18 Plants That Start With Z (Flowers & Foliage Plants)

If you are looking for the plants that starts with Z, then this is the right place to be.

After an extensive research with the help of plant databases and different encyclopedias, we’ve compiled this exclusive list of 18 plants that start with Z. This list includes plants suitable for indoors and outdoors.

For your better understanding, this article is divided into two sections,

• By Scientific Name
• By Common Name

Let’s get started.

Plants Start with Z (By Scientific Name)

1. Zamia

Zamia is a genus comprising of shrubs that resembles palms. There are more than 75 recognized species in plant references, however only a handful of them are found commercially.

The most commonly found variety is Zamia furfuracea, also known as cardboard palm. These plants are not palms biologically, but they resemble palms in their looks amnd growth habitat.

Some of the other Zamia varieties seen in home gardens include Zamia integrifolia, Zamia pseudoparasitica, and Zamia splendens.

• Common Name: Cardboard Palm
• Origin: North America
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Zamiaceae
• Height & Spread: 3 x 3ft (1 x 1ft)
• Temperature: 60-75F (15-24C)
• Light Exposure: Indirect bright light
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Medium
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Attractions: Foliage

2. Zantedeschia

Note: Zantedeschia is the name of the genus which contains 8 recognized species. The most commonly seen zantedeschia variety is called Cala lily or Arum lily.

Zantedeschia species are a great way to add colors and fragrances to your indoor or outdoor garden. The commonly seen variety, Zantedeschia aethiopica or white arum lily is best grown outdoors. However, smaller varieties like Zantedeschia ellittiana, Zantedeschia rehmannii, etc are excellent choices for your indoor garden.

Different varieties in this species have different color flowers with either simple or speckled leaf patterns. Similar to most other flowering plants, their blooming season is from spring to autumn.

• Common Name: Calla Lily / Arum Lily
• Origin: South Africa
• Plant Type: Perennials
• Plant Family: Arums
• Height & Spread: 60 x 60cm (2 x 2ft)
• Temperature: 50-68F (10-20C)
• Light Exposure: Filtered sun
• Humidity: Moderate
• Watering: Moderate
• Hardiness Zone: 8-10
• Attractions: Foliage & flowers
• Toxicity: All parts are toxic to humans & pets

3. Zauschneria

Zauschneria is one among the 197 recognized flowering species in the genus of Epilobium which is apart of Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) family.

Zauschneria plants are commonly called as California Fuchsia (Fucshia is a different genus though) because of it’s nativity in the California region.

These plants have gray green, lance shaped leaves that are velvety to touch. From late summer to fall, California Fucshias yield trumpet like flowers. This plant is also called as hummingbird flowers, humming bird trumpet because it attracts a lot of hummiongbirds during their migratory season.

• Common Name: California Fuchsia
• Origin: North America
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Onagraceae
• Height & Spread: 2 x 3ft (60 x 90cm)
• Temperature: 59-64F (15-18C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Low needs
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11
• Attractions: Flowers

4. Zebrina Pendula

In plant references, Zebrina Pendula is currently known as Tradescantia Zebrina which is a species of flowering plants in Tradescantia genus. This plant is commonly known as inch plant, silver inch plant or wandering jew.

Many of the siblings of Inchplant is considered to be weeds. However, the bold foliage along with it’s fast growing and easy to care for characteristics made Zebrina Pendula a common indoor plant.

Eventhough grown for their foliage, these plants yield white, purple or pink colored flowers three petals depending on the variety. There is no specific blooming time indoors and it can bloom year round.

Zebrina Pendula plants are considered to be mildly toxic to both humans and pets.

• Common Name: Inch Plant / Wandering Jew
• Origin: Central & South America
• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Plant Family: Commelinaceae
• Height & Spread: 1 x 1.5ft (30 x 45cm)
• Temperature: 55-75F (13-24C)
• Light Exposure: Bright indirect light
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: After the topsoil is dry
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11
• Attractions: Foliage

5. Zenobia

Zenobia is a genus of shrubs native to North America with a wax coating on the leaves.

The plant produces a large number of bell-shaped or flat-topped white flowers, each with five distinct sepals and five joined petals. Due to this unique bell or cup like structure, zenobia plants are also known as honeycup flower plant.

This genus contains three recognized species, Zenobia cassinefolia, Zenobia pulverulenta, and Zenobia speciosa. Among these, Zenobia Pulverulenta is the most comonly found.

• Common Name: Honeycup plant, Queen Zenobia
• Origin: North America
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Ericaceae
• Height & Spread: 7 x 6ft (2.1 x 1.8m)
• Temperature: -10-59F (-23-15C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun/partial shade
• Humidity: Moderate
• Watering: Keep the soil moist
• Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Attractions: Flowers

6. Zephyranthes

Zephyranthus is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Amaryllis family which comprises some famous lilies like Easter lily, Jersey lily, belladonna lily, etc.

After the 2019 genus expansions, Zephyranthus genus consists of more than 200 recognized species of plants. In addition to this, several hybrid cuktivars are also available.

These plants are commonly found in Mexico, Columbia and Central American regions. And, they are considered to be one of the easiest to grow and care for lilies among others in Amaryllis family.

The commonly labelled species of Zephyranthes species in the nursers are zephyr lily, rain lily, magic lily and rain flower.

Most of the species in this species is considered to be highly toxic and fatal if ingested. So, it is recommended to avoid them if your garden is visited by small animals or kids.

• Common Name: Zephyr Lilies
• Origin: Central America, Mexico
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Amaryllis
• Height & Spread: 1 x 1ft (30 x 30cm)
• Temperature: 40-60F (5-16C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: High
• Watering: Moderate
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Attractions: Flowers

7. Zexmenia

Zexmenia is a genus of flowering plant originated from Latin America included in the family of Asteraceae which also contains more common plants like asters, marigolds, etc.

The zexmenia genus currently has 7 species and all of them are considered to be wildflowers and used as ground cover only by wildflowers enthusiast gardeners.

The most commonly seen variet is Zexmenia wedelia, known by the names wedelia or hairy wedelia. It produces small yellow colored flowers that looks similar to miniature sunflowers with one layers of petals.

• Common Name: Wedlia, Hairy Wedelia
• Origin: Latin America 
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Height & Spread: 2 x 3ft (60 x 90cm)
• Temperature: 25-50F (-12-15C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: High
• Watering: Low
• Hardiness Zone: 7-9
• Attractions: Flowers

8. Zigadenus

Zigadenus is a genus of flowering plants native to North America. In the past, there were more than 20 species included in this genus, but other than Zigadenus glaberrimus, all other species were moved to different genus lately.

This plant is commonly known as Sandbog Death Camas. 

If you want to grow this plant in your outdoor garden, think again after reading its common name once again. We don’t recommend this plant because of its high toxicity. If ingested, it can be fatal as well.

The other species that were part of this genus earlier include Zingadenus fremontii (Star Lily), Zingadenus leimonthoides (Pine Barren Death Camas), Zingadenus nuttalli (Nuttal’s Death Camas), etc. Among these plants, only Star Lily is moderately toxic and the other two are fatal.

• Common Name: Sandbog Death Camas
• Origin: United States
• Plant Type: Annual
• Plant Family: Liliaceae
• Height & Spread: 1 x 3ft (30 x 90cm)
• Temperature: 30-60F (-1-15C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Keep soil moist
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Attractions: Flowers

9. Zingiber

Zingiber is a genus of flowering plants native to countries like Thailand, India, and China in the South East Asian region.

It is a massive genus with more than 200 species of different varieties. The two well-known species are Zingiber officinale and Zingiber mioga commonly referred to as garden gingers.

Many of the varieties in the Zingiber genus are considered to be herbs that have anticancer and anti-malarial properties. Zingiber officinale, the most common variety is used for stomach upset in many parts of China and India.

In the west, zingibers are mostly grown for their ornamental properties. Most of the varieties produce attractive cone-like flower clusters. Different species yield flowers in different colors and the most commonly grown ones include Zingiber neglectum (purplish-white), Zingiber spectabile (purple-brown), and Zingiber zerumbet (light yellow).

• Common Name: Ginger
• Origin: South East Asia
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Ginger
• Height & Spread: 6 x 12in (15-30cm)
• Temperature: 60-75F (15-24C)
• Light Exposure: Bright sunlight
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Regular watering
• Hardiness Zone: 8-12
• Grown for: Flowers, & roots for culinary purposes

10. Zinnia

If you live in a hot climatic region and want to add colorful plants to your garden, then zinnias are a perfect choice. These are low-maintenance annual plants that prefer warm conditions for flowering.

More than 22 different species of zinnias are recorded in multiple plant references. However, only a very few species like Zinnia elegans, Zinnia marylandica, and Zinnia haageana are commonly seen in home gardens.

Additionally, each of these species consists of multiple varieties that differ in flower color, shape, and pattern. Commercially made hybrids are also easily available.

Depending on the size of the plants, different zinnia varieties can be planted anywhere in the garden as border plants, back of the order, etc.

• Common Name: Zinnia
• Origin: Americas
• Plant Type: Annuals
• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Height & Spread: 4 x 2ft (1.2 x .6m)
• Temperature: 74-84F (23-28C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun/partial shade
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Medium
• Hardiness Zone: 3-10
• Attractions: Flowers

11. Zizia

Zizia is a genus of flowering plants native to North America. It is not a very commonly grown plant genus and the information available for this species is very sparse.

Zizia aptera, Zizia aurea, and Zizia trifoliate are the only varieties that we were able to find details about. These plants are otherwise known by their common names, heartleaf alexanders, golden alexanders, and meadow alexanders.

If you are able to get access to zizia plant seeds, then they are pretty easy to grow. They have a really beautiful umbrella-like flowers.

And, the blooming time of this plant is from late spring to early summer which makes it an attractive choice because most of the other flowering plants are yet to flower in that time period.

• Common Name: Alexander Plant
• Origin: North America
• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Plant Family: Apiaceae
• Height & Spread: 3 x 2ft (90 x 60cm)
• Temperature: 50-70F (10-22C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: Low to moderate
• Watering: Moderate
• Hardiness Zone: 3-7
• Attractions: Flowers

12. Zucchini

So far we’ve seen only ornamental plants that are grown either for their beautiful flowers or foliage.

Zucchini is different. They are grown for their fruit which is a very common food in many cuisines. The vast majority of the home vegetable gardens in the west have Zucchini and if you don’t have them yet, it’s time to add them.

The majority of zucchini varieties are bushes. however, certain kinds are known to vines as well. Most Zucchini plants produce dar green cylindrical-shaped fruit, but there are some varieties that yield round or intermediate shape fruits in yellow or black color.

There are 15 recorded zucchini varieties with many more hybrids and crossbreeds available. The most commonly grown ones are Black Beauty, Dunja, Spineless Beauty, Easy Pick Gold II, and Round Zucchini.

• Common Name: Courgette/Summer squash
• Origin: Central America & Mexico
• Plant Type: Annual
• Plant Family: Cucurbita
• Height & Spread: 4 x 6ft (1.2 x 1.8m)
• Temperature: 65-80F (18-25C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Humidity: High
• Watering: Water generously
• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Grown For: Flowers & Fruit

13. Zygopetalum

Zygopetalum is a genus of flowering plants in the Orchidaceae family which is commonly called orchids. As of 2022, there are a total of 14 recognized varieties that come under the Zygopetalum genus.

Even though there are 14 different varieties, most of them look almost the same with slight differences in either flower petal patterns or shades. Because of this reason, you don’t have to go after every variety and one is enough.

The commonly available varieties include Zygopetalum maculatum, Zygopetalum crinitum, and Zygopetalum maxillare.

These plants are true epiphytes and prefer shallow pots and pans to deep ones. Also, they are quite sensitive to damp or poorly drained potting soils. 

• Common Name: Zygopetalum Orchid
• Origin: Brazil
• Plant Type: Perennials
• Plant Family: Orchidaceae
• Height & Spread: 2 x 2ft (60 x 60cm)
• Temperature: 59-68F (15-20C)
• Light Exposure: Partial shade (60%)
• Humidity: High 
• Watering: Plenty of water during the growing season
• Hardiness Zone: 9-10
• Attractions: Flowers

Plants Start With Z (By Common Name)

1. Zabel’s Cherry Laurel

Zabel’s Cherry Lauerl is a beautiful low growing with a horizontal spreading habit. These plants looks spectacular as it ages.

It belongs to the Prunus genus of Rose family which is known for many other exotic flowering bushes.

Mid-spring brings out the magnificent clusters of fragrant white flowers that rise above the foliage of Zabel’s Cherry Laurel. It has appealing evergreen dark green leaves. The incredibly beautiful tiny, glossy, thin leaves are dark green all winter long in their hardiness zones.

• Scientific Name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Zabeliana‘
• Origin: North America
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Roseaceae
• Height & Spread: 5 x 15ft (1.5 x 4.5m)
• Temperature: 59-68F (15-20C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Humidity: Moderate
• Watering: Keep the soil always moist
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-8
• Attractions: Flowers & Fruits
• Toxicity: Toxic to both humans & pets

2. Zebra Plant

Note: Many plants with white stripes resembling zebra skin are known collectively as “zebra plants”. Even though there are more than 20 varieties that are frequently referred to as “zebra plants” by different people, we are just presenting the three zebra plants that are most frequently found in US nurseries.

• Scientific Name: Aphelandra squarrosa
• Origin: Brazil
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Acanthaceae
• Height & Spread: 24 x 24in (60 x 60cm)
• Temperature: 55-77F (13-25C)
• Light Exposure: Filtered sun
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: When the top soil is dry
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Attractions: Foliage & flowers

3. Zebra Plant Haworthia

• Scientific Name: Haworthiopsis attenuata
• Origin: South Africa
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
• Height & Spread: 8 x 6in (20 x 15cm) 
• Temperature: 54-79F (12-26C)
• Light Exposure: Sun/Filtered sun
• Humidity: Low
• Watering: After the top soil is dry
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Attractions: Foliage

4. Zebra Plant Bromeliad

• Scientific Name: Cryptanthus zonatus
• Origin: Brazil
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Bromeliads
• Height & Spread: 10 x 16in (25 x 40cm)
• Temperature: 60-80F (16-27C)
• Light Exposure: Full sun/partial sun
• Humidity: Moderate
• Watering: Keep the soil moist
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Attractions: Foliage

5. ZZ Plant (Fern Arum)

• Scientific Name: Zamioculas zamiifolia
• Origin: Africa
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Family: Arums
• Height & Spread: 2 x 3ft
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Light Exposure: Bright indirect light
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Watering: Allow top soil to dry
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Attractions: Foliage