Do you know your Tudor rose from your shamrock
by Northern Life
Garden lovers are being encouraged to brush up their trivia on the national flowers of leading nations.
The garden experts at BillyOh.com have looked into the official flowers of different countries to find out when and why they were adopted.
Roses are a popular flower with a variety of species enjoyed by England, the USA, Iran, Ecuador and Cyprus to name a few. Other species are less popular including the thistle, which is Scotland’s national flower and the shamrock was adopted by the Irish.
Here’s our guide to national flowers:
England – Tudor Rose
The Tudor Rose was adopted by King Henry VII in 1485 at the end of the War of the Roses. It’s a combination of the royal house of Lancaster, whose emblem was a red rose and the white rose of the royal house of York. The rose is regarded as a symbol of hope, prosperity and unity.
Scotland – Thistle
The prickly thistle was adopted as the Scottish emblem during the reign of Alexander III (1249–1286). The thistle is also seen as a symbol of defence.
France – Iris
The iris is the national flower of France and is represented in the Fleur-de-lis emblem. The flower is a symbol of faith, wisdom and peace of mind.
Switzerland – Edelweiss
Edelweiss was adopted by the Swiss in the 19th century as its national flower. If given to a loved one, this mountain flower is a promise of dedication.
Belgium – Red Poppy
The red poppy is the national flower of Belgium. It’s the traditional flower of remembrance in Europe and North American with links to the First and Second World Wars.
Japan – Chrysanthemum or Cherry Blossom
There’s some debate over the national flower of Japan. Some say it’s the chrysanthemum which is the symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family. Others say the cherry blossom because so many Japanese love to watch and celebrate these flowers in the spring.
Ireland – Shamrock
It was an important symbol to the ancient Irish druids as a plant display the triad with its heart shaped leaves. An Irish tale also tells how Patrick used the three-leafed Shamrock to explain the Trinity.
Wales – Leek and Daffodil
Not content with a national flower, the Welsh have adopted a national vegetable too. The national flower of Wales is the daffodil which is traditionally worn on St David’s Day. The leek is a much older emblem. According the legend, on the eve of battle against the Saxons, St David advised his troops to wear leeks in their caps so they could identify one another.
Spain – Red Carnation
The red carnation is associated with Spanish folklore, especially in southern Spain or Andalusia. It symbolises passion. It’s a very common gesture to hold the flower between your teeth.
USA – Rose
The rose was officially adopted by the USA on 20 November 1986. Then president Ronald Regan signed a proclamation certifying the rose as the national flower in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden.
Holland – Tulips
Tulips are cultivated in large fields and tulip festivals run throughout the spring. Tulips were first imported in Holland in the 16th century and now the country is the largest flower exporter in the world.