The flowers of Europe reflect a continent rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Each country has its own unique identity, traditions, and symbols that represent its people and heritage. One of the most notable symbols of national identity is the national flower. These flowers are chosen for their beauty, historical significance, or cultural importance and are proudly displayed on national holidays, official documents, and national emblems.
The national flowers of European countries are a fascinating aspect of the continent’s diverse flora. From the delicate Edelweiss of Austria to the majestic Golden Lily of Bosnia and Herzegovina, each flower has its own story to tell. Some national flowers are steeped in myth and legend. Others have practical uses in medicine, cuisine, or agriculture. Understanding the significance of these flowers can help us appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Europe and the natural beauty that surrounds us. In this article, we will explore the national flowers of European countries and their unique characteristics.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
What is the national flower of Italy?
The national flower of Italy is the lily called the white lily or the Madonna lily. The lily denotes purity and virtue since ancient times and is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition.
What is the national flower of Ukraine?
The national flower of Ukraine is the sunflower, called the Helianthus annuus. The sunflower is an important crop in Ukraine and is widely grown for its oil and seeds.
What is the national flower of Germany?
Germany does not have an official national flower. However, the cornflower, named the Centaurea cyanus, is sometimes considered to be a national symbol of Germany due to its association with the country’s national colors of black, red, and gold.
What is the national flower of France?
The national flower of France is the iris, which is also known as the fleur-de-lis. The fleur-de-lis has been a symbol of French royalty and nobility since the Middle Ages.
What is the national flower of Spain?
The national flower of Spain is the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The carnation is cultivated in Spain since Roman times.
What is the national flower of the United Kingdom?
The national flower of the United Kingdom is the rose. The rose has been a symbol of England since the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. And, it is also associated with the other countries of the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
List of The National Flowers of Europe
National flowers are floral emblems that represent a country and its people. They are chosen for their cultural and symbolic significance, as well as their beauty and unique qualities. National flowers are often used in official ceremonies, on national holidays, and as a symbol of national identity.
Each country has its own national flower, and many of them have interesting stories and histories behind them. Some national flowers are native to the country, while others were chosen for their cultural significance or association with important historical events.
National flowers can also be a source of pride and patriotism for the people of a country. They are often featured in art, literature, and music, and are a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Overall, national flowers are an important part of a country’s identity and culture. They represent the unique qualities and values of a nation, and are a source of pride and inspiration for its people.
National Flowers of Western Europe
Andorra
Poet’s narcissus belongs to daffodil family and is widely recognized as the national flower of Andorra. This white flower with yellow center crowned with red provides artistic inspiration to all.
France
The national flower of France is the fleur-de-lis. Although not a flower in the traditional sense, the fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily that has been used as a symbol of France since the Middle Ages. The flower is synonymous with the French monarchy and has been used on coats of arms, flags, and other official documents.
Germany
The national flower of Germany is the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus). The cornflower has been a symbol of Germany since the 19th century, and it is often associated with the country’s rural landscapes. The flower has a rich blue color.
Cornflower represents freedom, unity, and hope.
Ireland
The shamrock, although not technically a flower, is the long-standing symbol of Ireland. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to non-believers. The shamrock has 3 petals, each represents a part of the Trinity, God the Father, God’s Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Italy (and Vatican City – Holy See)
The national flower of Italy and Vatican City is the lily (Lilium). The flower represented Italy since ancient times and is associated with the country’s rich history and culture. The lily is also used in the national colors of Italy, which are green, white, and red.
Luxemburg
It is fitting that an elegant country like Luxemburg chose an elegant rose to be its national flower. During the early 1900s Luxemburg cultivated and exported millions of roses around the globe.
Monaco
The richest country in Europe chose the humble carnation as its national flower. Carnations represent deep love, devotion, and fascination. Perhaps this flower of Europe is more fitting than we first thought. After all, aren’t most of us fascinated with the lifestyles of Monaco’s rich and famous?
Netherlands
The people of Netherlands overwhelming chose the daisy as their national flower in 2023. The Daisy was chosen over the renowned tulip because tulips are not native to the Netherlands.
San Marino
San Marino is a tiny country completely surrounded by Italy. It is perched high atop the Apennine mountains. Cyclamen Cyprium is the national flower of San Marino. Cyclamen expresses love and sincerity.
Spain
The national flower of Spain is the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The flower symbolized Spain since the early 20th century and is associated with the country’s passionate culture. The carnation is also used in the national colors of Spain, which are red and yellow.
United Kingdom
The national flower of the United Kingdom is the rose. Specifically, the Tudor rose, which is a combination of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York. The Tudor rose was adopted as a national emblem in the 15th century and is used on the coat of arms, flags, and other official documents ever since.
National Flowers of Northern Europe
Denmark
Denmark’s national flower is the red clover, also called Trifolium pratense. The flower is a common sight in Danish meadows and fields. It symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and love. The red clover is used in traditional Danish cuisine, such as in soups and stews.
Estonia
In 1968, Estonians selected the blue cornflower to be their national flower. Because cornflowers grow wildly in the rye fields, Estonians have long considered them to be a common grain. Estonia shares the same national flower as Germany.
Finland
Finland’s national flower is the lily of the valley, also called Convallaria majalis. The flower is a small, fragrant, and delicate white bell-shaped flower that grows in the forests and meadows of Finland. It means purity, humility, and hope.
Iceland
Iceland’s national flower is the mountain avens (Dryas octopetala). The flower is a small, white, and star-shaped flower that grows in the highlands and mountains of Iceland. It symbolizes resilience, endurance, and beauty. The mountain avens is used in Icelandic folklore and mythology, such as in stories about elves and trolls.
Latvia
Latvian festivals and ceremonies are laden with the pipene (daisy). This is one of the flowers of Europe that grows wild in Latvia. It is the national flower of this small country. The daisy blooms in June.
Lithuania
Lithuania adopted the rue as not only its national flower but also its national herb. Many folk songs mention rue in their lyrics. Sadly, Lithuania is the country in Europe most affected by climate change and this could impact the state of their national flower.
Norway
Norway’s national flower is the purple heather (Calluna vulgaris). The heather is a small, evergreen shrub that grows in the mountains and moors of Norway. It represents resilience, independence, and beauty. The purple heather is often used in traditional Norwegian medicine to treat various ailments.
Sweden
Sweden’s national flower is the twinflower, referred to as Linnaea borealis. The flower is named after the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. The twinflower is a small, delicate, and fragrant flower that grows in the forests and mountains of Sweden. It symbolizes humility, perseverance, and strength.
National Flowers of Eastern Europe
Belarus
The national flower of Belarus is the Common Flax. Flax is a historical part of the fabric and textile trades in Belarus. The common flax flower is a nod to this history thus why it is the national flower.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Lilium bosniacum grows in the wilds of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s no wonder this is the national flower of this European country.
Georgia
Oddly enough, the country of Georgia and the US state of Georgia share the same national flower. The rosa laevigata called the Cherokee rose is a white, fragrant flower growing on a climbing vine.
Hungary
The national flower of Hungary is the Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). This delicate white flower is often associated with spring and is a popular choice for wedding bouquets. In Hungarian folklore, the Lily of the Valley brings good luck and happiness.
Moldova
Moldova has 2 national flowers. Both the basil and the dog-rose are noted as the national flowers of this European country.
Poland
The national flower of Poland is the Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas). This bright red flower grows in fields and meadows throughout the country. The Corn Poppy has long been associated with sacrifice, hope, and remembrance and is often used to honor fallen soldiers.
Romania
Romania’s national flower is the Dog Rose (Rosa canina). This pink or white flower grows in the countryside. It has medicinal properties and is used to make a popular Romanian tea called “Ceai de Maces”.
Russia
Russia’s national flower is the Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). It is a small white flower with a yellow center that grows in fields and on roadsides. Chamomile is widely used in Russian folk medicine because of its calming properties.
The chamomile flower is a symbol of love, loyalty, and devotion.
Serbia
Along with Netherlands and Hungary, Serbia recognizes the Lily of the Valley as its national flower.
Ukraine
The national flower of Ukraine is the Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Ukraine is one of the largest producers of sunflower seeds in the world, and the flower has become an important symbol of the country’s agricultural industry.
National Flowers of Southern Europe
Albania
Albania’s national flower is the red poppy. It is the same color as the country’s national colors of red and black.
Armenia
The Marshmallow plant is the national flower of Armenia. The magical root of this plant is rumored to help with fertility. Before gelatin was invented this plant was used in the making of marshmallows.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the biggest rose oil producer in the world, so it’s no surprise that the national flower of Bulgaria is the rose. The Bulgarian rose has a rich fragrance and beautiful pink and red petals. It is often used in perfumes, cosmetics, and other fragrant products.
Cyprus
The national flower of Cyprus is the cyclamen. This beautiful plant is renowned for its delicate flowers and its ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions. The cyclamen is a symbol of love and devotion in Cyprus.
Greece
Greece is rich in history and mythology and its national flower is the laurel branch. The laurel branch meant victory and achievement in ancient Greece. It was used to crown victorious athletes and scholars. Today, the laurel branch is still used as a symbol of honor and achievement in Greece.
Kosovo and North Macedonia
Kosovo also recognizes the red poppy as its national flower along with these other European countries – Albania, North Macedonia, and Belgium.
Montenegro
The mimosa grows wildly throughout Montenegro and is the national flower of this country. When this flower starts to bloom it marks the beginning of spring.
Malta
The national flower of Malta is the Maltese Centaury. This rare and delicate plant is found only in Malta and a few other Mediterranean islands. It is known for its beautiful pink flowers and its medicinal properties. The Maltese Centaury is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and respiratory infections.
Portugal
The national flower of Portugal is the lavender. Lavender is a fragrant plant that is known for its soothing properties. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. In Portugal, lavender is also used in cooking and as a decorative plant.
Lavender is a symbol of tranquility, harmony, and peace.
Turkiye
Turkiye is the birthplace of the tulip so naturally, the tulip is the national flower for this country. During the Ottoman empire, the Sultan of Turkiye demanded that his favorite flower adorn his country and so, the tulips made their permanent home there since the 16th century.
National Flowers of Central Europe
Austria
Austria’s national flower is the gentian, which is a beautiful blue-violet flower. The gentian is a hardy plant that grows in the mountains and is often used in traditional Austrian medicine. It is also used in the production of schnapps and other alcoholic beverages.
Belgium
Belgium’s national flower is the red poppy, which is a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died in World War I. The poppy signifies hope and renewal. It is noted in Belgian art and literature. The country is also known for producing poppy seeds are used in baking and other culinary applications.
Croatia
In 2000, the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts decided the Iris would now be the national flower of Croatia. The bearded iris grows wild in the Croatian countryside.
Czechia
The Czechia’s national flower is the linden tree blossom, which is a small, fragrant flower that grows on the linden tree. The linden tree symbolizes Czech culture and is used in traditional Czech medicine. The linden tree blossom is also used to produce tea and other herbal remedies.
Slovakia
Slovakia’s national flower is the rose, which is symbolizes love and beauty. The rose is a popular flower in Slovakia and is often used in weddings and other celebrations. The country produces of rose oil used in perfumes and other beauty products.
Slovenia
Slovenia selected the red carnation as its national flower. Carnations dot the countryside of Slovenia.
The red carnation is a symbol of passion, love, and courage.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s national flower is the edelweiss, which is a small, white flower with fuzzy petals. The edelweiss represents the Swiss Alps and is used in Swiss folk songs and poetry. It is also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Switzerland.
Edelweiss is a symbol of purity, courage, and love.
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
The flowers of Europe are beautiful, meaningful, and individual as the countries they represent. So many different varieties of flowers grow in the 40+ countries that make up the continent of Europe. Enjoy reading the list of flowers of Europe.
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