Royal Flower Varieties Around the World
Throughout history, certain flowers have become synonymous with royalty, power, and nobility. From ancient empires to modern monarchies, these blooms have adorned palaces, crowned ceremonies, and symbolized the divine right of kings. This Ellermann Florist guide explores the most prestigious royal flowers from different cultures and regions across the globe.
European Royal Flowers
The Rose - Queen of Flowers
Origin: Europe, Asia, North America Royal Associations: England, France, Germany
The rose stands as perhaps the most universally recognized royal flower. In England, the Tudor Rose combines the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster, symbolizing the end of the Wars of the Roses. The House of Lancaster adopted the red rose as their emblem, while the House of York chose white. French royalty favored roses in their palace gardens at Versailles, with Marie Antoinette particularly fond of pink varieties.
Notable Varieties:
Gallica roses (Rosa gallica) - The original French roses
Damask roses (Rosa damascena) - Prized for their fragrance
Alba roses (Rosa alba) - The white roses of York
The Lily - Symbol of Purity and Power
Origin: Europe, Asia Royal Associations: France, Spain, Byzantine Empire
The fleur-de-lis, stylized from the iris or lily, became the royal emblem of France. The white lily (Lilium candidum) has been associated with French royalty since the 12th century, symbolizing purity and the divine right of kings. The flower adorned royal coats of arms, tapestries, and architectural elements throughout French palaces.
Royal Varieties:
Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum) - The classic white royal lily
Gold-rayed Lily (Lilium auratum) - Known as the "Queen of Lilies"
Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium martagon) - Medieval European nobility
The Iris - Royal Sword Flower
Origin: Mediterranean, Europe Royal Associations: France, Netherlands, Byzantine Empire
Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris became deeply connected to French royalty. The stylized iris forms the basis of the fleur-de-lis, one of the most recognizable royal symbols in history. Byzantine emperors also favored iris motifs in their imperial regalia.
Asian Royal Flowers
The Peony - King of Flowers
Origin: China, Mongolia, Siberia Royal Associations: Chinese Imperial Courts, Japanese Emperor
In China, the peony earned the title "King of Flowers" and became the imperial flower during the Tang Dynasty. Chinese emperors cultivated elaborate peony gardens, with the most prized varieties reserved exclusively for the imperial court. The flower symbolized honor, wealth, and nobility in Chinese culture.
Imperial Varieties:
Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) - The original Chinese imperial peonies
Itoh Peonies - Hybrid varieties prized by Japanese nobility
Coral Charm Peony - Modern variety still favored by royal gardens
The Chrysanthemum - Imperial Seal
Origin: China, later Japan Royal Associations: Japanese Imperial Family, Chinese Emperors
The chrysanthemum serves as the official flower and imperial seal of Japan, appearing on the Japanese passport and imperial throne. The 16-petal chrysanthemum design represents the Japanese Emperor, and the flower has been cultivated by the imperial family for over 1,000 years.
Royal Types:
Imperial chrysanthemums (16-petal varieties) - Reserved for Japanese royalty
Spider chrysanthemums - Cultivated in Chinese imperial gardens
Decorative chrysanthemums - Used in royal ceremonies
The Lotus - Sacred Royal Bloom
Origin: Asia, Australia Royal Associations: Indian Maharajas, Thai Royalty, Buddhist Kingdoms
The lotus holds sacred significance across Asian cultures and has been associated with royal power and spiritual enlightenment. Indian maharajas incorporated lotus motifs into their palaces and regalia, while Thai kings adopted the lotus as a symbol of purity and divine rule.
Regal Varieties:
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) - The classic Asian royal lotus
Egyptian Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) - Favored by ancient pharaohs
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) - Used by indigenous American leaders
Middle Eastern and African Royal Flowers
The Tulip - Ottoman Imperial Flower
Origin: Central Asia, Turkey Royal Associations: Ottoman Empire, Persian Shahs, Dutch Royalty
Tulips originated in the Ottoman Empire and became symbols of imperial power and wealth. The Turkish sultans cultivated elaborate tulip gardens, leading to the famous "Tulip Period" in Ottoman history. The flower later became associated with Dutch royalty during the Dutch Golden Age.
Imperial Selections:
Turkish tulips - Original wild varieties from Anatolia
Parrot tulips - Developed for Ottoman palace gardens
Darwin tulips - Later cultivated for European royal courts
The Jasmine - Arabian Royal Fragrance
Origin: Himalayas, Middle East Royal Associations: Arabian Princes, Mughal Emperors, Persian Courts
Jasmine has been treasured by Middle Eastern royalty for its intoxicating fragrance. Arabian princes and Mughal emperors incorporated jasmine into their palace gardens, and the flower became a symbol of nobility and refined taste across Islamic cultures.
Noble Types:
Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) - The classic royal variety
Royal Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) - Prized for perfume making
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) - Grown in Persian royal gardens
American Royal and Noble Flowers
The Magnolia - Southern Aristocracy
Origin: Southeastern United States, East Asia Royal Associations: American Southern Aristocracy, Chinese Nobility
While America lacks traditional royalty, the magnolia became associated with Southern aristocracy and plantation grandeur. In China, magnolias were cultivated in noble gardens for centuries before their introduction to the Americas.
The Protea - African Royal Flower
Origin: South Africa Royal Associations: African Kingdoms, South African National Symbol
The king protea serves as South Africa's national flower and was historically associated with African kingdoms and tribal royalty. These distinctive flowers symbolized strength, courage, and transformation.
Cultivation and Care of Royal Flowers
Growing Conditions
Most royal flowers require specific conditions that mirror their aristocratic origins:
Roses: Well-draining soil, full sun, regular pruning
Peonies: Rich, well-draining soil, cold winter periods for blooming
Irises: Well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade
Chrysanthemums: Rich soil, adequate moisture, protection from harsh winds
Tulips: Cold winter vernalization, well-draining bulb beds
Royal Garden Design Principles
Traditional royal gardens incorporated these flowers using formal design principles:
Symmetrical planting patterns
Color coordination and seasonal succession
Integration with water features and architectural elements
Creation of fragrant walking paths and private alcoves
Modern Royal Gardens
Today's royal families continue to cultivate these historic flowers in their gardens:
Buckingham Palace Gardens: Features traditional English roses and herbaceous borders
Imperial Palace East Gardens (Tokyo): Showcases chrysanthemums and seasonal Japanese flora
Palace of Versailles: Maintains historic French garden varieties including roses and lilies
Generalife Gardens (Granada): Preserves Moorish royal garden traditions with jasmine and roses
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Each royal flower carries deep symbolic meaning:
Roses: Love, beauty, secrecy (sub rosa)
Lilies: Purity, rebirth, royal power
Peonies: Honor, wealth, good fortune
Chrysanthemums: Longevity, rejuvenation, imperial power
Lotus: Enlightenment, purity rising from mud
Tulips: Perfect love, elegance, grace
Ellermann Flower Boutique guide
Royal flowers represent more than mere botanical specimens; they embody centuries of cultural tradition, political symbolism, and aesthetic refinement. From the Tudor rose of England to the imperial chrysanthemum of Japan, these flowers continue to connect us to the rich heritage of human civilization and the universal appeal of natural beauty.
Whether grown in modern gardens or appreciated in historical contexts, royal flowers remind us that throughout history, humans have found in nature both the inspiration for power and the solace of beauty. Their cultivation and preservation ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate these living symbols of our shared cultural heritage.
