Plants That Start With M

Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by Derek

If you are new to gardening, botany, or horticulture you may find that remembering plant names can be pretty hard. One great way to remember plant names, or simply to research plants, can be to follow alphabetical lists.

List of plants that begin with M:

Here is a list of all the plants that start with M featured in this article:

Is there a flower that starts with an M?

Marigolds are probably the best know flowers beginning with the letter M

Marigold Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Marigolds	Tagetes	Zones 2-11	Annual	Well-drained soil	Full sun	Regular watering

Plants That Start With Letter M – Names and pictures

Read on to learn more about plants that begin with M, from Magnolias to Myrtus.

Video – Easy plants to grow that begin with M:

What’s a plant that starts with an M? – Magnolia

Magnolia is a great place to start as it is an ancient plant, archaeologists have found fossilised specimens of Magnolia that date back over 20 million years and other specimens belonging to the Magnoliacae family date back even further to over a 95million years ago.

This means that the Magnolia plant even predates bees. As a result, many plant historians theorize that Magnolia may have evolved in order to encourage the beetles to pollinate plants.

USDA

Is magnolia a tree or a flower?

In modern horticulture, Magnolias span both shrubs and trees and have a plethora of varieties to choose from. Growing a Magnolia is an investment for your garden as they are pretty slow growing and potentially take 10-20 years to reach their optimal growth.

Magnolias generally prefer acidic to neutral soil, which is worth knowing when planting in the earth but small or young magnolias will grow well in pots until they reach a certain size. Pick a spot that gets a lot of sun in order to encourage flowering, and avoid frost even in the spring.

Magnolia Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Magnolia	Magnolia spp.	Depends on species	Hardy	Well-drained, acidic soil	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering, but avoid overwatering

Mahonia varieties

Florida Univ.

Mahonias are a genus of shrub (although some are identifiable as trees) that have over 70 varieties. Mahonias are quite similar to the Berberis plant which has similarly spiky leaves and interesting berry fruit.

At one point there was a bit of a stir in the botanical and horticultural communities about whether Mahonias should simply be identified as Berberis due to their morphological similarities. Modern DNA studies, though, have found some subtle differences in the plant’s respective biologies that classify them as separate genuses.

Mahonia Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Mahonia	Mahonia spp.	3-9	Hardy	Moist, well-drained	Partial to full shade	Moderate to low

Is a mahonia good in shade?

In North America, the Mahonia plant is colloquially referred to as the ‘Oregon Grape’ due to the distinct blue berries that grow during the plant’s flowering period. If you have a dry shady area that needs filling then Mahonia is the plant for you. They are extremely robust and can withstand great amounts of cold weather.

In the winter they produce amazing flowers and fragrances. They can grow quite large when left to their devices. Rabbits love Mahonias, so bear that in mind when planting.

Malva

The Malva plant, sometimes called ‘Mallow’ in English varieties, is a herbaceous perennial and biennial plant that is indigenous across Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the Americas, where the plant isn’t native, they are regarded as an invasive weed.

Malva Tea – Can you eat Malva?

Malva flowers are very beautiful and come in many colours, their herbaceous leaves make them perfect for adding height to borders. Malva is technically edible, and in Turkey, many of their leaves are used in salads as well as other culinary uses. As the plant is biennial its seeds will disperse as the plant reaches the end of its life.

Malva Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Malva	Malva sylvestris	Zones 3-8	Perennial	Well-drained, fertile soil	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering

 What is Malva good for?

The plant is one of the earliest recorded in literary history By third-century Physician Diphilus as well as Horace, both of which refer to the plant in culinary terms. Historically, the plant is used for culinary and medicinal purposes across early Asia but is more popular for ornamental purposes in modern times.

Mint (Mentha)

What is commonly referred to as ‘Mint’ refers to the ‘Mentha’ genus of plants. The two most recognisable species of this genus are Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha piperita (peppermint).

Mint Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy or Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Mint	Mentha	Zones 3-11	Perennial	Well-drained soil	Partial to full sun	Regular watering

Mint plant benefits

They are of the Lamiacaea family which also groups plants such as sage, almost all of this family are perfumed and have strong smells as well as both culinary and medicinal uses. 

Mentha is almost exclusively a perennial plant, this means that it will last over a year. They are extremely fast-growing and with little care could easily become quite invasive. With some species of Mentha being more invasive than others, their roots spread pretty wide and you could have a mint bush before you know it.

Although growing mint can be beneficial to your garden as they can be quite good at repelling certain pesky insects while attracting beneficial insects. You can harvest mint at any time, their leaves are sweeter when young (depending on variety) and some species have small white to purple flowers.

Mint plant uses

The plant has many uses from menthol tea to wide culinary applications.

Mimosa 

The Mimosa genus of plants is a super interesting plant that is commonly referred to as the ‘shame plant’ or ‘touch-me-not’. It is a creeping plant that is of the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical Americas but can also be found across Asia and Australia where it is regarded as an invasive weed.

Mimosa Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Mimosa	Mimosa pudica	Zones 9-11	Perennial	Well-drained, loamy	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering, don’t let soil dry out completely

What will the Mimosa plant do if you touch it?

The reason the Mimosa genus has received so much interest is from the plant’s interesting reaction to touch, which makes it particularly curious. For instance, the Mimosa pudica has a defence mechanism, similar to a Venus Fly Trap, that makes the plant retract rapidly when touched, earning the plant its interesting colloquial names and myths. ‘Pudica’ is Latin for ‘bashful’ or ‘shrinking’.

As a result, in modern horticulture, the plant is mainly grown for its curiosity.

Miscanthus

The Miscanthus is a genus of reliable grasses, specifically silver grass, that is historical of African, Eurasian, and Pacific regions. The grass grows interesting foliage that changes over the summer and becomes darker and brown in the winter.

Is Miscanthus easy to grow?

In comparison to other ornamental grasses, Miscanthus will grow well in most soils which makes it popular to fill out borders. Miscanthus doesn’t really enjoy being too wet as it can cause the grass to rot especially in the winter. The plant grows best during a hot summer where certain cultivars can grow pretty tall.

Miscanthus Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Miscanthus	Miscanthus spp.	Zones 5-9	Hardy Perennial	Well-drained soil	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate

While deciduous, the leaves should stick around during winter, providing interest while your garden is bare. Most varieties are native to China but have become increasingly popular in Britain within borders. Miscanthus is great for making Christmas wreaths.

Monarda

Monarda is a genus of flowering perennial plants that are endemic to North America. They are named after the famed Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who wrote an important piece of botanical literature about plants in the ‘new world’. Perhaps surprisingly, the Monarda genus is actually of the Lamiacae family, like Mint and Sage.

Monarda Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Monarda	Monarda spp.	Zones 4-9	Hardy perennial	Moist, well-drained	Full sun to part shade	Regular watering, do not let soil dry out

Many Monarda cultivars have some beautiful flowers which are cultivated in borders and beds for their pollinator attraction and good looking flowers. Many Monarda genuses, five to be exact, have been awarded AGM classification, the RHS’ Award of Garden Merit.

Being from the Lamiaceae family, they have many medicinal and culinary uses in different cultures. Monarda has a useful essential oil that is similar to mint. It was used extensively by Native American tribes, which is why it remains endemic to North America. The plant can flower into late August so can stick around for a decent part of the year depending on the variety.

Myosotis 

Why are Myosotis called forget-me-not?

The Myosotis is commonly referred to as the ‘forget-me-not’ and is a genus of the Boraginaceae family. The name forget-me-not is translated from the German compound Vergissmeinnicht and was first used by Henry IV of England in 1398 AD.

The flowers of the plant are popular and appear mid-summer, as a result, the flower is mainly grown for ornamental purposes. The morphology of the flower is very recognisable, with five petals around the pistil.

Myosotis Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Forget-me-not	Myosotis sylvatica	Zones 3-7	Hardy Perennial	Moist, well-drained soil	Partial shade to full sun	Regular watering

The plant’s flower is so recognisable that it has been used as a symbol and emblem for various parties and movements around the world. It was originally used as a Freemason emblem in the early 1900s, until it was repurposed by the Nazis, after the Second World War it was again reclaimed by the Freemasons.

It is also used as a memorial emblem to many different regional memorial movements for those who died in the Second World War.

Myrtus (Myrtle)

Myrtus is a genus of plants commonly referred to as Myrtle, it has a myriad of uses across culinary, medicinal, and rituals. Common Myrtle or ‘Myrtus communis’ is native across the Mediterranean and Asian continents. Myrtus is a shrub or tree, that is evergreen and has star-like flowers, an essential oil, and berries.

Myrtus Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Myrtus	Myrtus communis	8-11	Hardy	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering

Where should I plant myrtle?

Myrtle is a half-hardy plant that enjoys full sun, if protected by a wall during the winter seasons it can persevere and flowers appear only in July/August.

In Gardening usage, Myrtle is a great hedge plant that smells great and is ornamentally recognisable in many parks across the world as it is easily maintainable for a shrub. Certain species have earned the RHS’ AGM merit. In the Mediterranean, the shrub is used across the region in many culinary uses.

What is Myrtus communis used for?

It can be turned into a liqueur as well as using its berries to impart aroma to the meat. Medicinally, Myrtle has medical properties that are scientific as well as hermetic. Myrtle appears in many of the writings of Hippocrates, Pliny, and Dioscorides.

What’s more, in Jewish liturgy Myrtle is one of the four sacred plants of Sukkot and is used in Jewish rituals such as Jewish weddings and other feasts.

Indoor plants that start with M

Shrubs beginning with M

1. Maclura
2. Myrtus
3. Mahonia
4. Myrica
5. Maackia
6. Magnolia

Perennials beginning with M

1. Matthiola
2. Meadowsweet
3. Philadelphus aff. calvescens
4. Monarda
5. Malva
6. Meconopsis
7. Marigold
8. Magnolia
9. Monk’s Hood
10. Monbretia

FAQ relating to plants that start with the letter M

What are some popular flowers that start with the letter M?

Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers that begin with the letter M. Other well-known flowers include Morning Glory, Moonflower, and Mums.

What are the growing conditions for Marigolds?

Marigolds grow best in well-drained soil and require full sun. They are annual plants that can grow in USDA zones 2-11.

Can Moonflowers be grown in containers?

Yes, Moonflowers can be grown in containers, but they need to be quite large to accommodate their extensive root systems.

What are the best conditions for growing Mums?

Mums prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They are perennials that can grow in USDA zones 5-9.

What is the symbolism of Magnolias?

Magnolias are often associated with purity, nobility, and perseverance. They are commonly used in wedding bouquets and represent beauty and dignity.

What are some common uses for Myrtles?

Myrtle flowers petals and leaves are sometimes used in aromatherapy treatments and are also in many perfumes and cosmetics. They are also used in cooking and have medicinal benfits.

What is the growing zone for Mimosa trees?

Mimosa trees grow in USDA zones 6-9 and prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are widely recognised for their trademark fluffy pink flowers and fern-like leaves.

Can I grow Malva plants in the shade?

Malva plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate some shade. They grow in USDA zones 3-8 and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. The flowers are edible and come in many colors.

What is the meaning behind the marigold flower?

Marigolds are often associated with warmth, love, and passion. They are said to bring happiness and good luck to a garden.

Can moonflowers be grown indoors?

Moonflowers are typically grown outdoors in warm, sunny areas, but they can be grown indoors if provided with plenty of light and space to climb. They also require regular watering and fertilizing to thrive.

What is the significance of the magnolia flower?

The magnolia flower is often associated with purity, dignity, and perseverance. It is also a symbol of strength and endurance, as the magnolia tree can survive for many years and produce beautiful flowers even in difficult conditions.

What are some common varieties of the morning glory flower?

Some popular varieties of morning glory include the Heavenly Blue, Grandpa Ott’s, and Scarlet O’Hara. Each variety has its own unique color and shape, and all are known for their vibrant, eye-catching blooms.

How can I care for my mums to keep them healthy and blooming?

To care for your mums, make sure to plant them in well-draining soil in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Water them regularly, but avoid over-watering or allowing them to become waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Other resources relating to Plants that start with M:

Perennials that start with the letter M | Plant Delights Nursery

Plants that Start with M