Plants That Start With H

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Derek

List of plants that begin with H

7 of the following plants beginning with the letter H are featured in this article:

Holly Bush

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Holly Bush	Ilex aquifolium	5.0 – 6.5	Well-draining, acidic	Full sun to partial shade	6-9

There are so many kinds of plants across the world. In fact, there are so many, that it’s impossible for a person to learn about even a fraction of them, without being able to separate them from each other with some kind of system.

That’s why we’ve decided, that a quick and easy way of learning about different kinds of plants, is through alphabetical order.

In this article, we cover a whole range of plants that start with the letter ‘H’. From Hibiscus to Holly, we’ll break down some of their key features for you, and go through some Frequently asked questions when it comes to these plants.

Here are 7 kinds of plants that start with H!

Hydrangea flower

Hydrangea is an old family of flowering plants, coming from Asia and North America, with the oldest recorded plant being found in fossils older than 40 million years old!

With over 75 different varieties of this ancient flower, all with their own growing seasons and ideal temperatures and kinds of soil to be grown at, one thing almost all Hydrangeas have in common is their huge head of flowers, that come in a full range of colors, from blue to purple, to pink, to red, all in a huge range of different colors and hues. Whatever color you want for your garden, there’s probably a hydrangea that will fit your tastes!

Although most hydrangeas are shrubs, coming in at anywhere from just 1 meter up to 3, there are actually some varieties of this flowering plant that come as small trees. And there are others that grow as a vine plant, that wrap around trees, climbing up to 100 feet tall!

Are hydrangeas easy to take care of?

Most hydrangeas prefer soil that drains well and should be planted just as winter is ending. If you’re in summer, hold off on planting them until the next spring. Summer is just too hot for these flowering plants to take root and grow flowers, it’s just too taxing.

Hydrangeas

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hydrangeas	Hydrangea spp.	5.0 – 6.2	Moist, well-draining	Partial shade to full sun	3-9

Hops

What is the hops plant used for?

The flowers of these funny green plants are named after the plant they grow on. These plants were first grown in the 7th Century in what is now known as Germany. They have since become a popular plant to grow and ferment for using in beers across the world.

The hop plant is actually a kind of vine and can grow up to 25 feet tall on its own. They are known to grow very quickly once the plant has taken root. They are known to die off in the colder months, so don’t worry if it looks like a cold snap has taken the whole plant once winter comes around. It’s a part of the natural cycle.

Can I grow hops in my garden?

If you are thinking about planting and growing hops, make sure that you give each plant plenty of room for each one to grow apart from the rest of your crop. Although 3 feet from each plant is workable, you ideally want to keep them about 6 to 7 feet apart. This is because hops are known to become entangled with other plants if they grow close enough. They are vines, after all!

Hops

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hops	Humulus lupulus	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, nutrient-rich	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

German Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Holly Bush

Best known for their bright red berries and their sharp, prickly leaves, Holly plants are a staple of the winter holiday season. Their berries add a bright dash of color to a plant and season that can be dominated by greenery.

However, what often surprises people is that there used to be over 550 different species of Holly, with only the Holly bush we know and love around today.

They are an evergreen type of plant, which means that they don’t shed their leaves in the winter, hence why they have traditionally been the color of choice from plants that people have chosen at winter in Europe.

Is holly a plant or tree?

With the plant growing like trees, bushes, and vines, as well as being able to grow at both sea level, and at mountain heights of around 2000 feet above the ocean, it’s no wonder that Holly bushes can be found all over the world. So long as it’s decently wet and warm, you’ll find some kind of Holly plant growing its roots there.

USDA – Holly

Hyacinth flower

Best known for their bright flowery stems and their pungent smell when you approach them, Hyacinths have been a staple for gardens. They were first grown in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, especially in the areas around Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel.

What does a hyacinth symbolize?

They’ve been a part of people’s lives since ancient times, and were a symbol of spring and rebirth, because they were often the first plants to flower in a garden, and would be a sign that flowers would be blooming again after winter had ended.

Hyacinths are one of the easiest plants to grow in your garden in spring and grow from anywhere between 6 and 12 inches tall at full bloom.

Hyacinth Flower

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hyacinth	Hyacinthus orientalis	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	4-8

How long do hyacinths last?

Their bloom adds a dash of color to an early spring flower bed, especially when paired with other flowering plants that bloom early in the year. They start to fade around the same time that trees come into full growth with their leaves, so don’t worry too much about planting them near tree trunks, so long as they still get a decent amount of light.

For the best results, plant them in the fall, so that they have time to root before the next spring.

Are hyacinths toxic to humans?

Be careful when planting these: Hyacinth bulbs are toxic, so keep them out of reach from your children and pets.

Hibiscus flower

Known for their large, droopy flowers that look amazing at full bloom, Hibiscus grows best in tropical and subtropical regions all across the world. Whether they are an indoor house plant, adding a dash of color to your kitchen or lounge, or grown outside, or as a shrub out in your garden as part of a tropical display, their bright, trumpet-looking flowers are always a treat to look at.

Hibiscus is also known for being some of the most versatile kinds of flowers in the world. With hundreds of species growing around the globe, they can fill a whole range of different purposes. They are a popular plant used when landscaping, but they are also used in rope-making in Polynesia, their fibrous inner bark being great for spinning to give it strength.

Hibiscus Flower

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hibiscus	Hibiscus spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	5-10

What is the hibiscus good for?

They are a popular herbal you can find across the world, giving any brew they are a part of a tarty, fruity flavor and smell. When dried, they are edible and are sometimes served with desserts in places across Mexico. There’s even a species of Hibiscus that can be used to make paper in southern Asia! And that’s not even counting all the health benefits they have for people!

Hidalgo Stae EDU – Hibiscus

The number of ways this humble little plant has been used across the world is truly mind-blowing.

Hedgehog Cactus

Where are hedgehog cactus found?

A common little species of cactus that can be found in the southern United States of America, the Hedgehog Cactus adds a dash of color to an otherwise dusty and desert-like part of the country. Growing in clumps, with up to 60 stems per clump, these are a busy little plant that grows best in direct sunlight, which isn’t too surprising for a desert cactus.

How do you take care of a hedgehog cactus?

Also, like other cacti, they prefer soil that either drains very well or is watered very little. Root rot can be a real problem if you water this little plant too much. After all, it is designed to grow in dry areas and doesn’t take too well to a lot of water.

Hedgehog Cactus

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hedgehog Cactus	Echinocereus engelmannii	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, rocky	Full sun to partial shade	5-10

Are hedgehog cactus poisonous?

Their flowers tend to be a bright, deep purple, although other colors have been found. Interestingly enough, the plants this cactus produce are edible and are food for mice and other small rodents in the wild. One of their other names is actually the Strawberry cactus!

Hawaiian Tree Fern

Also known as the Hapu’u ‘i’i where it is naturally found, the Hawaiian Tree fern can be some of the biggest tree ferns in their natural island habitat. Usually growing to about 25 feet in height, some plants have been known to grow as tall as 35 feet, in the best conditions. The hardy fibers that surround the tree trunk give it a unique appearance compared to other plants and trees of the same size.

Hawaiian Tree Fern

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hawaiian Tree Fern	Cibotium glaucum	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining	Shade to partial shade	9-11

University of Hawaii

How do you grow a Hapuu fern?

Because they tend to grow in tropical environments, where they are often overshadowed by larger tropical trees and plants, this fern tree usually grows best when it is in partial shade, although it can stand direct sunlight on occasions. They grow very easily in their natural habitat, though, and they can survive long winters without dying back.

What is hapu’u used for?

The fibers of this tree have served a whole range of purposes over the years, including in traditional local medicine, and even in some cooking recipes!

FAQs

Are All Plants Beginning With H Related?

Although plenty of flowering plants will share common features, plants that start with H come from all branches of the plant tree of life. Some are evergreen plants, like the Holly plant we talked about, some, like the Helianthus plant, are part of the deciduous flowering plant family.

And others, like the Hawaiian fern, might be related to other greens, but be separated by millions of years of evolution to their own environment and roles. H plants cover a huge range of different plant families.

How Many Flowering Plants Start With H?

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of kinds of flowers that start with H. Some, like the Hop, Hyacinth, and Hydrangea, we have covered in this list. Aside from them, there are plenty more, such as Hedychium Coronarium, a beautiful white flowering plant, or the Habranthus plant, also known as the ‘Candy Cane’ plant, for the wide array of bright colors it can come in, including bright red.

Are The Berries On Holly Bushes Safe To Eat?

The short answer is no. The long answer is a little more complicated.

The berries you can find on a Holly plant, although usually red, sometimes come in varieties of browns and blacks too. They are often food that is eaten by insects and birds in the winter, where there are few other plants that grow foods for animals to eat.

Despite how pretty and full their berries might look though, you must never eat Holly bush’s little fruits. They contain a whole range of different chemicals that can be toxic to you, your children, and any pets you might have. So do not feed these to your children or pet dog if you find a bush in the wild.

They are safe to hold, though, which is why they are often incorporated into decorations such as wreaths in winter.

Related articles:

Are there any flowers that start with the letter H?

Other resources relating plants that start with H:

Flowers that Start with H – Plant Delights Nursery

Plants that Start with H

Common plant names beginning with the letter ‘h’