Flowers by countries and nations
Did you know that each country has its own flower that symbolizes it? Some flowers are common to two or more countries, others are exclusive to only one. National flowers are symbols that represent their country. Some national flowers have cultural or religious roots dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. For example, in the floral world, the rose is king. The rose is revered in poetry, film, theatre, art and music, so it's understandable why it's the national flower of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Maldives.
Australia - Acacia - Goldenrod (Acacia Pycnantha)
Most commonly known as golden wicker, this is a tree from the Fabaceae family. It grows to a height of 8 m and has phyllodes instead of true leaves. This fragrant shrub with tiny yellow flowers comes from the capital of Australia and is firmly rooted in the country's history. Some of the first settlers in the area used acacia trees to build their wattle houses, hence the nickname "wattle". Some species of Golden Wattle were even used by the natives to make weapons and tools.
England - Tudor rose
The floral emblem of England is the Tudor rose. It is also aptly named the Union rose, which represents the union of two English families: Lancaster and York. This floral emblem is a bright red color with five white inner petals and five red outer petals. Although this flower does not actually exist in the plant world, its emblem is very widespread in England. It is engraved on the building of Hampton Court Palace and even on 20p coins! The white rose was the sign of the Yorks and the red rose of the Lancasters
Czech Republic – Lípa and Mateřídouška (Thymus)
The symbol of the Czech Republic is the Lípa, but in an unofficial radio poll, the fragrant motherwort clearly won among the flowers. This herb has a far-reaching history. The ancient Egyptians used motherwort to embalm the dead, Roman soldiers even bathed in water with motherwort to gain the necessary strength. Motherwort was the first plant listed on the medieval list of sacred magical herbs.
However, other very popular flowers such as: Sunflowers, Hydrangeas, Peonies and Tulips continue to take root here. People grow them in their gardens and make beautiful decorations out of them.
France - Iris
Although everyone associates France with the fragrant purple lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), here is a representative of Iris – Iris. The iris, also called the fleur-de-lis, has officially represented France since the 12th century as a symbol of the country and as its national emblem. Before that, it was the official flower of the ruling class of the Roman Empire. The name of this flower comes from the Greek word "rainbow", and quite rightly so; it comes in over 200 different colors from snow white to deep purple! Iris flowers have three petals, often called the "standard," and three outer petals called the "fall."
Finland and Yugoslavia - Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis)
This fragile plant has tiny bell-shaped flowers that are extremely fragrant, making them popular in perfumes and wedding bouquets. It thrives in forests and all other cool, shady places.
Holland, Hungary and Turkey - Tulip - Tulips
Contrary to popular belief, the tulip originated in Hungary, from where it traveled with the Ottoman Empire to Turkey and eventually to Holland. The tulip was once so popular that in the 1600s an entire branch of Dutch trade was based on it. Tulip bulbs are very popular as a gift when visiting Holland.
Hong Kong and Honduras - Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are very popular and widely cultivated. There are over 25,000 different species of these flowers and more are being discovered every day. Orchids resemble the human face as they have bilateral symmetry, which perhaps explains why they are so popular. These beautiful and unique flowers are valued in decorations and bouquets. In Honduras, the most popular species is: Rhyncholaelia digbyana. In Hong Kong, it is Bauhinia Blakeana.
Japan - Chrysanthemums and Sakura
Japan is the only country that claims two national flowers. Cherry blossoms, or Sakuras, bloom only for a short time and signify the fragile beauty of life. While the cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan, the other chrysanthemum has been a symbol of the Japanese royal family for centuries. In Japan, the "Festival of Happiness" or Hanami is held every year. The Hanami festival is a holiday celebrated all over Japan during the flowering period of the sakura, Japan's national tree. The Japanese took over this wonderful tradition from the Chinese.
India - Lotus
This water flower has great importance in Indian history. There is hardly any painting or sculpture that does not emphasize the beauty of the lotus flower. This sacred flower, which grows in lakes and ponds, occupies an important position in the mythology of ancient India. In the Hindu holy book - the Bhagavad Gita - the lotus flower is used as a metaphor for detachment. This is because the lotus grows in murky waters and remains untouched. The flower also symbolizes beauty and knowledge as Saraswati – the goddess of learning – is depicted seated on it.
South Africa - Protea
The artichoke-like appearance of the protea flower is beautiful in itself. It comes in several different colors, but the most beautiful are the pink-colored proteas. They are considered to be one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet, their age is 300 million years. In 1735, botanist Carl Linnaeus, also known as the father of taxonomy, named and classified Protea. The name protea means Proteus, who is the son of Poseidon. Proteus translates to changeling, and because the flower comes in different shapes and colors.
Canada - Maple leaf (Acer pseudoplatanus)
The maple leaf is not only the national flower of Canada, but also part of its flag. So you can only imagine the importance it holds for Canadians. In 1996, the maple leaf was officially declared the national flower of Canada. Most notably, their anthem "The Maple Leaf Forever" was composed and the Canadian Armed Forces also had the maple leaf insignia on their uniforms during the First World War.
Austria - Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum)
This mountain flower, known under the botanical name Leontopodium Alpinum, is one of the most famous European flowers. This short-lived star-shaped perennial, referred to as the queen of flowers, belongs to the sunflower family. In addition to being depicted on Austrian euro coins, this flower, traditionally used in folk medicine, is considered a medicine in the treatment of abdominal and respiratory ailments.
Pakistan and Syria - Jasmine (Jasminum)
Jasmine has been cultivated for thousands of years for its tiny star-shaped flowers and intoxicating fragrance. Its simplicity and pure white color symbolize purity and peace. It is used in cosmetics, perfumes, cooking, aromatherapy, on wreaths, as a hair ornament and in various cultural ceremonies.
Ukraine - Sunflower (Helianthus)
This glowing flower was originally cultivated in America before becoming the popular national flower of Ukraine. In fact, 60% of the world's sunflowers are now grown in Europe and Russia. In traditional folklore, the sunflower signifies fertility, solar power and vitality. This is emphasized by the unique tendency of the sunflower to turn its "head" and follow the sun across the sky, and when night falls, it descends to the ground.
USA - Roses (Roses)
The first president, George Washington, grew roses and even named one variety after his mother. On November 20, 1986, President Ronald Reagan declared the rose the National Flower of the United States in a special ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, due to its great popularity in America. The rose is thus one of the few flowers grown in all states and is found in almost all celebrations and parades. The rose is an ancient flower that has been around for over 35 million years. It grows naturally in many parts of the world including all of North America.
Russia – Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile with its fruity and aromatic scent belongs to the daisy family. Due to its diverse medicinal uses, this flower is considered an essential medicine in Central Europe. Chamomile is considered the king of herbs. It belongs not only to ornamental flowers, but also to valued medicinal plants. Blue chamomile oil is known to be very soothing, with the addition of dried flowers that can create a relaxing infusion.
Scotland and Lorraine – Thistle (Asteraceae)
Thistle - a general name for a group of flowering plants with sharp spines on the edges. Their spines are also all over the plant – on stems and leaves. The spines serve as a protective adaptation that makes the plant undesirable for herbivores.
Spain - Red Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Red carnations, commonly known as Clavel in Spanish, are traditional flowers used to express gratitude and sentiment since ancient Spain. The peasants decorated their beautiful white houses with red carnations. This flower is part of numerous Spanish traditions and culture and symbolizes enchantment and love. Bright red carnations bloom for six to eight weeks each year in June. According to the Spanish, the beauty of red carnations helps relieve insomnia, depression, weakness and stress.
Thailand - Ratchaphruek or Golden Shower
It was not until 2001 that Ratchaphruek was named the national flower of Thailand. It is a large tree that blooms with bright yellow flowers. Ratchaphruek grows in bunches and looks like it is about to fall like raindrops. In Thailand, Ratchaphruek means royal tree. This tree is also dedicated to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The king was born on a Monday and in Thailand the color of Monday is yellow. So Ratchaphruek fits all these scenarios perfectly
South Korea - Rose of Sharon - Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
The national flower of South Korea is called the Rose of Sharon. Its scientific name is, which represents the genus of hibiscus from which it originates. There are many varieties of this flower, all of which come in very bright colors. Blue Satin, one of its species, is a bluish flower with a red center.
Sweden - Linnea - Linden or double flower
Linnea is a very delicate wild flower that grows in the deep shadows of the Nordic spruce forests in Sweden. The flower is named after Linnaeus, who is also celebrated as the Swedish father of taxonomy. The flower is famous for its unique appearance. Let's start by saying that the stems are extremely thin and each stem boasts at least two flowers. Now, it is interesting that Linnea occurs in different color variants within one area. However, the most popular is the pink linnea, which is extremely fragrant and has a bell-shaped appearance.
Zimbabwe - Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
On a global scale, the flame lily is often seen as a symbol of purity. In Zimbabwe, however, it is deeply woven into the nation's history. It has actually been their national flower since 1980, when the country gained independence. The flame lily takes on a whole range of colors from dark pink to orange, yellow and red. Despite its liveliness, however, this one is a killer. Contains colchicine, a toxic alkaloid that is fatal if ingested.
Team KvětinyExpres.cz
