by Sarah Walker
Blooming season is coming in a few months, which means blossoms of all kinds are about to appear. From those that give off intoxicating scents to others that attract humans and bees, we’ve rounded up a list of the 30 most beautiful flowers on the planet.
Roses
These blossoms are believed to be the most ancient in the world, with fossils dating back some 35 million years. The oldest living one is approximately 1,000 years old.
Hydrangeas
With some 70-plus varieties of this bloom found in many regions across the world, hydrangeas are thought to be one of the most resilient flowers.
Lilies
Lilies are perennial plants that are renowned for their ability to support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and for their social nature (they grow best in groups of three to five.)
Peonies
These pretty petalled plants typically bloom from spring through summer and are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Living up to 100 years, they’re hardy and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and love.
Freesias
Back in the Victorian era, freesias were a symbol of trust between two people and were often given from one friend or family member to another. White blooms symbolize purity; pink, motherly love; yellow, joy; and red, passion.
Lotus
The lotus flower carries some heavy symbolism, and represents everything from wealth to fertility in India and other Asian countries. It thrives in ponds and lakes and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
Morning glories
With slender stems and heart-shaped leaves, the morning glory is one of the most brightly-coloured and common plants in any garden. The attractive blossoms grow in a vine-like fashion and are resistant to drought-like conditions, making them the perfect plant for those testing out their green thumb.
Gardenias
Beautifully scented and with perfectly proportioned petals, gardenias are popular plants native to China, Japan, and Taiwan. In many cultures, it’s believed cultivating the humidity-loving blooms will bring good fortune.
Sunflowers
There are believed to be 70 species of this sun-tracking blossom, which was first planted in North America 5,000 years ago. Each sunflower contains as many as 1,000 to 2,000 seeds, which can be used for feeding humans and birds, creating oil for beauty and health products, and replanting.
Daffodils
Cheery daffodils are a symbol of new beginnings, good fortune, and friendship, and are often the first sign of spring. The only thing to watch for is how you arrange the blooms in a vase once plucked. Their stems release a chemical that can shorten the life of other flowers.
Daisies
These small white flowers, which mean “day’s eye,” are found on every continent except Antarctica and are thought to be distant cousins of the sunflower. They’re also edible and contain a lot of vitamin C, leading some to believe the petals can slow bleeding, relieve indigestion, and soothe coughs.
Magnolias
Fossils show these beautiful blossoms existed at least 20 million years ago, with many in ancient cultures using the plant’s bark to improve lung health and combat anxiety. They take more than 10 years to begin flowering, but can eventually reach heights of 26 metres (85 feet).
Poppies
Many wear a poppy in November as a symbol of remembrance; the stunning red flower was adopted as such for its ability to peek through the rubble in battlefields during World War I. But poppies also provide the world with a very important medicine: morphine. Their use dates back to Ancient Egypt.
Zinnias
These bushy, long-stemmed blooms grow quickly and easily and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for green gardeners. The fabulously coloured florals also have a specific nectar that attracts butterflies, birds and bees.
Cherry blossoms
A powerful symbol of renewal and hope, cherry blossoms are perhaps the most photographed petal on the planet. Picnicking under them is a springtime tradition in Japan and their scent contributes to the most popular body spray in the U.S. (Bath and Body Works’ Japanese Cherry Blossom).
Bleeding hearts
Part of the poppy family, these teardrop-shaped petals traditionally come in two colours: pink and white. The former is a sign of passion and love, and the latter, purity and innocence.
Dahlias
Though these flowers bloom beautifully each mid-summer though fall, they were first classified as a vegetable: their tubers taste like a potato mixed with a radish. They are native to Mexico and Central America, and their medicinal properties have been known for hundreds of years, to treat everything from dry skin to insect bites.
Chrysanthemums
One of the first signs of fall is when these flowers show up on front porches. Affectionately known as “mums,” they were originally cultivated in China over 3,000 years ago. The world over they’re symbols of joy, optimism, happiness, and honouring loved ones.
Carnations
Known as the “Flower of Gods,” this bloom gets its name from “coronation” since it was added to ceremonial crowns in Ancient Greece. Edible, they come in almost every colour and can also have their hues altered with the help of food colouring.
Lantanas
These colourful flowers are often spotted in containers or hanging baskets, and are beloved because of their ability to attract butterflies (they have a sweet and unique nectar). The lantana is also perfect for those lacking a green thumb: they can bloom in hot, drought-like conditions and need little pruning.
Tulips
Part of the lily family, tulips have become an enduring symbol of rebirth and spring thanks to their short blooming season — only three to seven days once warm weather hits. You can find the blossoms in almost any colour, especially in the Netherlands where they are wildly popular. At one point they were the world’s most expensive flower.
Orchids
Orchids are among the oldest flowering plants on the planet, and can live up to 100 years. They are just as plentiful as mammals and birds, with more than 25,000 known species found in countries around the world.
Marigolds
Not only are the orange petals of this hardy plant beautiful, they’re powerful repellers of pests, making them a much-beloved blossom for farmers. The flower is a cultural symbol of Nepal and symbolizes beauty, warmth, creativity, and success.
Gladioli
Tall and slender, gladioli are commonly seen in temperate climates and come in a variety of hues — from pink to red and even light purple. They’re beloved by bees thanks to their fragrant nectar, and come in about 260 species, 250 of which are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Camellias
While most flowers prefer to propagate in the sunlight, these petals thrive in the shade. They regularly require pruning, but gardeners who show them some TLC will be rewarded with beautiful blooms that signify love and devotion.
Irises
The love affair with these flowers has gone on for centuries — from the time of Ancient Greece. Their name comes from the Greek word for rainbow and messenger, and their petals can be bearded (featuring soft hairs) or unbearded (no hairs).
Lilacs
Available in a wide range of colours, from light purple to magenta, these sprightly flowers are sun-lovers and require at least six hours of light to grow to their full potential. One of the world’s largest collections of lilacs (some 745 plants) can be seen at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Sweet peas
Though these blossoms are quintessentially English, they are native to Sicily, Cyprus, and Southern Italy. They were first sent to the United Kingdom by a monk in the 17th century. Hardy and long-lasting, they give off a sweet scent, and symbolize bliss, pleasure and positivity.
Lavender
There’s more than meets the eye to these fragrant blooms, including their ancient roots and ability to treat a variety of ailments. A symbol of purity, devotion, serenity, and calmness, lavender is believed to exist in more than 450 varieties on the planet.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus are a beloved and romantic bloom thanks to their soft and delicate texture and fluffy nature — there are between 100 and 130 petals per blossom. Meaning “little frog,” they were first found in Southwestern Asia and are a symbol of charm and attractiveness.
