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A Country-by-Country Guide to Flowers Grown in Europe
United Kingdom
The UK’s mild, maritime climate supports a rich variety of flowers. Roses thrive throughout the country, with David Austin roses being world-renowned. Daffodils blanket the countryside in spring, particularly in Wales. Bluebells create stunning woodland carpets from April to May. The national flower, the Tudor rose, symbolizes the union of England’s historic houses. Scotland is famous for its thistles and heather covering the Highlands in purple blooms.
France
France is one of Europe’s largest flower producers. The French Riviera, particularly Grasse, is renowned for jasmine, roses, and lavender used in perfumery. Lavender fields in Provence create iconic purple landscapes from June to August. The Alsace region produces beautiful geraniums that adorn window boxes. Peonies, dahlias, and sunflowers are commercially cultivated, while the lily is historically associated with French royalty.
Netherlands
The Netherlands dominates European flower production and is the world’s leading flower exporter. Tulips are synonymous with the country, with the Keukenhof Gardens displaying millions each spring. The Dutch cultivate extensive fields of hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses. They’re also major producers of roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, and gerberas in vast greenhouse operations. The annual flower auction at Aalsmeer is the world’s largest.
Germany
Germany’s diverse climate zones support varied flower cultivation. Cornflowers (the national flower) grow wild in meadows alongside poppies. The Rhine Valley produces roses and ornamental flowers. Edelweiss grows in the Bavarian Alps. German nurseries are known for breeding excellent dahlias, asters, and carnations. The Black Forest region cultivates gentians and alpine flowers.
Italy
Italy’s Mediterranean climate is perfect for aromatic and colorful blooms. Roses flourish, especially the ancient varieties in historic gardens. The Italian Riviera grows carnations commercially, particularly around Sanremo. Bougainvillea, oleander, and hibiscus thrive in the south. Poppies create red fields in Tuscany and Umbria. Lake Como is famous for camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Mimosa blooms bright yellow along the coasts.
Spain
Spain’s varied climate supports diverse floriculture. Carnations (the national flower) are widely cultivated, especially in Andalusia. Bougainvillea cascades from walls throughout the Mediterranean coast. Orange and lemon blossoms perfume southern cities. Roses and sunflowers grow in commercial fields. The Canary Islands produce exotic strelitzias (birds of paradise). Jasmine and geraniums are popular in patios and balconies.
Portugal
Portugal’s Atlantic climate supports lush flower growth. Hydrangeas create spectacular blue and pink displays in the Azores. Mimosa blooms in winter and early spring. Jacaranda trees paint Lisbon purple in spring. Roses, carnations, and lilies are commercially grown. Lavender fields in the Alentejo rival those of Provence. Cork oak forests host wild cistus and lavender.
Greece
Greece’s Mediterranean climate nurtures ancient and modern varieties. Olive blossoms perfume the countryside. Bougainvillea and oleander are ubiquitous. Poppies and chamomile grow wild in fields. The island of Crete is famous for dittany, a rare herb with pink flowers. Jasmine climbs walls and pergolas. Cyclamen and anemones carpet hillsides in spring.
Belgium
Belgium’s temperate climate supports extensive flower cultivation. Azaleas are a specialty, particularly around Ghent, which hosts a famous azalea festival. Begonias are another Belgian specialty, with extensive breeding programs. The country grows roses, lilies, and tulips commercially. Primroses and pansies are popular in gardens and municipal plantings.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s alpine environment creates unique growing conditions. Edelweiss is the iconic alpine flower, protected in many regions. Gentians display intense blue blooms in mountain meadows. Alpine roses (rhododendrons) color hillsides pink. Crocuses emerge as snow melts. Lake Geneva’s mild microclimate supports roses and lavender. Nurseries specialize in alpine and rock garden plants.
Austria
Austria shares Switzerland’s alpine flora. Edelweiss is deeply symbolic in Austrian culture. Alpine primrose, arnica, and gentians thrive in mountain regions. The Vienna Woods feature cyclamens and hellebores. Austrian gardens showcase roses, particularly the historic varieties. The Wachau Valley along the Danube grows apricot blossoms that create stunning spring displays.
Poland
Poland’s continental climate supports hardy flowers. Poppies and cornflowers create patriotic red-and-blue wildflower meadows. Sunflowers are grown commercially. The Tatra Mountains host edelweiss and crocuses. Polish gardens feature dahlias, asters, and chrysanthemums that withstand cold winters. Peonies are increasingly popular in cultivation.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic grows flowers suited to Central European conditions. Linden blossoms perfume cities in early summer. Poppies dot agricultural fields. The Bohemian countryside features cornflowers and daisies. Czech gardeners favor dahlias, gladioli, and irises. Spa towns like Karlovy Vary maintain elaborate rose gardens.
Hungary
Hungary’s warm summers support colorful blooms. Sunflowers create vast yellow fields on the Great Plain. Poppies grow abundantly. Lavender cultivation is expanding in the Tihany Peninsula. Hungarian gardens showcase roses, lilacs, and peonies. The national flower is actually tulip, reflecting historical Ottoman influence. Acacia (false acacia) blossoms are harvested for syrup.
Romania
Romania’s diverse regions support varied floriculture. The Carpathian Mountains host edelweiss, gentians, and rhododendrons. The Danube Delta features water lilies and marsh marigolds. Peonies are traditional favorites. Lavender farms are developing in Transylvania. Roses from the Valley of Roses are used in cosmetics.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is world-famous for rose cultivation. The Rose Valley between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains produces the majority of the world’s rose oil from Rosa damascena. Harvesting occurs in May and June. Bulgaria also grows lavender commercially. Sunflowers create golden landscapes. Wild poppies and cornflowers color fields.
Sweden
Sweden’s northern climate limits but doesn’t prevent floriculture. Lupines naturalize beautifully in the Swedish countryside. Daylilies are hardy and popular. Delphiniums thrive in the cool climate. Swedish ivy and geraniums are traditional window plants. Midsummer celebrations feature wildflower crowns with daisies, clover, and buttercups.
Norway
Norway’s challenging climate produces hardy flowers. Heather covers hillsides in pink and purple. Lupines have naturalized spectacularly, though controversially. Coastal gardens grow surprisingly diverse flowers due to the Gulf Stream’s influence, including roses and hydrangeas. Mountain avens (the national flower) bloom white in arctic-alpine zones. Forget-me-nots thrive in cool, moist conditions.
Denmark
Denmark’s maritime climate supports extensive horticulture. Marguerite daisies (the national flower) bloom prolifically. Danish nurseries are leaders in poinsettia breeding and production for European markets. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are popular spring bulbs. Gardens feature roses, lavender, and delphiniums. Greenland poppies grow in exposed coastal areas.
Finland
Finland’s short growing season produces resilient blooms. Lily of the valley (the national flower) carpets forests. Lupines have spread extensively. Fireweed colors clearings pink. Finnish gardens feature daylilies, hostas, and astilbes suited to cool climates. Marsh marigolds and globeflowers brighten wetlands.
Ireland
Ireland’s mild, wet climate creates lush growing conditions. Shamrock (actually wood sorrel or white clover) is the national symbol. Fuchsia hedges line roads, particularly in the southwest. Hydrangeas thrive in the moist air. Roses grow beautifully. Montbretia has naturalized extensively. Bluebells and primroses carpet woodlands and hedgerows.
Iceland
Iceland’s extreme conditions limit but don’t eliminate flowers. Arctic poppy blooms yellow in harsh conditions. Arctic thyme and moss campion create colorful cushions. Lupines (introduced from Alaska) have controversially spread across the island in purple-blue waves. Geothermal greenhouses near Reykjavik grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and ornamental flowers year-round.
Luxembourg
This small nation shares floriculture traditions with Belgium and France. Roses are extensively cultivated in gardens. Tulips and daffodils herald spring. The Moselle Valley grows grape vines whose blossoms perfume the region. Municipal plantings feature geraniums, petunias, and begonias.
Monaco
Monaco’s Mediterranean microclimate supports exotic species. Bougainvillea, oleander, and hibiscus bloom year-round. The famous Monaco Rose Garden showcases over 4,000 rose bushes. Jasmine and mimosa perfume the principality. Tropical palms and bird of paradise flowers thrive in the mild winters.
Liechtenstein
Nestled in the Alps, Liechtenstein grows alpine and garden flowers. Edelweiss and gentians bloom in mountain areas. Valley gardens cultivate roses, lilies, and delphiniums. Crocuses emerge in alpine meadows as snow melts.
Croatia
Croatia’s Adriatic coast offers ideal Mediterranean growing conditions. Lavender fields in Dalmatia, particularly on Hvar Island, rival those of France. Oleander, bougainvillea, and rosemary flowers color the coast. Iris (including the rare Iris croatica) grows in rocky areas. Continental regions grow sunflowers and poppies.
Slovenia
Slovenia’s diverse landscapes support varied flowers. The Julian Alps host edelweiss, gentians, and alpine asters. The Karst region is famous for carnations (specifically the Karst carnation). Linden blossoms are harvested for tea. Gardens feature roses, peonies, and hydrangeas in the milder western regions.
Slovakia
Slovakia’s mountain ranges and valleys create varied growing zones. The High Tatras feature edelweiss, gentians, and mountain arnica. Lowlands grow sunflowers commercially. Poppies and cornflowers color fields. Slovak gardens favor dahlias, gladioli, and cold-hardy roses.
Serbia
Serbia’s continental climate supports robust flowers. Sunflowers are grown extensively for oil production. Plum blossoms are celebrated in spring festivals. The national flower is the Serbian ramonda (Ramonda serbica), a rare endemic species. Gardens feature roses, peonies, and dahlias.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
This nation’s varied terrain supports diverse flora. Mountain regions host edelweiss and gentians. The golden lily (Lilium bosniacum) is a national symbol. Roses grow in traditional gardens. Mediterranean areas cultivate lavender, rosemary, and oleander.
Montenegro
Montenegro’s Adriatic coast and mountains create distinct zones. Coastal areas bloom with oleander, bougainvillea, and lavender. Mimosa flowers in late winter. Mountain regions feature alpine flowers including edelweiss. Roses and jasmine perfume gardens.
Albania
Albania’s Mediterranean climate nurtures diverse blooms. Oleander and bougainvillea line coastal roads. Poppies create red fields. Roses are traditional in gardens. The Albanian Alps host edelweiss and alpine flowers. Pomegranate and citrus blossoms perfume orchards.
North Macedonia
This landlocked nation grows continental and Mediterranean flowers. Poppies (the national flower) carpet fields red. Roses from the Balkan region are cultivated. Sunflowers grow commercially. Mountain areas feature gentians and primroses. Gardens showcase dahlias and asters.
Malta
Malta’s subtropical Mediterranean climate supports year-round blooms. Rock centaury (Palaeocymologus crassifolius, the national flower) is endemic. Bougainvillea, oleander, and hibiscus bloom prolifically. Citrus blossoms perfume villages. Geraniums cascade from balconies. Despite limited water, Maltese gardens feature roses and jasmine.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys one of Europe’s longest growing seasons. Cyclamen (the national flower) blooms in spring. Rockrose, anemones, and tulips create wild displays. Roses grow abundantly. Orchards produce masses of almond, citrus, and cherry blossoms. Oleander, bougainvillea, and hibiscus thrive in the heat.
Estonia
Estonia’s northern climate produces hardy species. Cornflower (the national flower) blooms blue. Lupines have naturalized extensively. Lily of the valley carpets forests. Gardens feature daylilies, hostas, and astilbes. Heather covers bogs and coastal areas.
Latvia
Latvia’s temperate forests support woodland flowers. Wild carrot (including the white-flowered Daucus carota, one symbol) grows in meadows. Lupines bloom along roadsides. Daisies, cornflowers, and poppies color fields. Gardens grow cold-hardy roses, peonies, and lilacs.
Lithuania
Lithuania’s continental climate supports resilient blooms. Rue (Ruta graveolens, the national flower) has cultural significance. Poppies, cornflowers, and daisies create wildflower meadows. Lupines naturalize abundantly. Gardens feature peonies, irises, and dahlias that withstand harsh winters.
This guide reflects Europe’s extraordinary floral diversity, from Mediterranean heat-lovers to arctic survivors, and the continent’s deep horticultural traditions spanning centuries of cultivation and breeding.


