Flowers with five petals are a common and elegant feature in many plant families, offering a simple yet striking star-like or cup-shaped bloom. These flowers, found in both wild and cultivated settings, range from delicate groundcovers to bold perennials. Their symmetry makes them visually appealing for gardens, containers, or indoor displays.
These flowers thrive in diverse conditions, from full sun to partial shade, depending on the species. Most prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, making them adaptable to various environments. They suit outdoor borders, rock gardens, or indoor pots with adequate light.
Bloom times vary, typically spanning spring to fall, with some flowering year-round in ideal conditions. Deadheading spent blooms encourages prolonged flowering, while their vibrant colors—often pink, purple, white, or yellow—attract attention in any setting.
Ecologically, five-petaled flowers support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing nectar and pollen. Some self-seed, contributing to naturalized areas, while others offer seeds for birds, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
Flowers With 5 Petals
Geranium
Geraniums produce vibrant, five-petaled flowers in clusters, with slightly notched petals forming a saucer-like shape. The blooms, borne on slender stems, are complemented by rounded, lobed leaves with a faint spicy scent. They offer a striking display in colors like pink, red, white, or purple, with a delicate veined pattern on petals.
Geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). Indoors, place near south- or west-facing windows; outdoors, they excel in borders, containers, or hanging baskets.
Flowering spans late spring to early fall, peaking in summer. Regular deadheading of spent blooms promotes continuous flowering.
Columbine
Columbine flowers feature five distinct petals in a star-like arrangement, with unique backward-facing spurs that store nectar, giving them a whimsical appearance. The nodding blooms rise above delicate, fern-like foliage, in shades of blue, purple, red, white, or yellow, adding elegance to shaded areas.
Columbines prefer partial shade, thriving with 2-4 hours of filtered sunlight, though they tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They require moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0-7.0). They’re ideal for shaded garden beds or woodland-style indoor settings.
Blooms appear in late spring to early summer, lasting several weeks. Deadheading may extend flowering slightly.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle flowers are simple yet charming, with five flat, pinwheel-shaped petals forming a star-like bloom. The flowers, typically blue or purple, contrast with glossy, evergreen leaves, creating a low-growing carpet effect. They’re perfect for groundcover in shaded areas.
Periwinkle thrives in partial to full shade, tolerating as little as 2 hours of indirect light. It prefers well-draining soil but adapts to various soil types, including poor soils (pH 6.0-7.5). It’s suitable for outdoor gardens or indoor containers in low-light rooms.
Flowering occurs in spring, with sporadic blooms through summer in cooler conditions.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum produces tiny, five-petaled flowers in dense clusters, emitting a sweet, honey-like fragrance. The blooms, often white or pale purple, sit atop low, spreading foliage, creating a soft, cloud-like effect. They’re ideal for edging or container displays.
Sweet alyssum prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade with 3-4 hours of light. It thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Indoors, place near a bright window; outdoors, it suits borders or hanging baskets.
Blooms from late spring to fall, with peak flowering in cooler months. Shearing back after the first bloom encourages a second flush.
Violet
Violets feature delicate, five-petaled flowers with a heart-shaped outline, often in shades of purple, blue, or white. The petals surround a small yellow or white center, and the blooms rise above heart-shaped leaves, adding charm to shaded areas or indoor pots.
Violets thrive in partial to full shade, needing 2-3 hours of indirect light. They prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter (pH 5.5-6.5). They’re ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor containers in low-light spaces.
Flowering occurs in early spring, with some blooms persisting into early summer in cool conditions.
Flax
Flax flowers are small and delicate, with five rounded petals forming an open, cup-like shape. The blooms, typically blue or white, appear on slender, wiry stems with narrow, grass-like leaves, giving a light, airy appearance to gardens or containers.
Flax prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade with 4-5 hours of light. It thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Outdoors, it suits borders; indoors, use a sunny windowsill.
Flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, with each bloom lasting only a day but new flowers opening daily.
Campanula
Campanula, or bellflower, produces five-petaled, star-shaped flowers that often form loose clusters. The petals fuse slightly at the base, creating a bell-like shape, in shades of blue, purple, or white. The blooms contrast with heart-shaped or lance-like leaves.
Campanula thrives in partial shade, needing 3-4 hours of filtered light, though some tolerate full sun. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). It’s suitable for shaded beds, containers, or indoor pots.
Flowering occurs from late spring to summer, with some reblooming if deadheaded.
Phlox
Phlox flowers form dense clusters of five-petaled, star-shaped blooms with a small central eye. The petals are slightly notched, creating a vibrant display in pink, purple, white, or red. The plants range from low-growing to upright, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
Phlox prefers partial shade, thriving with 3-5 hours of indirect light, though some tolerate full sun. It needs well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It suits borders, containers, or indoor settings with bright light.
Blooms appear from mid-summer to early fall, lasting several weeks with proper care.
Buttercup
Buttercups produce glossy, five-petaled flowers with a bright, cup-like shape, often in vivid yellow or occasionally white. The blooms sit atop slender stems with deeply lobed leaves, creating a cheerful, meadow-like effect in gardens or pots.
Buttercups thrive in full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. They prefer moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). They’re best for outdoor beds but can be grown indoors with sufficient light.
Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with blooms lasting a few weeks.
Cinquefoil
Cinquefoil flowers are small and saucer-shaped, with five distinct petals in bright yellow, white, or occasionally pink. The blooms are borne on wiry stems above palmate, toothed leaves, resembling miniature roses, adding a rustic charm to gardens or containers.
Cinquefoil prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving with 4-6 hours of light. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor, well-draining ones with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). It’s ideal for rock gardens, borders, or indoor pots with bright light.
Flowers bloom from early summer to fall, with consistent blooming in favorable conditions.
Wishbone Flower
Wishbone flowers produce small, five-petaled, trumpet-shaped blooms with a delicate, star-like appearance. The petals, often in shades of blue, purple, or white, feature a contrasting throat, and the plant has soft, oval leaves, creating a compact, bushy habit ideal for borders or pots.
Thrives in partial shade to full shade, needing 2-4 hours of filtered light. Prefers moist, well-draining soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Suitable for shaded indoor areas near north-facing windows or outdoor shaded beds.
Flowers from late spring to early fall, with peak blooming in cooler months. Deadheading encourages continuous blooms.
Snapdragon
Snapdragon flowers form spikes of tubular, five-petaled blooms that snap open and closed when squeezed, giving them their name. The petals, in pink, white, yellow, or purple, are slightly fused at the base, with lush, lance-shaped leaves below.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Ideal for outdoor beds or indoor containers with bright light.
Blooms from late spring to fall, with longer flowering in cooler climates if deadheaded regularly.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose produces cup-shaped, five-petaled flowers that open in the evening, revealing vibrant yellow, pink, or white petals with a subtle fragrance. The blooms sit atop sturdy stems with lance-shaped leaves, adding a wildflower charm.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.0). Suitable for outdoor borders or indoor pots with ample light.
Flowers from late spring to late summer, opening at dusk and fading by morning, with new blooms daily.
Rockrose
Rockrose flowers are delicate and crinkled, with five petals forming a shallow cup, often in white, pink, or yellow with a central cluster of stamens. The blooms contrast with small, evergreen leaves, giving a Mediterranean vibe to gardens or containers.
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade with 4-5 hours of light. Needs well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Best for outdoor rock gardens or indoor sunny windowsills.
Flowers from late spring to early summer, with each bloom lasting a day but new flowers opening daily.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are daisy-like, with five broad, slightly notched petals surrounding a bright yellow center. The blooms, in shades of pink, white, or red, sit atop slender, feathery foliage, creating an airy, cheerful display.
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade with 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ideal for outdoor beds or large indoor containers with bright light.
Blooms from mid-summer to fall, with continuous flowering if deadheaded regularly.
Soapwort
Soapwort produces clusters of five-petaled, star-shaped flowers with slightly notched petals, often in pink or white. The blooms are borne on upright stems with oval leaves, and the plant has a subtle, sweet scent, ideal for cottage-style gardens or pots.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.0-7.5). Suitable for outdoor borders or indoor containers with good light.
Flowers from mid-summer to early fall, with peak blooming in warm conditions.
Potentilla
Potentilla, similar to cinquefoil, features five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers in bright yellow, white, or pink. The blooms are borne on low, spreading shrubs with small, toothed leaves, offering a rugged yet charming look.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Ideal for outdoor rock gardens or indoor containers with bright light.
Flowers from early summer to fall, with consistent blooming in favorable conditions.
Bellflower
Bellflowers produce five-petaled, star-shaped or bell-shaped blooms, often in blue, purple, or white, with petals slightly fused at the base. The flowers rise above heart-shaped or lance-like leaves, creating a delicate, cascading effect in beds or pots.
Thrives in partial shade, needing 3-5 hours of filtered light, though some tolerate full sun. Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Suitable for shaded beds or indoor pots.
Blooms from late spring to summer, with some reblooming if deadheaded.
Flossflower
Flossflowers produce fluffy, five-petaled blooms in dense clusters, resembling small pom-poms in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. The flowers sit atop compact, bushy foliage, adding a soft texture to gardens or containers.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ideal for outdoor borders or indoor pots with bright light.
Flowers from late spring to fall, with continuous blooming if deadheaded regularly.
Cornflower
Cornflowers feature five-petaled, slightly fringed blooms with a vibrant, star-like shape, typically in blue, though pink or white shades occur. The flowers rise on slender stems with narrow, gray-green leaves, giving a wildflower aesthetic.
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade with 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Suitable for outdoor beds or indoor containers with bright light.
Blooms from early summer to fall, with peak flowering in warm conditions.
Zinnia
Zinnia flowers are bold and daisy-like, with five broad petals (sometimes appearing layered) surrounding a prominent center. Available in vibrant red, pink, yellow, or white, they sit atop sturdy stems with oval leaves, creating a cheerful display.
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade with 4-6 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ideal for outdoor beds or large indoor containers with bright light.
Blooms from mid-summer to fall, with continuous flowering if deadheaded regularly.
Mallow
Mallow flowers are characterized by five broad, slightly notched petals forming a shallow cup, often in shades of pink, purple, or white with darker veins radiating from the center. The blooms are borne on upright or sprawling stems with rounded, lobed leaves, giving a soft, cottage-garden aesthetic.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring 4-6 hours of light daily. Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Suitable for outdoor borders, rock gardens, or indoor containers placed near bright windows.
Flowers from early summer to early fall, with peak blooming in warm conditions. Deadheading encourages prolonged flowering.
Fireweed
Fireweed produces striking, five-petaled flowers in loose spikes, with petals forming a star-like shape in vibrant pink or purple hues. The blooms are held on tall, slender stems with willow-like leaves, creating a dramatic, wildflower look suitable for naturalized areas.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Best for outdoor wildflower gardens or large indoor containers with ample light.
Blooms from mid-summer to late summer, progressing from the bottom to the top of the flower spike over several weeks.
Clarkia
Clarkia flowers feature five delicate, slightly notched petals in a cup or star shape, often in pink, purple, or white with subtle speckling. The blooms appear in loose clusters on slender stems with narrow leaves, offering a graceful, meadow-like charm.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ideal for outdoor wildflower beds or indoor pots with bright, indirect light.
Flowers from late spring to mid-summer, with peak blooming in cooler conditions. Deadheading extends the flowering period.
Silene
Silene flowers have five petals with a slightly notched or cleft appearance, forming a star-like shape, often in pink, white, or red with a subtle fragrance. The blooms are borne on upright or sprawling stems with soft, lance-shaped leaves, adding a delicate touch to gardens or containers.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing 4-5 hours of light. Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Suitable for outdoor rock gardens, borders, or indoor pots with good light.
Flowers from late spring to early summer, with some reblooming if deadheaded regularly.
Godetia
Godetia, closely related to clarkia, produces five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers with satiny petals in shades of pink, purple, or white, often with darker markings. The blooms form in clusters on upright stems with narrow leaves, creating a vibrant, wildflower-like display.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring 4-6 hours of light. Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Ideal for outdoor wildflower beds, borders, or indoor containers with bright light.
Flowers from late spring to mid-summer, with peak blooming in cooler climates. Deadheading promotes extended flowering.
General Care Tips
- Light: Most of these flowers (e.g., geranium, flax, cinquefoil) prefer full sun to partial shade, while columbine, periwinkle, and violet excel in shadier conditions. Indoors, use grow lights to supplement low natural light.
- Watering: Overwatering is a common issue; ensure well-draining soil and water when the top inch feels dry for most (except buttercup and violet, which prefer moist soil). Pots must have drainage holes.
- Soil and Fertilizer: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter supports healthy growth. Use balanced fertilizers (10-10-10) or low-nitrogen options (5-10-10) sparingly to avoid excessive foliage over blooms.
- Pest and Disease: Monitor for aphids (geranium, phlox) and powdery mildew (phlox, columbine). Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
- Toxicity: Geranium, columbine, periwinkle, and buttercup are toxic to pets or humans if ingested. Place them out of reach and wash hands after handling.