Discover 50+ star-shaped flowers with symmetrical blooms that look like stars. However, each has a unique touch of beauty and requires diverse care.
Were you impressed by the beautiful magnolia or Queen’s Cup flowers? Do you know what they have in common?
Let’s explore this group of flowers together, examining what sets them apart and which flowers belong to this category.
Flowers come in an amazing variety of shapes and sizes While many have the typical rounded or bell-like shape, some rare beauties actually form the shape of a star. These star-shaped flowers are a botanical wonder, mimicking the radiance and form of celestial stars. With their striking symmetry and visual allure, it’s no wonder star-shaped blooms have captivated gardeners for centuries.
In this article we’ll explore 15 of the most beautiful flowers shaped like stars and what makes them so special. From delicate woodland blooms to vivid tropical showstoppers read on to discover these botanical marvels.
1. Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem flower (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is aptly named for its bright white petals that radiate out symmetrically from a central point, creating a perfect star shape. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean, these spring-blooming bulbs were once commonly planted in cottage gardens. Their pristine white flowers evoke images of the biblical Star of Bethlehem that led the magi to Jesus.
2. Chincherinchee
Also called the Wonder Flower or Star-of-Bethlehem, Chincherinchee _(Ornithogalum thyrsoides) _is another star-shaped beauty. This South African native produces a circle of fragrant, starry white blooms on tall stalks in late summer. After flowering, the plant goes dormant until the next year.
3. Woodruff
Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low-growing perennial that carpets shaded forest floors in Europe and Asia. In spring this shade lover produces tiny fragrant white flowers arranged in star shapes. The dried foliage and flowers give off a sweet hay-like aroma making this a popular addition to potpourris.
4. Golden Stars
Aptly named Golden Stars (Chrysogonum virginianum), this North American native displays cheerful yellow star-shaped blooms from spring to fall. It thrives in the dappled sunlight and moist soils of woodland gardens. The dark green foliage forms an attractive groundcover.
5. Shooting Stars
Shooting stars (Dodecatheon) are a group of wildflowers native to North America. Species have flowers with 5-9 recurved petals that sweep back from the center like a starburst. Colors range from white to pink to deep magenta. These stars shine in meadows, open woods, and rock gardens.
6. Star Jasmine
With their sweet fragrance and petite white flowers, Star Jasmine vines (Trachelospermum jasminoides) are ideal for gardens in mild climates. The dark green glossy leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the pinwheel arrangement of slender petals that inspired this plant’s common name.
7. Starflower
California’s rocky coastal forests burst into bloom each spring with Starflowers (Trientalis latifolia). This western native showcases delicate white star-shaped flowers with 5-7 slender petals atop a whorl of leaves. Greenish buds give the flowers a frosted glow.
8. Blue Stars
Adding cool tones to the garden, Blue Stars (Amsonia) showcase powder blue star-shaped blooms in late spring. Willowy leaves provide lovely texture. These tough North American perennials thrive in full sun with minimal watering once established.
9. Star of Persia
One of the most ornate stars, Star of Persia (Allium christophii) produces vivid purple blooms up to 8 inches wide. Each small floret contributes to the starburst design. This easy-to-grow bulb prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
10. Star Magnolia
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a gem of early spring, showering the garden with a confetti of fragrant white blooms. Up to 20 narrow strap-like petals form a multi-pointed star. Star Magnolias are compact trees, ideal for small gardens.
11. Starflower Ornamental Tobacco
Adding drama to summer gardens, Starflower Tobacco (Nicotiana mutabilis) unfurls huge white trumpet-shaped flowers that transition to pale pink and then ruby red. The color changing blooms are lightly fragrant and attract hummingbirds.
12. Paperwhite Narcissus
Forcing bulbs indoors is an easy way to enjoy spring stars during winter. Paperwhite narcissus daffodils produce sweetly scented flowers with swept-back petals in pure white or soft yellow. A gravel-filled pot ensures these beauties flower properly indoors.
13. Japanese Windflower
Japanese Windflower _(Anemone x hybrida) _comes in a variety of star-shaped forms. Poppy Anemones have tissue-paper thin petals in hot hues like scarlet and magenta. Others like Honorine Jobert are simple white daisies. These perennials give gardens a dose of late summer and fall pizzazz.
14. African Daisy
African Daisies (Osteospermum) bloom tirelessly in sunny gardens with a parade of colorful daisy-like flowers. Cultivars like ‘Sunscape Daisy White’ have spoon-shaped petals that form almost perfect stars. Their vibrant colors and drought tolerance make them ideal for hot, sunny spots.
15. Balloon Flower
Balloon Flower’s (Platycodon grandiflorus) buds puff up like balloons before opening to reveal five-pointed blue or purple stars. Native to East Asia, these compact perennials add long-lasting color and texture to borders and containers. The cultivar ‘Shell Pink’ has lightly ruffled, pale pink stars.
Conclusion
With their stellar geometry and jewel-toned hues, it’s easy to see why star-shaped flowers have an enduring appeal in gardens. Their symmetrical forms evoke the beauty, mystery, and perfection of the cosmos. If you have a blank spot in your garden, consider illuminating it with one of these celestial blooms. Their unique shapes will certainly attract attention and spark imaginative dreams.
List of best star-shaped flowers
Amsonia, also known as blue or eastern blue stars, is a star-shaped perennial plant with pale blue flowers in spring and golden leaves in fall. It grows up to 2–3 feet tall and wide, forming clumps with woody stems. It may die back in winter, but new growth shoots in spring, appearing black and striking against the blue flowers.
Agapanthus, also known as lily of the Nile or African lily in the UK, is a genus of plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. Despite their common names, they are not true lilies and are native to Southern Africa. Some species have spread to other parts of the world, such as Australia, Great Britain, and Mexico.
The Alpine edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) is a species of plant belonging to the genus Leontopodium, within the daisy family (Asteraceae). Renowned as one of the most iconic alpine flowers, it boasts a distinctive appearance and holds symbolic significance associated with rugged mountain landscapes, bravery, and love.
Astrantia major, commonly known as the great masterwort, is a flowering plant native to central and eastern Europe. It is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 90 cm (35 in) tall and 45 cm (18 in) wide, making it an ideal star-shaped flower in your garden. With an umbrella-shaped inflorescence and greenish-white flowers tinged with reddish shades, Astrantia major blooms from June to September, attracting pollinators.
The balloon flower, scientifically known as Platycodon grandiflorus, originates from the Russian Far East, China, Japan, and Korea but has gained popularity in gardens across the United States. It belongs to the Campanulaceae family, which includes bellflowers and lobelias. The flower earns its common name from its distinctive balloon-like buds that open into charming star-shaped blossoms.
Blue Milkweed, also known as Amsonia ciliate, is a perennial plant native to the southeastern US and Texas, thriving in sandy soils. With blue spring flowers and airy foliage, it turns yellow in the fall. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, though too much shade may cause stems to flop.
Borage, also called starflower, is an annual herb from the Mediterranean region. Its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are eye-catching and edible, adding a culinary delight to your garden. Despite containing small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, some parts of the plant are edible, and its seeds yield starflower oil.
The Mount Imlay boronia, scientifically known as Boronia imlayensis, is a shrub found exclusively on the sandstone ridge near the summit of Mount Imlay in southern New South Wales. This small shrub reaches heights of about 1 meter (3 feet) and features pinnate leaves and pink to white flowers. It thrives in eucalypt woodland environments.
Browallia is a small group of beautiful star-shaped plants, with seven species mainly being annuals but sometimes growing as shrubs. They belong to the nightshade family Solanaceae. The name Browallia comes from Johannes Browallius, a Swedish botanist, physician, and bishop. Browallia species are found across a wide area, stretching from southern Arizona through Mexico and Central America to South America, reaching as far as Bolivia.
Bryonia, commonly known as bryony, is a genus of flowering plants in the gourd family. These plants are native to western Eurasia and neighboring regions like North Africa, the Canary Islands, and South Asia. Bryonies are perennial herbs that climb using tendrils, and they produce either male or female flowers in clusters along the stems. Their leaves are palmately lobed, and their fruit is a smooth, round berry. Some species of butterflies and moths feed on Bryonia plants during their larval stage, but this can sometimes lead to damage in agricultural settings.
Calytrix, commonly known as starflowers, are myrtle family shrubs and native to Australia. Despite their small size, these plants boast showy and attractive flowers, which often resemble stars. Found across various regions of Australia, including the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, Calytrix species play a significant role in the local ecosystem by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Clematis Parisienne is a variety of clematis known for its elegant and striking flowers. Originating from the Clematis genus, Parisienne varieties are prized by gardeners for their resilience and ability to thrive in various climates.
Clintonia uniflora, commonly known as bride’s bonnet, queen’s cup, or bead lily, is a flowering plant in the lily family, Liliaceae. Its specific epithet, uniflora, refers to its single-flowered nature, setting it apart from other Clintonia species. This perennial herbaceous plant spreads through underground rhizomes and is the smallest in its genus, standing only 15 to 25 cm tall. It typically features two or three leaves at the base of a hairy stem. While usually bearing a single flower, occasionally, an inflorescence of two flowers may appear.
Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as the garden star-of-Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, or eleven-o’clock lady, is a perennial bulbous flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It grows in tufts of basal linear leaves and blooms with striking white flowers arranged in a stellate pattern during mid to late spring. These flowers, which have a green stripe on the outside when closed, open late in the day, giving rise to some of its common names. Despite being considered poisonous, parts of the plant are used in regional cuisines, and essences are sold as remedies.
Elka is a charming trumpet daffodil, reaching just 8 inches in height at its peak bloom. Its petals start off white, with a soft yellow cup upon opening. As the flowers mature, they turn into a bright, pure white, sparkling above the grassy foliage like a galaxy of little stars.
Pacific starflow (Trientalis latifolia)
Lysimachia latifolia, starflower, chickweed-wintergreen, or Pacific starflower, is a low-growing perennial with creeping rhizomes and tuberous roots. The white or pink flowers bloom in April or May, featuring 5- to 9-parted calyx and corolla with elliptic-lanceolate segments.
Paris japonica, also known as canopy plant or Kinugasasō, is a Japanese plant species found in sub-alpine regions. It’s a slow-growing perennial that blooms in July, showcasing rare and showy white star-like flowers above a single whorl of about eight stem leaves. Thriving in cool, humid, shady environments, it’s native to Japan.
Flowers starting with letter P, Passion flowers are perennial vines and has stunning star-shaped flowers that add a tropical touch to gardens. They can grow up to 15-20 ft long but are manageable with proper care. Best suited for warm, sheltered areas, they flourish alongside other climbers like clematis and honeysuckle.
Pentas lanceolata, also called Egyptian star cluster, is a flowering plant in the madder family, Rubiaceae, native to Africa and Yemen. It’s popularly used in gardens, especially in butterfly gardens.
Allium cristophii, the Persian onion or star of Persia, is a flowering plant prized for its large, striking umbels of silvery-pink star-shaped flowers. These blooms, which can reach 20-25 cm in diameter, appear in early summer and are followed by attractive fruiting clusters. This plant thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas with well-draining soil and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8. However, it’s important to note that it is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
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FAQ
What is a flower in the shape of a star called?
The Star lily (Leucocrinum montanum) can easily be recognized by its star-shaped white flowers with elongate tubes that appear to grow directly from the …
What flower represents the stars?
Named after the Greek word for “Star” due to its blooms resembling a star, Asters symbolize love, wisdom, faith, and color. The Aster flower blooms in pink, red, white, lilac and mauve.
What is a flower in the shape of a star with five letters?
The genus name Aster comes from the Latin word “aster” meaning star, named for the shape of the flowers. The petals resemble the arms of a Ferris wheel.
What is the significance of the starflower?
This flower symbolizes contentment and simplicity in the language of flowers. Spring starflower is known for its star-shaped blossoms and pleasant fragrance.May 31, 2024