bleo)
The seven star needle has the unique quality of being the only cactus to have leaves. It also has a bright orange-red flower and medicinal properties.
There are Chinese cultures that hold the belief that eating certain parts of this plant raw will cure cancer. However, mostly it is used to improve blood circulation and to remove blood stasis.
Water: Regularly
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
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13. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × Superbum)
The shasta daisy is the quintessential daisy with numerous slanting white petals and a yellow center. These daisies are joyful blooms that will bring a sense of frivolity and happiness to any garden.
They are also low maintenance and easy to care for and will last a very long time. However, if you intend to plant them, be sure to fertilize the soil very well beforehand to ensure success.
Water: Drought-tolerant
Sun: Light shade
Soil pH: 5.5 – 5.8
14. Shining Blue Star (Amsonia Illustris)
The shining blue star is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a good potted plant. Many people want to extend their gardens to their front porches, and this is a good option for that.
The plant has showy clusters of blue flowers that last for approximately two to three weeks. Although they won’t do well indoors, they can be potted in either the garden or on porches.
Water: Average to moist
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 6.2 – 7.0
15. Shooting Star Flower (Primula Sect. Dodecatheon)
The shooting star flower or shooting star plant can be found naturally in mountainous areas. However, they are also a favorite in gardens because they are so easy to look after.
They do require even moisture at all times though, so isn’t quite as low maintenance as others on this list. The flowers hang in umbels and vary from bright pink to white with yellow or lavender collars.
Water: Keep fairly moist
Sun: Partial sun
Soil pH: 6.8
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16. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias Speciosa)
The showy milkweed is another interesting flower to add to your collection. The rose-colored flowers grow in small clusters among dense and hardy foliage. The flowers almost resemble stars and can look spiky.
It is definitely an eye-catcher as, when taken care of, it can grow to six feet tall. However, most plants will only reach about one foot in height.
Water: Average
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 4.8 – 6.8
17. Shrub Rose (Rosa)
Shrub roses are perfect for your garden if you want a rose that is hardy and easy to care for. The plant is bushy and works well when you use it as ground cover.
Some shrub roses grow very well and will even bloom several times in a single year. Shrub roses also come in a variety of colors with the favorite being pink, purple, or orange.
Water: Irrigate thoroughly once a week
Sun: Shade
Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5
18. Siberian Iris (Iris Sibirica)
The Siberian iris is one of the best flowers that start with S to plant if you want early blooms. This plant will give your garden intricate and frilly flowers very early on in the season.
The flowers are fairly long-lasting and vary in color from deep magenta to purple to white. Any iris is an elegant addition to a garden, but the Siberian iris is truly a show-stopper.
Water: Once a week
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.9
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19. Siberian Larkspur (Delphinium Grandiflorum)
If you are looking to harvest blooms from your garden for cut flower arrangements, then choose the Siberian larkspur. These bright blue flowers grow in clusters and last fairly long in cut arrangements.
The flowers are fairly low-growing and therefore they look great as borders or in mixed flower beds.
Water: Keep fairly moist
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.7 – 7.0
20. Siberian Pea Shrub (Caragana Arborescens)
The Siberian pea shrub can definitely grow as a shrub, but it can even grow to be a small tree. This makes it ideal for larger gardens or gardens where you need to add some height for variety.
It is important to remember that this plant can become invasive, so spreading needs to be prevented. In the spring, the shrub or tree will be adorned with cheerful, yellow flowers.
Water: Weekly
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.0 – 8.5
21. Silky Wormwood (Artemisia Pedemontana)
The silky wormwood plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom from spring to early summer. The best thing about the silky wormwood plant is that it is exceptionally easy to care for.
This makes it a great choice for novice gardeners. The plant is drought tolerant and will grow in poor condition soil, or any soil for that matter.
The flowers and leaves of this plant also tend to be unaffected by pests and disease. These are really easy flowers that start with S to have in your garden.
Water: Drought-resistant
Sun: Full sun or semi-shade
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5
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22. Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus Strausii)
The silver torch cactus is also known as the woolly torch cactus and it is very impressive and interesting. An interesting fact about this cactus is that the flowers don’t actually open, even though it has them.
Naturally, the plant grows in the mountains, but it has become a striking feature in many a garden. They are fairly large which means that gardeners enjoy making them a focal point.
Water: Water once the top layer of soil is dry
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, or neutral
23. Smoke Tree (Cotinus)
The smoke tree or smoke bush has the very unique appearance of being on fire which is why the name. The flower plumes actually resemble smoke and are a pale pink in color which adds to the effect.
It is important to remember that this plant is mildly toxic to humans with a toxicity class 4 rating. This means that it can cause dermatitis, so be careful where you plant it.
Water: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 3.7 – 6.8
24. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
This is, I think, my favorite one of the flowers that start with S, the snapdragon. They are prolific growers and the flowers are very beautiful and cheerful and come in a variety of colors.
If you take care of their water needs, they are also fairly easy to care for and low maintenance. Snapdragons have clustered flowers and grow well in either flower beds, pots, or containers.
Water: One inch of water per week
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.5 – 5.8
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25. Sneezeweed (Helenium Autumnale)
Sneezeweed is also known as just the common sneezeweed and it is often mistaken for an actual weed. This is mainly due to the growth pattern of the stem and leaves and the windswept flowers.
The flowers are yellow and resemble daisies, but the petals droop down. This gives the flower a distinctly windswept look. I would suggest planting sneezeweed in a wildflower garden.
The sneezeweed is poisonous to humans, but only if eaten, so just be mindful of small children around the plant.
Water: Fairly regularly
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0
26. Snowball Cactus (Mammillaria Candida)
The snowball cactus looks exactly as the name suggests. It is a round little cactus with a covering of white fuzz or felt all over the bulb.
The plant also has spikes and hairs and boasts little flowers that grow in circles. It looks like a little snowball or cotton ball and is cute as a button.
This cactus grows exceedingly well in a pot and will make a wonderful gift as well.
Water: Once a week
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Soil pH: 6.1 – 7.8
27. Snow-In-Summer (Melaleuca Linariifolia)
Instead of being one of the flowers that start with S on this list, the snow-in-summer is actually a tree. And it suits its name so well as the flowers of this tree that bloom come summer resemble snow.
The creamy spikes of the white flower clusters are so dense that they really do look like snow resting on the leaves. The foliage and flowers of this tree are so dense that it attracts animals because it makes a good nest.
Expect visitors like possums, honey-eaters, and native birds.
Water: Average, don’t overwater
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
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28. Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa)
Sorrel is fairly well-known as it is a leafy green that we use as both a vegetable and a herb. It has a very interesting taste, almost sour, and can be likened to lemon.
It is most often used in stews, soups, and curries. Sorrel also has medicinal qualities and can decrease inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
The flowers of the sorrel plant are deep red and bulbous and make an attractive addition to a herb garden.
Water: One inch of water per week
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.8
29. Spider Flower (Cleome Hassleriana)
The spider flower is easy to care for and a prolific flowering plant that re-seeds itself every year. If you want your garden to be an absolute riot of color, then plant the spider flower.
The flower gets its name because of its tall and leggy appearance. They are very cheerful flowers that come in a variety of colors including pink, lilac, and white.
Water: Fairly regularly
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
30. St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
The St John’s Wort plant is best-known for its medicinal properties. Nowadays, this plant is mostly used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
The good thing is that there is some strong scientific evidence that it does help with depression. This means that you can definitely cultivate it yourself if you tend to suffer from this condition.
However, if you aren’t interested in using it medicinally, then plant it for the flowers. The flowers are bright, yellow, and small with a pearl-like center and will cheer you up regardless.
Besides, this plant is one of the few that will thrive in any condition. It is drought and flood-tolerant and easy to keep.
Water: Moderate
Sun: Morning sun and afternoon shade
Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0
Choosing Flowers Starting with S
There are many things to take into consideration when planning a garden. Many people want a garden filled to the brim with flowers.
Some people don’t mind spending hours in the garden tending to their flowers. Others want a garden that is low maintenance but still attractive.
The best thing that you can do is to select the type of flowers that grow well in your environment. Any gardener worth their salt knows that the water and sun requirements and soil pH are important factors for any plant.
If you know these metrics then you can choose any suitable plants that you like the look of and be guaranteed success.
