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Italy is among the most popular tourist destinations globally, attracting more than 60 million visitors annually. The green countryside deeply rooted in the Italian culture is one of the significant reasons this country attracts tourists yearly.
Many Italians have also adopted the tradition of flowering from their patios. Let’s talk about traditional Italian flowers, or as would Italians say, “Parliamo di Fiori.”
Apart from the flowers cultivated on balconies, you’ll also find substantial floral gardens in rural areas.
Most of these flowers also represent something else that might differ from what they symbolize in other regions.
20 Most Beautiful Italian FlowersÂ
Rose
A rose (la Rosa in Italian) is another popular Italian flower. Also, it is a flower of national significance in Italy.
As with the lily, the roses can be found in many flower gardens across Italy, and their various hues have different significance. Roses in red symbolize affection and love. The yellow roses represent jealousy. Blue roses symbolize mystery, and white roses are a symbol of purity.
Similar to other regions of the world as in other countries, roses are among the most sought-after flowers in Italy for all occasions. It is a tradition that Italians offer odd-numbered flowers for special events, and even-numbered ones are reserved for funerals.
The only exception is number 12. The red roses distributed in 12 symbolize weddings or the wish to live the remaining years of your days with someone.
Roses can be grown in containers and planted on your patio or inside as long as they get enough sun.
See Also:Â 16 Most Popular Flowers in Japan (Names and Meanings)
Lily
The white lily in Italian (Giglio Bianco) is among the most well-known classic Italian flowers. It is typically utilized as a centerpiece for different celebrations. Italians can also present gifts to loved family members as a token to show their gratitude.
Lilies symbolize the things that Italians are most passionate about, such as the moral values of love and family. (Interestingly, the lily flower is also the flower of national significance in France).
The scientific name for the lily is Lilium. It’s also known as Asiatic Lily, a stylized lily, and an oriental lily.
Lilies come in various shades, each one of which is a symbol of a specific attribute.
The orange lily symbolizes enthusiasm, happiness, yellow lilies, white lilies purity, and modesty. The famous lily of the Valley is a symbol of purity.
Each flower contains between 4 and 8 petals. It can grow up to a height of 6 feet. The Asiatic Lily isn’t fragrant. However, it is often used to enhance the beauty and extract essential oils.
On the other hand, oriental lilies are famous for their scent. They also have hybrids with diverse scents and colors and kinds of flowers.
Lilies are also simple to cultivate in the garden and pots.
See also:Â Are Water Lilies Poisonous? (Definitive Answer)Â
Jasmine
Jasmine in Italian (Gelsomino) has been prized in Italy since antiquity. The half-opened buds are used to make an aromatic infusion in mid-spring, while the dried petals are used at the end of cooking to add scent and taste to particular recipes.
More than 200 species of these vines and shrubs occur in tropical or mild temperate climates. Jasmine blooms are primarily white. However, you may plant them in your garden to make them more visually appealing and aromatic.
Jasmine plants make excellent houseplants. In addition, they attract many pollinators, which will benefit your entire garden.
Chrysanthemum
They are also known as the chrysanths and mums. Chrysanthemums in Italian (Crisantemo) are herbaceous plant species that date from the beginning of time.
They first came into Europe and East Asia before spreading to different parts of the globe. Mums have multi-petaled flowers which come in a variety of shades; the leaves often have the form of an alternating pattern.
Today, there are over 200,000 chrysanths cultivars worldwide.
In the world of China, Japan, and most of the world, chrysanths represent power, nobility, happiness, and joy. But, be cautious when giving flowers in Italy.
This is because they symbolize death. The flowers are available in shops in Italy to mark The Day of the Dead, which is observed on the 2nd of November. On this day, Italians attend cemeteries and burials with flowers and usually place them in graves.
There are two kinds of mums: the show type and garden hardy mums, also known as “hardy mums.” If you plan to plant some mums in the garden, you might prefer a hardy type because they can endure all conditions.
Exhibition chrysanths are generally grown for decorative purposes. However, in certain parts of Asia, certain species of chrysanthemums are used to create a particular kind of tea.
Pyrethrum can also be found in the genus Chrysanthemum and is an organic pesticide.
Violets
Italy is well-known not just for its tourism but also for its Violets or, as Italians would say (Violette). Because Italians use this flower daily, let us investigate its significance in Italian culture. For example, homeowners use violets throughout their gardens to assist the soil around the plants to develop better.
For over a century, red violets have been hand-picked in the Italian highlands and transformed into a range of items in Italian culture. Aside from their historical significance, they are notable for their stunning beauty and entrancing smell. These floral beauties are utilized in various goods ranging from fragrances and cosmetics to candies and cuisine.
Violets have been a sign of love and loyalty in Italy since the Middle Ages. They were frequently used to garnish bridal bouquets due to their color and form, and the bride and groom used to receive a boutonniere before heading to church.
Orchids
Orchids in Italian (Orchidee) are among the most sought-after flowers that are available in a variety of species and shapes flowers. Apart from being cultivated all over the globe, orchids also serve as an emblem of love.
In Italy, many shades of orchids can have distinct significance. For example, white orchids are symbolic of purity, while rose orchids are a symbol of love.
The orchid is a popular gift at weddings and anniversary celebrations. For instance, a pink orchid is thought to be the perfect present for the 14th anniversary of a wedding. On the other hand, a cream-colored orchid is usually given to celebrate an anniversary of 28 years.
Planting orchids in the house isn’t so difficult. You just need a small amount of well-drained soil or loam, or another rich in nutrients, a container, and a space with a south-facing window.
They can withstand cold temperatures and indirect instead of direct sunlight. It will require watering it frequently, but ensure the soil is dry before watering.
See Also:Â How to Grow Baby Orchids
Sunflower
Sunflowers in Italian (Girasole) are among the bright Italian native flowers that you must consider cultivating at home in the garden.
As children living near an enormous sunflower farm, we often sneaked into the farm to take in sunflower seeds.
Then I was able to travel to the Tuscany region in Italy and saw vast areas of sunflowers. They shine with a distinct glow in the sun’s bright light.
Anyone visiting can tell you that this area is linked with the sunflower and has been a part of the region’s culture.
Although they are an agricultural crop in most of Italy, they are also an emblem of love, good intentions, happiness, and energy.
They’re the ideal present to give someone who has achieved one of the goals in their life, like being promoted, obtaining a perfect job, or even graduating.
Bluebell
Nothing is more adorable than a Bluebell in Italian (La Campanula). It is a popular flower in Italy because of its delicate beauty and delicious aroma. It represents the rebirth of life, the rebirth of spring, and endless youth.
The Bluebell is a rare flower that develops from a single bulb. The delicate bell-shaped marks on its petals provide a one-of-a-kind touch to its lovely look.
In Italy, the campanula has long been seen to be a mystical flower associated with fairies and fairy tales, so much so that old legend held that it could be used to make love potions and charms. Furthermore, this lovely flower was also employed for therapeutic purposes due to its exquisite perfume.
Tulip
The Tulip in Italian (Tulipano) is a lovely Italian flower that belongs to the lily family. It is well-known and loved for its solid and sweet aroma. Tulip blooms may take on a variety of colors, as opposed to the leaves, which are bright green.
Its size varies according to the type since there are tall and dwarf varieties, but the largest size it may attain is around thirty cm and can seldom exceed it.
Tulips can be reproduced by sowing or bulblets. In the first example, the seeds must be gathered from the fruit and allowed to dry before being buried in rich soil: germination takes six years. In the second situation, keep the cloves in a cool, dry area until planting.
Tulips should be fertilized regularly with a flowering plant fertilizer, beginning when the plant blooms and lasting around four weeks.
Mimosa
Mimosa is an entire genus with more than 400 different species, and the most popular one is most commonly found in mimosas, Mimosa pudica. Yellow flowers with a puffed appearance are characteristic of Mimosa pudica. It can also be referred to as “don’t touch me,” as it can bend when it is touched.
It is also distinct from the acacia dealbata, from where the cocktail “mimosa” takes its name. Certain mimosas are also widely distributed in high temperatures and bend during colder weather.
But this isn’t the only reason why mimosas are a hit. It is also the case that it is customary to present mimosas for women during International Women’s Day in Italy, Russia, and perhaps elsewhere in the world.
This custom dates back to postwar times as the color yellow was believed to symbolize the solidarity of women and feminism. Yellow is also used throughout Italy on this day to honor women.
Lavender
Lavender in Italian (Lavanda) comes from the Lamiaceae family of flowers that grows in Italy. It thrives in the Mediterranean basin and can grow slightly under a meter tall. It is an evergreen herbaceous plant with around 25 kinds, the most popular being Lavender Angustifolia and Lavender Dentata.
Lavender stems are upright, branching, and woody at the base. It has greenish-gray lanceolate leaves and produces achenes, fruits with a solitary seed.
The inflorescences are spikes at the tips of the stalks, and the blooms are purple and incredibly fragrant, making them ideal for storing bags to disseminate their aroma within closets and drawers. Lavender is also commonly utilized in natural medicine.
Its name is derived from Latin and means “which must be washed”; in reality, this plant was employed to care for personal cleanliness throughout the Middle Ages.
When the summer season ends, sprigs of around 10-15 centimeters can be plucked to stimulate reproduction via cuttings. To ensure correct moisture and temperature, lay the sprigs in peaty, sandy soil and cover the container. The pot should be replaced when the first shoots develop.
See Also:Â Why is my Lavender Turning Brown (How to Fix)
Peonies
The peonies in Italian (la peonia) are perennial herbaceous plants indigenous in Europe, Asia, and North America.
They are famous for their scent and the large blooms with colors like red, yellow, pink, and white.
There are more than 30 varieties of peonies. In Italy, peonies symbolize discretion. However, they also symbolize honor, wealth, and shame in China. Using Peonies as wedding bouquets is also popular.
If you decide to transfer them from one spot from one location to the next, it may take years for them to recover. However, once established, they will continue to blossom for decades, usually in spring and summer.
They are among the perennials that bloom all summer long.
Before you plant them inside, it is essential to know that peonies attract ants due to the nectar they release.
Freesia
Freesia in Italian (la fresia) is a bulbous plant in the Iridaceae family that originated in South Africa but is now grown in practically every area of Italy. Freesia is a little Italian flower that grows to a maximum height of 30 centimeters. The root is a tiny ovoid bulb or corm with a long white root securely embedded in the soil.
The aerial component of freesia is made up of thin cylindrical stems covered with a few leaves. The sword-shaped leaves, which are brilliant green like iris, are 20-30 cm long and roughly 2 cm broad. Floral scapes with spike-like inflorescences formed of clusters of fragrant flowers grow between the leaf clumps during the flowering period.
The blooms are bell-shaped and feature a corolla made of petals welded at the base that range from pure white to cream, yellow to brilliant colors of orange and red, and blue to purple. In addition, Freesia petals in hybrid varieties contain contrasting color veins or patches.
The seeds are big and spherical, with a high germination ability. During the flowering time, racemes of strongly scented single or complex flowers with a bell-shaped corolla develop at the apexes of the stems.
To generate a profusion of blooms, freesias should be treated every 10 to 15 days, before blossoming and during the growing cycle, with flowering plant fertilizers in liquid form, adequately diluted in the watering water. Alternatively, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer at the base of the seedlings once a month.
Freesia is produced commercially in various parts of Italy, particularly in Liguria, to produce cut flowers in late winter or spring, enhance houses’ interiors, and create floral arrangements for ceremonies and wedding feasts.
Carnations
Carnation flowers in Italian (Garofani)Â might have originated out of the Mediterranean region, and they were first noted around two thousand decades ago in Greek books.
It is characterized by its green foliage and flowers growing on the high.
There are many theories about the source of the term “carnation”. Many believe it’s derived directly from “coronation,” as carnations were employed as crowns in Greek crowns.
Some believe it’s from carnis, a Latin word that means “flesh.”
This scientific term is Dianthus caryophyllus because the flowers are related to Diana, the Greek goddess Diana.
In the world of Christianity, it is believed that these flowers originated from Mary’s tears at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus. They are, therefore, a traditional gift to give on Mother’s Day as they symbolize the mother’s love.
Like other traditional flowers, the various colors of the flowers can have distinct significance. For example, carnations in dark red symbolize love and are usually part of bridal bouquets. Pink symbolizes gratitude, and lighter red is a symbol of admiration.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen in Italian (Ciclamino) is a flower native to Italy that belongs to the Primulaceae or Myrsinaceae family, depending on taxonomy. Cyclamen persicum and Cyclamen purpurascens are the two most frequent cyclamen variants. Cyclamen contains tuberous roots that are spherical.
Cyclamen blooms from season to season, with flowers and leaves growing from the base to the bulb. Cyclamen come in various hues, ranging from white to red, pink to purple, depending on the kind.
Cyclamen prefers cold, damp environments. They favor the fall and winter seasons, from September and March, for blossoming. However, the blooming period and variety might affect flowering.
Cyclamen leaves are often heart-shaped. Cyclamen of alpine species, whose preferred environment is shaded woodlands, may be found throughout Italy. They like calcareous soils with an alkaline pH and modest moisture levels. Excessive light exposure might wilt cyclamen.
Cyclamen is a complex plant to cultivate. Above all, it is challenging to re-bloom it, but with proper care, you may enjoy its blossoms for up to 5 years.
During the leaf and bloom growth phase in fall, keep the cyclamen at a temperature no higher than 15°. It is better to keep it indoors, away from extreme cold, and away from radiators. Only in areas where the winter environment is not too harsh may the cyclamen be moved outside, but be cautious of frost. The recommendation is to protect the seedlings overnight constantly.
Between September and October, the first cyclamen flowers will appear. After that, however, the plant will be dormant and will not blossom in the spring and summer.
Take out any wilted flowers or dry foliage. Place the cyclamen in a cool, shaded location and water only when necessary. The seedlings will appear dead, yet they will serve as a bridge to another bloom in the fall. They may begin to shed new leaves on occasion during a chilly spring.
Cyclamen are planted in the summer, between July and September. Cyclamen seeds are quite tiny. To aid diffusion in the soil, combine them with sand. Cyclamen can be planted in a rectangular pot or tray. Spray the seeds with water to keep the soil top wet.
Cover the pot with transparent plastic wrap to maintain the correct temperature and humidity. After a month, the first sprouts will show, and you may remove the cover. Choose the hardiest plants and transplant them into pots after they have grown.
ButtercupsÂ
Buttercups in Italian (ranuncoli) are part of the Ranunculus Genus, the name they were known when they first came into Europe. The Ranunculus genus contains more than 400 species. The first species appeared in Asia before spreading to Europe and spreading throughout the globe.
Buttercups have bright colors like yellow, white, or pink. Yellow flowers typically feature shimmering petals.
The flowers may be buds or appear as single flowers, while the leaves typically create a rosette on the stem. The buttercup is an expression of purity, humility, or fun in Italy.
Italian Poppies
Also known as Tuscan flowers or in Italian (papaveri italiani), the classic Italian flowering plants have found a spot on the Italian landscape.
They are known as Tuscan poppies due to the climate and soil found in Tuscany, Italy, which are ideal for their growth.
The flowers can have up to six petals and are usually dark red. However, they could be any color.
They usually bloom in the early months of May, a sign that summer is coming.
Italian poppies can also be cultivated for good yields, originating from Greek mythology. They also symbolize eternal rest or death; the Romans frequently used flowers in tombs.
Cornflower
Despite being a lovely Italian flower, the Cornflower in Italian (Papaveri di fiordaliso) is frequently seen as a weed in Italian cornfields. This plant is extensively used in ornamental gardening because of its lovely blossoms, which can be blue, purple, or pink. In addition, its blooms are often utilized in the preparation of tea.
Cornflowers are cut flowers that males in love present to their significant other. If the Cornflower fades rapidly, the man’s love has not been returned.
In Italy, it is also known as the bachelor button flower. Another fascinating piece of information about Italian Cornflower is that it is utilized in both sweet and savory meals.
Cornflower is well known for its stunning blue blossoms, but it also contains a plethora of other delights. In reality, this flower has extremely potent and helpful skin benefits.
Cornflower is a beautiful plant that prefers moderate weather and soft, organic-rich soils. This plant often blooms in late May or August, depending on the type. This plant prefers full light and frequent watering, particularly during flowering.
It is critical to have proper drainage for the plant to produce beautiful and luxuriant cornflower bushes, mainly when grown in pots. Therefore, arranging the pot on a bed of rocks and gravel to encourage water flow is critical.
The soil should be soft and nutrient-rich, maybe previously amended with compost. Fertilization is highly crucial for growth in the soil and must be replenished regularly.
Oleanders
Also known by its other names, such as Nerium Oleanders. Oleander in Italian (Oleandri)Â is a native plant in the Mediterranean area (including Italy).
Many believe that they originated in North Africa. The shrubs can grow to 20 feet tall and have five-lobed flowers, which can be white, pink, or red.
Traditionally, this tree is commonly found in riverbeds. However, it is now a popular ornamental plant that is cultivated all over the world. Beware of the gorgeous blooms and abundant foliage.
Oleanders are poisonous to humans and animals and should not be consumed. But, given how bitter they can be, I’m not sure anyone would ever want to eat them.
However, they are good gifts since they symbolize long-lasting love, desire, and the possibility of destiny.
See Also:Â 20 Best Houseplants With White Flowers
FAQ
What is the traditional Italian flower?
The lovely lily is the national flower of this lovely country! This is hardly surprising, given that the lily denotes beauty.
What is the native flower of Sardinia?
Paeonia Corsica is a 35-80 cm tall herbaceous perennial plant of the peony family. It grows natively in the islands of Sardinia, Corsica, the Ionian Islands, and western Greece.
What is the traditional flower in Sicily?
Frangipani, also known as Plumeria (or Pomelia), is a fragrant white flowering shrub that grows along Sicily’s coast. In the 18th century, it appeared in little bouquets carried by Palermo noblewomen.
Conclusion – Italian Flowers
Italy is the home of a variety of flowers. The ones I’ve selected in this list are a few of the most important ones that symbolize Italy as a nation. From love, affection, family, and grief, there’s an appropriate flower for every emotion that Italians symbolize. They are also gorgeous and easy to cultivate. If you’re looking to bring the beauty, scent, and meaning behind flowers into your home, Check out the requirements for growing and ensure they are suitable for the region you live in.
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