The Most Difficult Flower to Grow, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the flower you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:24

Are you an avid gardener or simply a curious enthusiast? StrawPoll presents you with a blooming challenge: "What is the most difficult flower to grow?" We've cultivated a diverse list of the most elusive and temperamental flowers that test the skills of even the most seasoned gardeners. Now it's your turn to cast your vote and share your thoughts on which of these floral wonders truly requires the ultimate green thumb. Can't find your favorite floral contender on our list? Don't worry, you can suggest a missing option and watch it blossom in the rankings. Immerse yourself in this vibrant debate and join thousands of fellow gardeners in discovering the reigning champion of horticultural challenges. Ready to dig in? Head over to our poll and let your voice be heard!

What Is the Most Difficult Flower to Grow?

1

46
votes
Orchids

Orchids are one of the most difficult flowers to grow, as they require a delicate balance of light, humidity, temperature, and nutrients. Additionally, they are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers found in Hawaii. They are known for their vibrant colors, delicate petals, and exquisite beauty. Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, which is one of the largest flowering plant families in the world. These flowers have captivated people's hearts for centuries with their allure and elegance.

Colors: Orchids come in a wide range of colors including pink, purple, yellow, white, and red.

Petals: They have three petals and three sepals, with one petal often modified and distinct, known as the lip or labellum.

Fragrance: Many orchids have a pleasant fragrance, which varies depending on the species.

Variety: There are over 25,000 naturally occurring orchid species, each with its unique characteristics.

Size: Orchids vary in size, with some small species measuring only a few centimeters, while others can grow up to several meters.
2

30
votes
African violets

African violets are notoriously finicky, requiring just the right amount of moisture, light, and nutrients to thrive. They are also susceptible to a number of diseases, including root rot and leaf spot.
African violets, scientifically known as Saintpaulia, are a species of small flowering plants that belong to the family Gesneriaceae. They are native to Tanzania and Eastern Africa. African violets are known for their charming and vibrant blooms, which come in a wide range of colors including violet, pink, blue, and white. These delicate flowers have fuzzy leaves and a compact, rosette-like growth habit.

Scientific Name: Saintpaulia

Family: Gesneriaceae

Native Region: Tanzania and Eastern Africa

Bloom Colors: Violet, Pink, Blue, White

Leaf Texture: Fuzzy
3

25
votes
Gardenias

Gardenias are difficult to grow due to their sensitivity to temperature, humidity, and soil pH. They also require frequent pruning and fertilization to maintain their shape and health.
Gardenias are notoriously one of the most difficult flowers to grow due to their specific environmental needs and delicate nature. These evergreen shrubs are known for their beautiful, fragrant white flowers that bloom during the summer. Gardenias are highly sought after for their enchanting scent and elegant appearance.

Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides

Family: Rubiaceae

Native to: Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands

Hardiness Zones: 8-11

Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
4

16
votes
Peonies

Peonies require well-draining soil and a specific balance of nutrients to thrive. They are also prone to fungal diseases and can be damaged by heavy rains or strong winds.
Peonies are a stunning and popular ornamental plant known for their large, showy flowers and lush, green foliage. They belong to the Paeoniaceae family and are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Peonies are perennial plants that can live for decades when properly cared for. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, and some species even have a delightful fragrance. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, creating a magnificent display in gardens and bouquets.

Family: Paeoniaceae

Native to: Asia, Europe, North America

Flower colors: Pink, red, white, yellow

Fragrance: Some species have a delightful scent

Blooming season: Late spring to early summer
5

14
votes
Delphiniums

Delphiniums require a cool, moist climate and well-draining soil to grow successfully. They are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew and root rot.
Delphiniums, also known as Larkspurs, are elegant and captivating flowering plants that belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are native to the Northern Hemisphere and are widely cherished for their tall, spiky flower spikes adorned with vibrant blossoms.

Botanical Name: Delphinium

Family: Ranunculaceae

Common Names: Larkspur

Origin: Northern Hemisphere

Average Height: 2-6 feet
6

0
votes
Roses

Roses are notoriously difficult to grow, as they require a specific balance of sunlight, water, and nutrients. They are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including black spot and aphids.
Roses are highly regarded as one of the most beautiful ornamental plants. They are known for their exquisite beauty and fragrance, attracting admiration from gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The roses' distinct petals, varying in color from vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows to delicate whites, create a captivating visual display.

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: Rosa

Height: 1-8 feet

Flower size: 1-6 inches in diameter

Blooming season: Spring to Fall
7

8
votes
Cattleya orchids

William Cattley

Cattleya orchids are one of the most challenging orchid varieties to grow, requiring high humidity, bright light, and a specific balance of nutrients. They are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites and fungal infections.
Cattleya orchids, commonly known as corsage orchids, are a genus of tropical epiphytic orchids that are highly sought after for their vibrant and showy flowers. They are named after William Cattley, who successfully cultivated the first cattleya species in the 19th century.

Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 55-65°F (13-18°C) during the day, and 50-55°F (10-13°C) at night.

Light: Requires bright, indirect light. Filtered sunlight or 50% shade is recommended.

Watering: Prefers a moderate amount of water. Allow the potting mix to partially dry between waterings.

Humidity: Needs high humidity levels, preferably around 50-70%.

Fertilizer: Requires a balanced orchid fertilizer, applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
8

14
votes
Poinsettias

Poinsettias are difficult to grow due to their sensitivity to temperature, light, and moisture. They also require specific timing for their flowering season, which can be difficult to achieve.
Poinsettias are a species of perennial flowering plants native to Central America and known for their vibrant red leaves, which are often mistaken for petals. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants and are especially popular during the winter holiday season.

Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Native to: Mexico, Central America

Height: 2-13 feet (0.6-4 meters)

Blooming Season: Winter
9

8
votes
Camellias

Camellias require well-draining soil and specific levels of sunlight and moisture to grow successfully. They are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale insects and camellia petal blight.
Camellias are flowering plants that belong to the family Theaceae. They are known for their beautiful and intricate flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and forms. The flowers of Camellia plants are large, showy, and often have a delicate fragrance. These plants are native to Asia, particularly China and Japan, and have been cultivated for centuries for their ornamental value.

Plant type: Evergreen shrub

Growth habit: Upright, bushy

Preferred climate: Mild temperate regions

Light requirements: Partial shade to filtered sun

Soil type: Well-drained, acidic soil
10

13
votes
Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants require a specific balance of sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow successfully. They are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including whitefly and spider mites.
Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants known for their vibrant and pendulous flowers. These plants are native to Central and South America, but are cultivated and cherished around the world for their beauty. Fuchsias are considered one of the most difficult flowers to grow due to their specific requirements and sensitivity to environmental conditions.

Temperature Range: 60-75°F (15-24°C)

Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, but not direct afternoon sunlight

Watering: Consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil

Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil with good organic matter content

Fertilization: Regular feeding with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult flower

Climate requirements

Different flowers require different climate conditions to grow effectively. Consider the temperature, humidity, and light requirements, as well as whether the flower is well-suited for the local climate in the area where it will be grown.
Soil requirements

The soil composition, pH level, drainage, and fertility are all crucial factors in determining how well a flower will grow. Some flowers require very specific soil conditions, while others are more adaptable.
Watering requirements

Watering frequency and quantity can vary significantly between flower species. Some flowers require a lot of water to grow, while others prefer drier conditions. This is a key consideration for gardeners with limited water access or who live in an area with water restrictions.
Pruning and maintenance needs

Some flowers require extensive pruning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and difficult for inexperienced gardeners. Consider whether the flower needs regular deadheading, staking, or support to grow properly.
Disease and pest resistance

Some flowers are more susceptible to diseases and pests than others. Gardeners should factor in the likelihood of encountering diseases/pests and the difficulty of treating them when selecting flowers to grow.
Germination and growth rate

The time and effort required for germination and growth can vary significantly between flower species. Some flowers may take longer to germinate or require specific germination techniques, making them more challenging to grow than others.
Propagation methods

Some flower species are more difficult to propagate than others, whether it's through seed germination, cuttings, or other methods. Gardeners should factor in the ease of propagation for each species.
Blooming season and duration

The timing and length of the blooming season can vary between flower species. Some flowers have a short blooming season, which can be disappointing for gardeners who want a showy display for a longer period.
Availability and cost of seeds or plants

Some flower species may be more difficult to find or more expensive to purchase than others. This can be a factor in ranking the difficulty of growing a specific flower.
Personal skill and experience level

Finally, the gardener's own skill and experience level play a significant role in determining the difficulty of growing a particular flower. What may be easy for an experienced gardener to grow might be extremely challenging for a beginner.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult flower to grow. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or flower is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2363 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each flower once every 24 hours. The rank of each flower is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most difficult flower to grow

Flower gardening is a popular hobby for many people, but not all flowers are created equal when it comes to ease of growing. Some flowers require specific soil conditions, temperature ranges, and sunlight exposure to thrive, making them more challenging to cultivate than others. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most difficult flowers to grow, and explore why they pose such a challenge for even the most experienced gardeners. From finicky orchids to delicate roses, these flowers may require extra care and attention, but the beauty and reward they offer make them well worth the effort.