Plants That Start With I

Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Derek

List of plants that start with the letter I

The plants beginning with I included in this article are:

In the world, there are thousands of different plants, so it can be really difficult to identify them all. When you look outside, you are greeted by hundreds of plants, all of which could be different varieties of another plant. 

As there are so many plants out there, we have put together this guide to help you. In this guide, we have collected together various plants that begin with the letter I. From the Ice Plant to the Itoh Peony, there are plenty of plants to discover. 

House plants that start with I

Inch Plant (botanical name Tradescantia zebrina)

Do inch plants need a lot of light?

Inch plants (Tradescantia zebrina) prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some shade. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s best to keep them out of the hot afternoon sun.

Should I mist my inch plant?

Misting your inch plant can help to increase humidity levels around the plant, which can be beneficial if you live in a dry climate or if you’re growing your plant indoors in the winter when the air is typically drier. However, misting alone is not sufficient to meet the plant’s moisture needs, so it’s important to water it regularly as well.

Is inch plant indoor or outdoor?

Inch plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on your climate and growing conditions. They are often grown as houseplants due to their low-maintenance nature and attractive trailing vines.

How fast do inch plants grow?

Inch plants can grow quite quickly under the right conditions, producing new leaves and stems throughout the growing season. With proper care, they can grow up to a foot or more in length each year.

Inch Plant Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Inch Plant	Tradescantia zebrina	9-11	Perennial	Well-drained, moist soil	Partial shade to full sun	Medium to high

NC University

Iresine (Iresine herbstii)

Is Iresine a perennial?

It depends on the species of Iresine. Some species are perennial, meaning they live for more than two years, while others are annual, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. For example, Iresine herbstii is an annual, while Iresine diffusa is a perennial.

Can Iresine grow in shade?

Yes, Iresine can grow in partial to full shade. In fact, some species, like Iresine herbstii, prefer some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Is Iresine toxic to cats?

Yes, Iresine is toxic to cats if ingested. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats. It’s best to keep Iresine away from cats or other pets that may be inclined to chew on plants.

Where do you plant Iresine?

Iresine can be planted in containers or directly in the ground, depending on the species and your growing conditions. Generally, Iresine prefers well-draining soil and moderate moisture levels. Some species, like Iresine herbstii, can tolerate dry conditions once established. It’s important to check the specific growing requirements for your chosen species of Iresine to ensure it thrives in your chosen location.

Iresine Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Iresine	Iresine herbstii	9-11	Perennial	Well-drained, fertile soil	Partial shade to full sun	Medium to high

Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia masoniana)

How do you care for an iron cross begonia?

Iron Cross begonias prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out partially between watering and avoid getting water on the leaves. Keep the plant in a humid environment and fertilize it regularly during the growing season.

Are Iron Cross begonias rare?

Iron Cross begonias are not considered rare, but they are a unique and popular variety of begonia due to their distinctive leaves.

Why is my Iron Cross begonia dying?

There are several reasons why an Iron Cross begonia may be dying, including overwatering, underwatering, lack of humidity, pest infestations, or disease. Check the soil moisture, lighting, and humidity levels and inspect the plant for any signs of pests or disease to diagnose the issue.

Can you propagate Iron Cross begonia?

Yes, Iron Cross begonias can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Ensure that the cutting has a node and dip it in rooting hormone before planting it in moist soil. Provide high humidity and bright, indirect light to encourage rooting.

Iron Cross Begonia Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Iron Cross Begonia	Begonia masoniana	9-11	Perennial	Well-drained, moist soil	Partial shade to full shade	Medium to high

Here are 10 plants that start with the letter I.

Ice Plant Flower (Delosperma spp. Lampranthus spp.)

Ice plant is a very common name that covers a range of species of plants under this family name. The most popular plants that come under this name are Dewplants (Lampranthus spp) and Delosperma (Delosperma spp).

How often does ice plant bloom?

Ice plants typically bloom from spring through fall, producing colorful daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and red.

Do ice plants flower all summer?

Yes, ice plants can flower all summer long, depending on the climate and growing conditions. In areas with mild winters, they may bloom year-round.

Does ice plant flower like sun or shade?

Ice plants prefer full sun and will produce more flowers in sunny locations. However, they can tolerate some shade and will still bloom in partially shaded areas.

Ice Plant Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Ice Plant	Mesembryanthemum crystallinum	8-10	Hardy	Well-draining, sandy soil	Full sun	Low to moderate

Do Ice plants come back every year?

Despite their name, these are warm-weather plants that are also perennials. This means that they can live for more than two years. Their blooms typically have bright colors such as red, pink, orange and purple.

What is a flower that starts with an I?

The reason for the ice plant name is due to tiny hairs that can be seen on these plants. The hairs reflect light in a certain way, which makes them look like ice crystals. In warmer climates, ice plants commonly have evergreen foliage. Yet once the temperature drops, the foliage becomes a much darker green. 

Ice plant care

This species of plant has a very fast growth rate. Depending on the species within this family, these plants can be used as ground cover, or as a shrub. Ice plants will begin blooming in spring, and some varieties will continue to bloom throughout the summer. They enjoy lots of sunlight and sandy but well-drained soil. 

Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)

Iceland poppies are also known as Arctic poppies. These are hardy plants that enjoy cooler temperatures but still thrive in warmer climates as well. This plant is a perennial and will give your garden a pop of color, year after year.

When do Iceland poppies bloom?

You should aim to plant these flowers in the late winter or early spring, as they are a slow-growing plant. So then you can expect blooms in the late spring and early summer.

Iceland Poppy Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Iceland Poppy	Papaver nudicaule	2-7	Hardy	Well-drained, fertile soil	Full sun to partial shade	Regular

Iceland poppy foliage

These plants have feathery foliage and produce fuzzy flower stems. The stems themselves are leafless, and each one will produce a brightly colored flower. Each flower head will produce four paper-thin yet silky ruffled petals. The Iceland Poppy can bloom in a range of colors from red, yellow, pink and even white. 

Impatiens (Impatiens spp)

Impatiens are an annual plant that is very popular due to their beautiful blooms and because they can grow in shady areas. In colder climates, it is best to plant these flowers once the frosts have passed. Therefore, these plants can bloom in the late spring into summer. 

Iceland Impatiens Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Iceland Impatiens	Impatiens noli-tangere	5-9	Perennial	Rich, moist, well-drained soil	Partial to full shade	High

Impatiens colors

Impatiens are fast-growing plants that can either have vibrant colored blooms or pastel colored blooms. These blooms can be seen in the following colors: yellow, coral, red, pink, white and violet.

How much sun do impatiens need?

This kind of plant doesn’t grow very tall at all. You’ll never see an Impatiens plant taller than a foot. Impatiens enjoy growing in partial to full shade, as long as they have rich and well-drained soil.

Incrediball Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ Incrediball)

The Incrediball Hydrangea is a type of broadleaf flowering shrub. The reason for the “incrediball” name is due to the size of the flower heads. The flower heads look like huge balls of blooms that are very impressive to look at. As the flower heads are so large, thick stems are produced to keep these blooms up and supported. 

Do Incrediball hydrangeas need sun or shade?

Incrediball hydrangeas prefer to be grown in partial shade, as they do not tolerate full sun exposure well.

Can Incrediball hydrangeas take full sun?

Incrediball hydrangeas are not well-suited to full sun exposure, as their large leaves and flowers can wilt easily under direct sunlight. They typically do best in partial shade.

How big do Incrediball hydrangeas get?

Incrediball hydrangeas can grow quite large, typically reaching heights of 4-5 feet and widths of 5-6 feet. Their large flower heads can also reach up to 12 inches in diameter.

Which is better Annabelle or Incrediball hydrangea?

The choice between Annabelle and Incrediball hydrangeas ultimately depends on personal preference and growing conditions. Annabelle hydrangeas have smaller flower heads but are more cold-hardy, while Incrediball hydrangeas have larger flower heads but may require some winter protection in colder climates. Both are beautiful and popular choices for gardeners.

Incrediball Hydrangea Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Incrediball Hydrangea	Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’	3-9	Perennial	Moist, well-drained soil	Partial to full sun	Medium to high

Incrediball Hydrangea care

This is a fast-growing plant, which is commonly planted during the fall. If they are planted in their perfect conditions, these flowers can live for up to 20 years. These plants can be used just as a single shrub or planted to form a border. With Incrediball Hydrangeas in your garden, you will notice a lot more butterflies visiting your garden as well. 

Indian Hawthorn Varieties (Rhaphiolepis indica)

The Indian Hawthorn is a small shrub plant that grows in a neat and rounded shape naturally. This shrub can be found growing in China, Asia and Australia.

What to plant with Indian hawthorn?

This plant is a common choice in warmer climates, to be used as foundation plants or to be used as a hedge. However, it is also the perfect container plant. It is a slow-growing plant, so it should be planted during the spring. 

Indian Hawthorn Varieties Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Indian Hawthorn Varieties	Rhaphiolepis spp.	7-11	Perennial	Well-drained soil	Partial to full sun	Low to medium

Indian hawthorn flowering season

The foliage on this plant is slightly bronze. Yet once it has matured, that bronze turns into a deep green color. The leaves grow to roughly 2 to 4 inches long in an oblong shape. The leaves also have a leather-like texture and are serrated on the edges.

In the spring, small and fragrant clusters of white and pink flowers are produced. These blooms create a star-like shape, with each flower having five petals. Whilst in the winter, small blue fruits are produced and are typically eaten by wildlife. 

Inkberry Holly Varieties (Ilex glabra)

Inkberry Holly is a slow-growing, broadleaf shrub. This is a very easy plant to grow and will provide your garden with some color during the spring. This plant is named Inkberry, due to the berry-like fruits that are produced that have a very dark-colored appearance.

These are produced from white-greenish flowers that appear in May and June. The leaves of this plant are similar in appearance to holly oak. However, compared to other holly plants, the leaves on this plant are smooth instead of prickly. 

Inkberry Holly Varieties Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Inkberry Holly Varieties	Ilex glabra	3-9	Evergreen	Moist, well-drained soil	Partial to full sun	Low to medium

What can I plant with inkberry holly?

It is common for Inkberry Holly to be planted as the sole food for beehives, as the bees enjoy the flowers they produce. Wild birds also enjoy this plant, and Inkberry Holly is deer resistant. These shrubs are ideal for grouping together to create a border or used around ponds or water features. This is because they enjoy constantly moist soil. 

Iris Flowers (Iris)

There are over 300 different species of flowers in the Iris family. These flowers either grow from bulbs or from rhizomes. They have long stems and three petals on their flower heads that stand upright.

USDA

Iris flower colors

Iris Flowers Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Iris Flowers	Iris germanica	3-9	Perennial	Well-drained, fertile soil	Full sun to partial shade	Medium to high

Irises can come in various sizes, with some being as short as six inches and others can grow up to four feet in height. Normally, they bloom in shades of white, yellow, blue and purple.

How long do iris flowers last?

Iris flowers can be seen blooming during spring and summer. While others varieties will continue to bloom in the fall as well. With Irises in your garden, you will attract more butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. 

Video – How to grow Irises

Irish Moss Plant (Sagina subulata)

Irish Moss is usually seen as ground cover for rock gardens or on low-footfall areas as a lawn substitute. This plant looks like moss, but it has different growing requirements. It prefers a balance of sunny to partial shade, but it doesn’t enjoy intense heat or wet conditions. It enjoys a good balance.

Irish Moss Plant Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Irish Moss Plant	Sagina subulata	4-10	Perennial	Well-drained, acidic soil	Full sun to partial shade	Medium to high

 Does Irish moss spread quickly?

This plant will keep its luscious green color all year long. At certain times, little white flowers are produced and will bloom in the late spring to early summer. Irish moss will grow to about 2 inches high but will spread rapidly and widely. 

Itoh Peony (Paeoniaceae)

The Itoh Peony takes qualities from both of its parent plants – the tree and herbaceous peonies. Therefore, the Itoh Peony has large and long-lasting blooms that are supported on very strong stems. Alongside this, the Itoh Peony has deep green foliage that will go all the way until fall. The flower head includes eight-inch long petals that encase a yellow stamen. These peonies can come in a range of colors from pink, white, yellow, coral and red. 

Itoh Peony Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Itoh Peony	Paeonia ‘Bartzella’	3-8	Perennial	Well-drained, fertile soil	Full sun to partial shade	Medium to high

Like with other species of peonies, these plants make a great addition to flower arrangements. They have a lemony aroma that is mixed with other shrubs or used as stand-alone shrubs. This plant is extremely popular and always high in demand due to the large and beautiful blooms. Itoh Peony in containers do particularly well.

Ivy Geranium varieties (Pelargonium peltatum)

Ivy geranium care

Ivy Geranium Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Ivy Geranium	Pelargonium peltatum	9-11	Annual	Well-drained, fertile soil	Full sun to partial shade	Medium to high

The Ivy Geranium is a quick-growing plant during the warmer spring months. This is an attractive plant in and out of bloom. It is also a low maintenance plant, that is free flowering. The Ivy Geranium is typically grown in hanging baskets or large containers. When mature, they will go between 12 and 30 inches. They enjoy full sunlight and well-drained, moist soil. 

Ivy geranium colors

The flowers on this plant typically bloom throughout the spring to the fall. The blooms are typically red, salmon, pink and white in color. This plant will provide your garden with lots of color throughout the year. 

10 Japanese Plants That Start With I

• Iris (Ayame in Japanese) – known for their beautiful blooms in a range of colors, including purple, white, and yellow.
• Ichiyo (Japanese Anemone) – a delicate flower with pink or white petals that bloom in late summer or early fall.
• Imoseyama (Crimson glory vine) – a vine with bright red flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.
• Ichikikushikino (Kikyo) – a blue or purple bell-shaped flower that blooms in the late summer.
• Iwa-enogu (Rockbells) – a small purple flower that grows in rocky areas.
• Inochi-no-tsuyu (Morning glory) – a colorful vine with trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the morning.
• Ibara (Rose) – a classic flower that comes in a range of colors and is loved for its sweet fragrance.
• Iwa-tsubaki (Japanese Rock Camellia) – a small tree with white or pink camellia flowers that bloom in the winter.
• Iroha-karashishi (Tiger lily) – a bright orange flower with black spots that blooms in the summer.
• Ise-giku (Japanese Marigold) – a yellow or orange daisy-like flower that blooms in the fall.

10 Australian flowers that start with the letter “I”

• Isopogon (Isopogon spp.)
• Ivory Curl (Buckinghamia celcissima)
• Ironstone Grevillea (Grevillea “Ironstone”)
• Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
• Indigofera (Indigofera spp.)
• Iris (Dietes spp.)
• Inland Pigface (Carpobrotus modestus)
• Isolepis (Isolepis spp.)
• Ixodia (Ixodia achillaeoides)
• Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

Takeaway

We have given you 10 plants that begin with the letter I. There are various plants that begin with this letter and all of these plants you can plant in your own garden. Now you have a deeper understanding of some of the plants that begin with I, that you can now recognize and impress your friends and family with. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Flowers That Begin With The Letter I?

There is a long list of flowers that begin with the letter I. Some of the flowers on this list include the Iceland Poppy, Iris Flowers, Ipheon, Ipomea and Ixia. All of these plants have bright, colorful blooms that can bloom from spring through to fall. 

What Is The Iris Flower Known For?

The Iris flower symbolizes hope, faith, wisdom and courage. However, the color of the bloom affects the meaning of the flower. For example, a purple iris flower is known for and symbolizes wisdom. Yet blue iris flowers are known as a sign of hope and faith. 

Is Inkberry Holly Poisonous To Dogs?

The berries do contain toxins, which might be fatal if consumed in large quantities. The sharp leaves of the plant usually keep dogs away from eating too many berries, which could harm them. The plant itself isn’t poisonous, but the berries are toxic to humans and animals if eaten in large quantities.

Resources relating to Plants that start with I:

Plants that Start with I – NounsStarting.com

Perennials that start with the letter I | Plant Delights

15 Flowers That Start With I (List of Flower Names I)