Top 20 Most Beautiful National Flowers in the World and Their Mysterious Meanings

Rhododendron is one of the most beloved ornamental flowers in many countries around the world due to its gentle beauty. The plant originates from temperate climates, thriving in high mountainous regions above 1200 meters. It blooms from March to May in vibrant colors such as white, yellow, pink, and purple, ideal for the cool climate all year round. Chosen as the national flower of Nepal, the Rhododendron symbolizes gentleness, tranquility, and femininity. This flower is also associated with the legend of unwavering love and devotion of a wife to her husband.

This flower is found in hillside regions at altitudes above 1200m, blooming from March to May in various vibrant colors. According to the beliefs of the people of this country, Rhododendron signifies gentleness, tranquility, and femininity. Not only popular in Nepal, it is also cherished in many other countries around the world for its gentle beauty. This type of flower is very vibrant with colors like purple, yellow, white, pink, and thrives in cool weather conditions.

When Bulgaria is mentioned, it's often referred to as the land of roses, hence it's certain that the rose is its national flower. However, few know the elegance and beauty of the 'queen of flowers' that has made the rose a symbol of about a dozen other countries, from powerful nations like the United States, Britain, to Gulf Islamic countries like Iraq. Some countries that also chose the rose as their national flower are the Maldives, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Ecuador, Luxembourg, Slovakia, and Morocco.

Adored in most countries worldwide for its elegance, intense fragrance, and seduction, the rose is seen as the eternal goddess of passionate love. Mentioning roses without Bulgaria would be incomplete, as the country is considered a rose paradise with thousands of different rose varieties that will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy world. Additionally, the rose is also seen as the national flower of some Western countries, with each rose species representing a nation. These include Iran - Damask rose, Canina rose of Romania, Polyantha rose of Portugal, and Maroc. Particularly, the Tudor rose is chosen as the national flower of the United States - symbolizing intense love, beauty, and endurance.

Similar to the lotus flower, the water lily also grows in muddy waters but still maintains its purity, symbolizing a pure and innocent soul. The flower is also an important religious symbol of the Muslim - the main religion of Bangladesh - so the water lily is chosen as the national flower of this country. The flower's pure white color also signifies peace, prosperity, happiness, and contentment.

To express affection and reverence for this flower, the government of Bangladesh erected a statue of the water lily in the heart of the capital Dhaka, which has always been a source of pride for its people. In botany, the water lily belongs to the order Nymphaeales, originating from the word 'numpho' which refers to the young and beautiful goddesses in Greek mythology who live in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.

The white water lily has been the national flower of Bangladesh since 1971. Apart from the predominant white color, water lilies come in various vibrant hues, adorning the beauty of serene lakes. Temperate water lilies bloom only during the day, while tropical water lilies can bloom both during the day and at night. Currently, there are hundreds of different water lily species.

The national flower of this small nation is the Simpor flower (scientific name: Dillenia Suffruticosa), with large bright yellow petals and broad leaves. When in full bloom, its 5 large petals spread out like an umbrella. This flower is commonly found along rivers in Brunei, particularly along the Temburong River and in marshy or sandy areas. Simpor leaves are large and oval-shaped, often used by Bruneians to wrap food for transportation, reflecting a very intimate and adorable cultural trait. The leaves and roots can be used to combat inflammation, itching, treat stomach ailments, and promote health recovery.

The image of the Simpor flower appears on many traditional handicrafts of Brunei. Even the nation's 1 dollar coin features this flower. The simpor flower (dillenia suffruticosa) has large bright yellow petals. This flower is commonly found along rivers in Brunei, especially the Temburong River and in marshy or sandy areas. The simpor flower motif is widely featured in traditional Bruneian handicrafts and is depicted on the nation's 1 dollar coin.

On December 2nd, 1942, Argentina recognized Ceibo or Seibo (Erythrina crista-galli) as its national flower. Ceibo, also known as the cockspur coral tree, is native to South America and has a bright red color. The Ceibo flower belongs to the legume family. This species originates from the Middle East and Australia, scientifically known as Erythrina fusca, and is native to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is the national flower of Argentina and also Uruguay.

It is commonly planted in gardens and streets in these countries. The Ceibo tree has thorns like acacia but fewer. The leaves consist of 3 bright green leaflets. The bright red flowers grow in clusters at the tips of branches, blooming alternately from bottom to top. Ceibo Flower or Cockspur Coral Tree (binomial name: Erythrina crista-galli) is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. It is native to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay.

The Ceibo tree is often planted for ornamental purposes and is not recorded in traditional Vietnamese medicine. In Argentinean medicine, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and healing properties. However, without conclusive conclusions and specific usage instructions, people should not use components from the Ceibo tree because it contains narcotic and purgative substances.

The Red Poppy is often recognized as the national flower of Belgium. This flower has long been used in European herbal medicine, especially for ailments in children and the elderly; crafted into pain relievers and sedatives.

The red poppy flower is typically artificial decorative poppies that are used worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries, as a symbol of remembrance for the anonymous victims of war, particularly the soldiers who fell in the two World Wars. Wars have destroyed landscapes in the places where battles took place, partly due to the large amount of lime making it difficult for many plant species to thrive in the soil. However, this cannot prevent the bright red poppy flowers from blooming at the resting places of the fallen soldiers.

Local people here say that the red poppy turns bright red because it absorbs the blood of the fallen soldiers. Hence, the poppy is the beautiful national flower of Belgium.

If you have a Belgian visa and have set foot in this kingdom, don't forget to visit this Flanders field, which lies close to the border between France and Belgium.

Blue Poppy, scientifically known as Meconopsis grandis, is chosen as the national flower of the mountainous land for its captivating beauty and resilience. The Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis Grandis), Bhutan's national flower, boasts a truly enchanting blue color that catches my attention the moment I lay eyes on it. It only grows in harsh environments at altitudes ranging from 3,500 meters to 4,500 meters, blooming only once a year during the monsoon season, from late May to July. Afterward, it disperses its seeds and dies.

The history and significance of the blue poppy span across various cultures. It is often associated with sleep, peace, and death. Some of the most common meanings and symbols of the blue poppy include: Remembrance poppies are used as symbols of remembrance in ceremonies and memorial services. Poppies are also associated with death and can be found in cemeteries and funeral homes. Sleeping poppies are often seen as symbols of sleep due to their nodding heads.

This flower is so rare that it was once considered a Himalayan legend akin to the mythical Yeti. It wasn't until 1933 that the existence of this flower was confirmed by botanist George Sherriff, and to this day, it continues to arouse curiosity akin to the snow leopard, known as the ghost of the Himalayas.

As a highly fragrant and popular flower in Cuba, it symbolizes purity, rebellion, and independence. White Butterfly Flower or Mariposa, scientifically known as Hedychium coronarium, also called butterfly ginger, white ginger lily, garland flower, is a moisture-loving species that thrives in shaded areas and prefers a cool climate, originating from the tropical regions of Asia. The fragrance of the white butterfly flower is particularly strong in the early morning.

The white butterfly flower, also known as butterfly ginger, has the scientific name Hedychium coronarium Koenig. It belongs to the ginger family and is cultivated for extracting essential oils from its rhizomes for medicinal and perfumery purposes. Additionally, it is used for landscaping in many places. White butterfly flowers are commonly grown worldwide for various purposes such as ornamental, oil extraction, and medicinal uses. They possess a spicy taste, pleasant fragrance, warm nature, excellent wind-dispelling properties, and are often used to treat cold abdominal pain, bloating, poor digestion, abdominal distension, lower limb pain, bone and joint soreness, fever, and snake bites. The white butterfly flower is a perennial herbaceous plant ranging from 1 to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are without petioles, lanceolate with pointed ends, smooth on the upper surface, and have easily shed hairs on the lower surface. The fragrance of the white butterfly flower is unforgettable.

Rumdul flower, scientifically known as Mitrella mesnyi, typically has three round light yellow petals. It emits a particularly fragrant scent, especially in the evening. For many centuries, Cambodian women have been likened to this flower. A rumdul tree can reach a height of 8 to 12 meters. The rumdul flower is also considered a porcelain flower in Cambodia. In Vietnam, it is also called a bunch of flowers, scientifically known as Mitrella mesnyi or Melodorum fruticosum. Additionally, in England, it is called White Cheese Wood (also known as Crab Tree). In China, it is called Mei Hua Shan (Plum Blossom Mountain).

It is called the national flower of Cambodia because it is ubiquitous. From small villages to large cities and provinces. If you have ever been to Cambodia, you may find the rumdul flower's shape very familiar because it is practically everywhere in this country.

18. Cactus Flower, Medicinal Herb Flower - National Flower of Mexico

Mexico does not have a specific legal document specifying which flower is its national flower. However, two beloved flowers with distinct characteristics in this country are the ubiquitous cacti and the delicate dahlias. The extensive presence of cacti throughout the country gives Mexico its unique identity. There are over 2,000 different species of cacti in Mexico, making up more than half of the species worldwide.

The widespread presence of cacti across the country gives Mexico its distinct identity, with its people associating cacti with resilience, strength, and determination. The medicinal herb flower (scientific name: Dahlia, synonymous with Georgina) is a herbaceous plant. It blooms in the summer and autumn, originating in Mexico, where it is chosen as the national flower.

The medicinal herb flower is one of the delicate flowers with a soft fragrance, conveying the message of gentleness and subtlety. It is also often used in feng shui with the meaning of reconciling love and romance. Especially for the pink medicinal herb flower. It is classified as a blood tonic, mainly used for nourishing the body.

The widespread presence of cacti across the country gives Mexico its distinct identity, with its people associating cacti with resilience, strength, and determination. Every year, in mid-August, Mexicans often organize the Cactus Flower Festival in the suburbs of Mexico City. Both local authorities and residents hang lanterns adorned with flowers and organize various art exhibitions themed around cacti.

19. Moon Orchid, Jasmine, and Rafflesia Flower - National Flowers of Indonesia

Indonesia has three flowers considered as national flowers. The Moon Orchid is a beautiful orchid flower commonly found in Indonesia. In a year, the flower usually blooms about 2-3 times when reaching a certain maturity. The plant thrives in humid temperatures and can be found in many regions of this country.

Jasmine or Sampaguita is a popular, easy-to-grow flower in Indonesia. However, only Arabian Jasmine is chosen as one of the country's three national flowers. The flowers grow well in tropical climates. They are small, white, and have a fragrant scent. It is considered a symbol of purity and sanctity, appearing in offerings or religious paraphernalia in some areas of the country.

Rafflesia Flower is a unique flower found only on the island of Sumatra, famous worldwide for its giant size and a scent similar to rotting flesh. Not only known for its distinctive foul odor but also famous for its enormous size. It is said that the Rafflesia Flower has up to 5 different scents, none of which seem very pleasant.

20. King Protea – National Flower of South Africa

South Africa is one of 17 countries in the world considered to be very ecologically diverse. Due to the influences of its terrain and coastline, South Africa has many climate zones and hosts some of the richest floral regions in the world. The majority of plant species are hardy evergreen shrubs with small, needle-like leaves. A unique plant of South Africa is the genus Protea flower with about 130 species. In South Africa, the King Protea flower, robust and sturdy with flowers that can reach up to 30cm in height, has been chosen as the National Flower. It is also known as the Giant Protea. It possesses strong vitality and regenerative abilities.

The King Protea flower contains a large amount of sweet nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, hence its other names such as Honeypot or King Sugar Bush. This plant is widely distributed in the southwestern and southern parts of South Africa.

The flowers come in various colors ranging from white, cream, pale pink, orange-red to bright red. The Protea plant is a dense bush, absorbing rainwater through its leaves and roots. King Protea blooms in summer, often producing many flowers at once, and is cultivated and used for arrangements and bouquets for decoration.