National flowers of the world
Beautiful blooms bring joy all over the world, so it's no surprise that many countries have national flower. As symbolic as a flag, national flowers are carefully selected by different countries for their cultural and geographical significance. They may be chosen for their symbolic meaning, their abundance, their link with a nation's heritage, or their role in mythology. In some cases, countries may share the same national flower but for different reasons, while other nations have selected a bloom that's unique to them. If you've ever wondered what your country's national flower is, or simply want to know what the national flower is for for each country, delve into the detail below, where you'll find our beautiful maps highlighting the national flowers around the world.
What are the national flowers of the UK?
In England, the national flower is rooted in our history. Chosen by Henry VII as a symbol of peace and unity, the Tudor rose was selected as an emblem of the King's marriage to Elizabeth of York, a unity that that marked the end of the War of the Roses between the House of Tudor and the House of Lancaster.
Scotland also has a historic emblem – the thistle is associated with the Battle of Largs in the 13th century. Legend has it that while attempting a surprise invasion of Scotland, a Norseman stepped on a thistle in bare feet, and his cries woke the Scottish clansmen.
In Wales, the national flower is the daffodil. There are competing theories about why this might be, including the fact that these Spring flowers bloom in March around the same time as St David's Day on 1st March, and the fact that the Welsh name for daffodil, cenhinen Bedr, is similar to the Welsh name for leek, another national symbol.
In Northern Ireland, the national flower is the shamrock, thanks to its associations with St Patrick, who used it to describe the holy trinity. It is also a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland.
Elsewhere in Europe, national flowers are very varied. In France, the national flower is the iris, or fleur-de-lis, due to its connection with French royalty. In Ukraine, the national flower is the sunflower, chosen not just because Ukraine is one of the largest producers of sunflower oil, but because of the flower's links with peace.
It’s no surprise that the iconic maple leaf is the national flower of Canada. The maple tree is famous for both its distinctive leaves and its sweet syrup made from the tree sap. According to historians, the leaf became a symbol of Canada as early as the 1700s.
In United States of America, President Ronald Raegan selected the rose as the country's national flower, citing it as an emblem of life, love, beauty, devotion and eternity.
In Mexico, the national flower was declared the dahlia in the 1960s. This beautiful bloom is native to Mexico – the country has more than 40 varieties of dahlia – and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who prized it for its medicinal purposes.
Moving to more tropical climates, the beautiful butterfly jasmine flower represents Cuba, with its name as no coincidence considering its butterfly-esque petals.
What are the national flowers of North America?
It’s no surprise that the iconic maple leaf is the national flower of Canada. The maple tree is famous for both its distinctive leaves and its sweet syrup made from the tree sap. According to historians, the leaf became a symbol of Canada as early as the 1700s.
In United States of America, President Ronald Raegan selected the rose as the country's national flower, citing it as an emblem of life, love, beauty, devotion and eternity.
In Mexico, the national flower was declared the dahlia in the 1960s. This beautiful bloom is native to Mexico – the country has more than 40 varieties of dahlia – and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who prized it for its medicinal purposes.
Moving to more tropical climates, the beautiful butterfly jasmine flower represents Cuba, with its name as no coincidence considering its butterfly-esque petals.
What are the national flowers of South America?
When we come to South America, the national flowers are a set of unique and intriguing flowers, including the Peruvian Cantuta flower. This flower is used in many traditional ceremonies and is a symbol of hospitality to visitors.
Three countries in South America pay tribute to the orchid, a bloom which grows in abundance in this part of the world. Brazil's national flower is the cattleya orchid, Colombia's is the Christmas orchid, and Suriname's is the Holy ghost orchid.
What are the different national flowers in Africa?
When it comes to the vast lands of Africa, not every country has selected a national flower, however there are some truly magical selections from those who have.
The iconic lotus is the national flower of Egypt, dating back to ancient times with the plant being depicted in hieroglyphics representing rebirth and the sun.
South Africa plays host to the beautiful protea plant which is considered to be among one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet.
In Morocco, the national flower is the rose, in reference to the Damask rose, a bloom that is widely cultivated in Morocco and used for rose oil, rose water and cooking.
What are the national flowers of Asia?
Over to Asia, to where both Japan and Nepal see tourists flock at particular times of year to witness the bloom of their national flowers. The annual Japanese blossom season is very popular with travellers each year, alongside the backpacking trails of Nepal during the Rhododendron bloom.
China, meanwhile, is associated with both plum blossom and the peony. The latter was voted by the public as the national flower in 2019 – the bloom was originates in China was widely cultivated here before it became so popular globally.
The national flower of India, meanwhile, is the lotus, a bloom that is sacred in mythology and regularly referenced in Indian artworks.
What is the national flower of Australia?
The Golden Wattle flower holds a special place in many Australian hearts, so much so it actually inspired its green and gold national colours. Alongside this, it is pride of place on the Aussie coat of arms, however not all countries share the admiration, with it being considered a weed in some areas of the world.
What is the national flower of New Zealand?
New Zealand shines a spotlight on a special native plant known as kowhai. This flowering tree has bright yellow petals.
Did you know any country’s national flower before taking a look at the world in bloom? You can take a closer look at the maps here.