Did you know which are the national flowers of European countries? Some of those are sung in legends and old tales, others have only been chosen recently, but all of them carry out cultural and religious traits of the given country.
For additional information and even more pictures of each European country's national flower, click on the author's link below.
More info: blog.fantasticgardeners.co.uk
France
The fleur-de-lis is present in the country’s coat of arms and national emblem. The iris is a royal symbol since the 1300’s. It depicts light, life and perfection.
Belarus
Belarus is full of large fields of flax, with the harvest mainly used for the food and medicinal industries.
Albania
You can find red and black Poppy everywhere in this country. The plant is valued for its beauty, medicinal superpowers and seeds used in cooking and baking.
Andorra
Also known as the poet’s narcissus or the pheasant’s eye. The petals represent the parishes of the Principality, and the two coloured crown in the centre represents the two co-princes of Andorra.
Belgium
The red poppy is connected with remembrance of those who have died in war times.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
The flower is native for Bosnia and it is used in the coat of arms of the country.
Austria
Land of mountains, land by river” is the National Anthem of Austria. A mountainy country where the otherwise rare beauty of the Edelweiss is relatively common.
The Czech Republic
Different urban legends proclaim the rose as a symbol of war, love, beauty and politics.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the biggest rose oil producer in the world.
Cyprus
Arguably the most important flower in the Cyprus flora due to its endemic rarity.
Croatia
In Croatian, the name of this flower is perunika, coming from the name of the Slavic god Perun. Perun is the highest god in the Slavic mythology, an overlord of thunder and lightning. Hence the belief that perunika grows on the ground that is struck by lighting.
England
The emblematic War of the Roses between the Royal house of Lancaster (red rose sigil) and the Royal house of York (white rose sigil), marked the adoption of the flower as a national symbol.
Estonia
It predominantly grows on rye fields, connecting a strong association with bread in the minds of the folk. Cornflower was elected as a national symbol after a public contest back in 1968.
Finland
Lily-of-the-valley was chosen as a Finnish national flower as its beauty and sweet scent are well-recognised by the Finns. It can also be easily found at large around the country.
Germany
Also known as cyani flower, the cornflower was adopted as a national symbol of Germany in the 1800’s. Its colour is no coincidence – Prussian blue. What’s more, unmarried people at the time showed that they are single by wearing the flower on their chest.
Greece
The fresh or dried flower spikes are used in floral arrangements throughout the country.
Dennmark
Denmark doesn’t have an official national flower. However, Marguerite Daisy is found and cultivated in excessive amounts in Denmark, is the favourite flower of the queen and hence, it’s often mentioned as a national symbol.
Iceland
It can be commonly found in Iceland as it grows in heathers and gravely soils.
Ireland
As one of the most well-known national flower symbols, the Shamrock’s legend tells that St. Patrick of Ireland had used it to illustrate the Doctrine of the Trinity – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Hungary
During the Ottoman conquest, the tulip was brought in the country and through it, to other parts of Europe. It was the Sultan’s favourite and it remained a national symbol of Hungary since then.
Italy
With violet and rose, as other highly popular flowers in the country, Italy’s lily is associated with religion and purity.
Liechtenstein
One of the flowers, associated with happiness and joyful people – hence its yellow colouring.
Latvia
Daisies are a very popular flower in Latvia and are often used in flower arrangements or given as gifts. No doubt they are chosen as one of the national symbols of the country.
Luxemburg
A royal flower for an affluent country, the Rose has been a symbol of Luxembourg for many years.
Macedonia
The poppy can be found on the coat of arms of the country and is widely spread around the fields.
Poland
During and after World War I, fields that had been disturbed by battle, bloomed with Corn Poppies, and the flower has become a symbol of that war.
Lithuania
Rue symbolizes virginity and plays an important role in wedding ceremonies in Lithuania. The bride usually wears a wreath of rue.
Monaco
The small but fair country of Monaco chose Carnations – flowers that represent admiration, deep love and affection.
Montenegro
Associated with spring festivities, Mimosa grew freely everywhere around Montenegro for the past couple of centuries. The blossoming flower marks the beginning of the spring season.
Malta
An endemic plant to Malta, and a national flower since 1973.
Slovakia
Many countries have chosen the rose as their national flower, and Slovakia follows suit.
The Netherlands
In the 16th and 17th century the Netherlands grew the tulips in such large numbers that they quickly became world famous for the flowers.
Romania
One of the most widespread flowers in the country, the dog rose has many applications in health and beverage industries.
Norway
The flower grows well in rough conditions, and can be found even in rock cracks, too. From it, the heather honey is made – it’s incredibly helpful for the urinary system.
Serbia
The country adopted the plum as their national plant symbol – it’s fruits and produce are of utmost important to the Serbian culture, particularly for their national drink, Šljivovica.
Portugal
A flower that represents refinement, grace and elegance, with a certain note of royalty.
Scotland
If there’s a first recorded national flower, then the Scottish Thistle is close to winning the race. It’s also one of the easiest to recognise national symbols of the country.
Russia
Chamomile is one of the most widespread flowers in Russia. It’s everyone’s favourite and used in preparation of herbal tea, treating conditions such as stress and insomnia.
San Marino
It’s a plant of lasting feelings and love – you will surely feel the same way towards San Marino once you visit this beautiful country.
Slovenia
The national flower of Slovenia is the red carnation. The flower, as a whole, is widely spread and grown by Slovenians.