United Kingdom (UK) is composed of four countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Island and England. Each of them has their own national flowers.
The English Rose, also called as the Tudor Rose is a heraldic, traditional emblem of England. The latter name comes from the Tudor dynasty. For Northern Island, the traditional flower is old white, three-leaf clover called as Shamrock. Shamrocks are a good talisman for troops abroad, sports clubs and official organizations of Northern Island.
Thistle, a purple flower with prickly leaves is the national flower of Scotland. It features in various Scottish logos and symbols. Thistle was used as a defence related symbol in the fifteenth century. The Welsh national flower is the Daffodil- botanically called as the Narcissus. It is worn traditionally on St. David’s day.
Though most flowers are imported due to the unfavourable climatic conditions of UK, there are some flowers grown in the country. Roses, freesia and Irises are native to Channel Islands. Bulb flowers are grown in Scotland, Lincolnshire and Cornwall. Other flowers, which are commonly grown in UK, are Chrysanthemums, Lilies, Delphiniums and Pinks.
British (English, Welsh and Scots) have used oak tree and roses as official symbols; like the National rugby Union of England and the Labour Party. Lilies, sunflowers, colourful roses, orchids, daffodils, daisy and gerberas are all popular in Britain.
Some of the popular flowers of UK are:
- Rose:
Originated in China but grown all over the world. It is available throughout the year and loved worldwide. It is the symbol of love and exchanged widely on St. Valentine’s Day. Roses form the majority of expenditure of 22 million pounds spent on flowers in UK on this occasion.It also has medicinal properties and used in cosmetics, and perfumes
- Lily:
Mostly a symbol of purity and virginity in the Christian tradition, it is also called as Madonna lily. Some have strong scents but some are scent free. They have been cultivated 3000 years back. It was a holy flower for the Chinese and the Assyrians. They have been used in preparation of traditional medicine and as a lucky charm in many countries.
- Freesia:
One of the most popular flowers worldwide, selling around hundred million stems annually in UK. Originated in South Africa, it was bought to Europe in the 19th century. Varieties include red, pink, white and yellow. One type called as Ballerinas resemble graceful dancers.
- Tulips:
They are named after the Turkish word for Turban. Found in all colours except blue or true black. British tulips are found from January to April. Originating from the Middle East, they grow in water and curve towards the light. Tulip flowers have longevity of about a week so buy buds with colour showing. Tulips are one of the most cultivated flowers in Holland and are also popular in Britain. In Victorian England, red tulips stood for love, so they are a romantic gift for Valentine’s Day down the ages.
- Sweet pea flower:
Has a botanical name- Lathyrus odoratus in which odoratus means scented. Origin is from Italy and found in cream, purple and pinks. It blooms from March to November. Sweet peas mean delicate pleasure. Yellow Sweet pea is not scented, but scientists are trying to evolve scented versions.
These are some of the popular flowers of UK. Book online for flowers for delivery all over the UK! You will truly delight your loved ones with bouquets of favourite flowers.
