National Flowers of the World Explained

Discover the flower that represents each country, and the meaning behind it.

South Korea — Rose of Sharon

Meaning "a flower that blooms forever," the Rose of Sharon symbolizes the resilient spirit of the Korean people, producing new blooms every day from summer through fall.

Japan — Cherry Blossom (Sakura)

Blooming briefly and brilliantly before falling, the cherry blossom symbolizes both the beauty and the transience of life in Japanese culture. Hanami (flower-viewing) festivals take place across the country each spring.

China — Peony

Long known as the "king of flowers," the peony symbolizes wealth and prosperity. China has no legally designated national flower, though the peony is the leading candidate alongside the plum blossom.

Netherlands — Tulip

A flower so beloved it triggered "tulip mania," history's first recorded speculative bubble, in the 17th century. The Netherlands remains the world's largest producer and exporter of tulips today.

France — Iris

The flower behind the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of the French royal family — its influence can still be seen in France's coat of arms and various European royal emblems today.

England (United Kingdom) — Rose

The rose became England's representative flower after the House of Lancaster (red rose) and House of York (white rose) each used it as their emblem during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, a succession conflict.

India — Lotus

Blooming clean and pristine even from murky water, the lotus is regarded as a sacred flower symbolizing purity and enlightenment in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Mexico — Dahlia

Native to Mexico, the dahlia has been cultivated since the Aztec era. Its vivid range of colors and forms has made it a globally popular ornamental flower today.

United States — Rose

Officially designated the national flower in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan's signature. Roses of many colors are grown across the country, symbolizing diversity and love.

Australia — Golden Wattle

Known for its fluffy, golden-yellow blooms, the Golden Wattle is a native Australian acacia species so beloved that September 1st is celebrated nationally as "Wattle Day."

Egypt — Lotus (Water Lily)

Carved throughout ancient Egyptian murals and temple columns, the lotus opens its blooms at sunrise and closes them at sunset — a trait that made it a sacred symbol of rebirth and the sun god.

Canada — Bloodroot (Hepatica)

While the maple leaf is Canada's best-known symbol via its flag, the country's official floral emblem is actually the hepatica, prized for being among the first flowers to bloom through the snow of early spring.

How Is a National Flower Chosen?

Some national flowers are formally designated by law, while others became a country's representative flower more organically, through a long history of cultural affection. Royal emblems, mythology, and historical events have all played a major role in how these flowers were chosen.

Curious About the Meaning Behind Each Flower?

If you'd like to explore the individual symbolic meaning behind specific flowers, a world flower-language guide covers that in more depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a country have more than one national flower?

Yes — some countries, like China, have no single legally designated national flower, so multiple candidates like the peony and plum blossom are discussed side by side. Others, like the United States, additionally designate separate state flowers for individual states alongside the national one.

Are a national flower, a national bird, and a national tree different things?

Yes — a national flower designates a flower as a national symbol, a national bird designates a bird, and a national tree designates a tree, each as its own separate national emblem.