Grow your vocabulary with our complete guide to flowers in Spanish

Flowers remind us of the beauty of the world, and this is a feeling that often transcends cultures. Learning how to say the names of flowers in Spanish will help you appreciate beauty in a whole new way.

If you’ve been studying Spanish for a while, you’ve probably realized what a romantic language Spanish can be. Beyond straightforward ways to say “I love you” in Spanish, flowers can help us express beauty in ways that cannot be adequately expressed with words.

After all, a bouquet of flowers can represent many things–from an expression of a lifelong commitment to marriage to heartfelt condolences after someone’s passing. That’s why it’s so important to learn about flowers in Spanish, as this will help you better cope with the wide range of human emotions.

Plus, flowers are uniquely important in Spanish-speaking cultures. Stick around until the end to find out exciting new meanings for flowers that you may not have thought of!

Download our FREE guide to flowering plants and their Spanish names. Get planting!

Flowers in Spanish

The first thing you’ll want to learn is how to actually say “flower” and “flowers” in Spanish. Luckily for you, this translation sounds very similar to English, so you should have no trouble talking about flowers in no time.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
FlowerLa florˈfloɾflor
FlowersLas floresˈfloɾesfloh-res

Most popular flowers in Spanish

Flowers are incredibly diverse. Perhaps so much more so than any of us can imagine. With thousands and thousands of flower variations all over the world, it’s likely impossible to learn every single one–even if you decide to pursue a career in botany.

With that said, we’ve compiled a list of 268 names of flowers in Spanish so you can start talking about your favorite ones right away, no matter where you live. No prior botanic experience required!

Let’s get started with 30 of the most popular flowers in Spanish.

Pansies are popular flowers in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
DaisyLa mayaˈmaʝamah-ya
GardeniaLa gardeniaɣaɾˈðenjagar-deh-nee-ah
OrchidLa orquídeaoɾˈkiðeaor-key-deh-ah
TulipEl tulipántuliˈpãntoo-lee-pan
MarigoldLa margaritamaɾɣaˈɾitamar-gah-ree-tah
AzaleaLa azaleaasaˈleaah-zah-leh-ah
Geraniumel geráneoxɛˈɾaneoheh-ra-neh-oh
LavenderLa lavandalaˈβãndala-vahn-dah
ZinniaLa zinniaˈsĩnnjazee-nee-ah
RoseLa rosaˈrosaro-sa
SunflowerEl girasolxiɾaˈsolhe-ra-sol
PoppyLa amapolaamaˈpolaah-ma-poh-la
PeriwinkleLa teresitatɛɾeˈsitateh-reh-see-ta
DaffodilEl narcisonaɾˈsisonar-see-so
PetuniaLa petuniapɛˈtunjapeh-too-nee-ah
VioletLa violetaβjoˈlɛtavee-oh-leh-tah
Dusty millerLa dusty millerˈðusti miˈʝɛɾdusty miller
HyacinthEl jacintoxaˈsĩntoha-seen-toh
HibiscusLa jamaicaxaˈmai̯kaha-mah-e-cah
HydrangeaLa hortensiaoɾˈtɛ̃nsjaor-ten-see-ah
JasmineEl jasmínxas̬ˈmĩnhas-meen
LilacLa lilaˈlilalee-la
PoinsettiaLa noche buenaˈnoʧe ˈβwenano-che boo-eh-na
CalendulaLa caléndulakaˈlɛ̃ndulakah-len-doo-la
LilyEl lirioˈliɾjolee-ree-oh
PansyEl pensamientopɛ̃nsaˈmjɛ̃ntopen-sa-me-en-toh
PrimroseLa primaverapɾimaˈβɛɾapree-ma-ver-ah
AlyssumEl alisoaˈlisoah-lee-so
VerbenaLa verbenaβɛɾˈβenaver-beh-na
SnapdragonLa boca de dragónˈβoka ðe ðɾaˈɣõnbo-ca deh dra-gon

Download our FREE guide to flowering plants and their Spanish names

Remember all the names of your favorite flowering plants in Spanish with our printable poster. We've included planting tips on light, position, watering, and soil type.

Free guide to flowering plants and their Spanish names.

Common flowers in Spanish

If you’re studying Spanish, whether online or through an immersive experience, chances are that you’re an adventurous person. As one, you’ve probably traveled to some foreign countries before (perhaps one of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries?) and have seen first-hand how ridiculously diverse flowers can be.

Below you’ll find a list with the names of some of the most common flowers in the world in Spanish. No matter where in the world you’re located, you’re sure to be familiar with some of the flowers on this list!

Bergenia are common flowers in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
AsterEl asterasˈtɛɾas-ter
ChrysanthemumEl crisantemokɾisãnˈtemocree-san-teh-mo
DelphiniumLa espuela de caballeroɛsˈpwela ðe kaβaˈʝɛɾoes-poo-eh-la deh cah-ba-yeh-ro
JuniperEl enebroeˈneβɾoeh-neh-bro
IrisLa irisˈiɾise-rees
BegoniaLa begoniaβeˈɣonjabeh-go-nee-ah
CamelliaLa cameliakaˈmeljacah-meh-lee-ah
AbutilonEl amantilloamãnˈtiʝoah-ma-ran-tee-yo
ClematisLa clemátidekleˈmatiðecleh-ma-tee-deh
Forget me notEl nomeolvidesmjoˈsotisno-meh-ol-vee-des
SnowdropLa campanilla de inviernokãmpaˈniʝa ðe ĩ̯mˈbjɛɾnocam-pa-nee-ya deh in-vee-air-no
California PoppyLa amapola de Californiaamaˈpola ðe kaliˈfoɾnjaah-ma-poh-la deh ca-lee-for-nee-ah
Cardinal flowerLa cardenala encarnadakaɾðeˈnala ɛ̃nkaɾˈnaðacar-deh-na-la en-car-na-da
Water liliesLas ninfeáceasnĩmfeˈaseasneen-fah-seh-as
ColumbineLa aguileñaaɣiˈleɲaah-gee-leh-nya
FoxgloveLa dedaleraðeðaˈlɛɾadeh-da-leh-ra
LantanaLa lantanalãnˈtanalan-ta-na
LobeliaLa lobelialoˈβeljaloh-beh-lee-ah
AconiteEl acónitoaˈkonitoah-koh-nee-toh
African DaisyLa arcotisaɾˈkotisar-koh-tees
LaeliaLa laelialaˈeljala-eh-lee-ah
AgapanthusEl agapantoaɣaˈpãntoah-ga-pan-toh
StaticeLa lavanda marinalaˈβãnda maˈɾinala-van-da ma-ree-na
Peruvian lilyEl lirio peruanoˈliɾjo pɛˈɾwanolee-re-oh peh-roo-ah-no
AmaranthusEl amarantoamaˈɾãntoah-ma-ran-toh
BluebonnetsEl lupinoluˈpinoloo-pee-no
AmaryllisLa añañucaaɲaˈɲukaah-nya-nyu-cah
LavateraLa malvaˈmalβamal-va
AnemoneLa anémonaaˈnemonaah-neh-mo-na
AniseEl anísaˈnisah-nees
BallotaLa ballotaβaˈʝotabah-yo-ta
DurantaLa durantaðuˈɾãntadoo-ran-ta
BellflowerLa campanulakãmpaˈnulacam-pa-noo-la
BergeniaLa bergeniaβɛɾˈxenjabehr-heh-nee-ah
Black-eyed SusanLa rudbeckia bicolorruðˈβek̚kja βikoˈloɾrood-beck-e-ah be-co-lor
WildflowersLas flores salvajesˈfloɾes salˈβaxesflo-res sal-va-hehs
LarkspurLa consolidakõnsoˈliðacon-so-lee-da
BletillaLa bletillaβlɛˈtiʝableh-tee-ya
AgeratumLa yerba de zopiloteˈʝɛɾβa ðe sopiˈloteyer-bah de zo-pee-lo-teh
Bluestar FlowerLa amsonia azulãmˈsonja aˈsulam-so-nee-ah
Lemon VerbenaEl cidrónsiˈðɾõnsee-dron
BottlebrushLos limpiatuboslĩmpjaˈtuβoslim-pee-ah-too-bos
NierembergiaLa estrellita de las vegasɛstɾeˈʝita ðe las̬ ˈβeɣases-treh-yee-ta deh las veh-gas
BrassicaLa mostaza indiamosˈtasa ˈĩndjamos-ta-za een-dee-ah
BroomLas retamasrɛˈtamasreh-ta-mas
ButtercupLa trompeta amarillatɾõmˈpɛta amaˈɾiʝatrom-peh-ta ah-ma-ree-ya
Oriental LilyEl lirio orientalˈliɾjo oɾjɛ̃nˈtallee-ree-oh oh-ree-en-tal
CatharanthusLa chavelitaʧaβeˈlitacha-veh-lee-ta
LewisiaLa lewisialeˈwisjaleh-ooh-ee-see-ah
CelosiaLa celosiaseˈlosjaseh-loh-sa
Dianthus barbatusEl clavel del poetaklaˈβɛl dɛl poˈɛtacla-vel del poh-eh-ta
ConeflowerEl dracopisdɾaˈkopisdra-coh-pees
MimosaLa mimosamiˈmosamee-mo-sa
Coral BellsLa heucheraeu̯ˈʧɛɾaeh-uh-che-ra
CoreopsisLa calliopsiskaˈʝjopsiscah-yee-op-sees
LotusLa flor de lotoˈfloɾ ðe ˈlotoflor deh lo-toe
CorydalisLa corydaliskoɾiˈðalisco-ree-dah-lees
EremurusLa cola de zorroˈkola ðe ˈsoroco-la deh zo-roh
CrocusEl azafránasaˈfɾãnah-za-fran
DaphneEl laurellau̯ˈɾɛlla-ooh-rel
LinariaLa linarialiˈnaɾjalee-na-ree-ah
DeutziaLa celinda de espigasseˈlĩnda ðɛ ɛsˈpiɣasseh-leen-da deh es-pee-gas
NemophilaLa flor ojos de bebéˈfloɾ ˈoxos̬ ðe βeˈβeflor oh-hos deh beh-beh
DiasciaLa diásciaˈðjasjadee-ah-see-ah
DisaLa disaˈðisadee-sa
Dutch IrisLa iris holandesaˈiɾis olãnˈdesaee-rees oh-lan-deh-sa
SileneLa collejakoˈʝexacoh-yeh-ha
EchinopsLa rolandraroˈlãndɾaro-lan-dra
LunariaLa moneda del Papamoˈneða ðɛl ˈpapamo-neh-da del pah-pa
FirethornLos espinos de fuegoɛsˈpinos̬ ðe ˈfweɣoes-pee-nos deh foo-eh-go
ErigeronLa margarita cimarronamaɾɣaˈɾita simaˈronamar-ga-ree-ta see-ma-ro-na
LupinEl lupínluˈpĩnloo-peen
MagnoliaLa magnoliamaɣˈnoljamag-no-lee-ah
FeverfewLa hierba santaˈʝɛɾβa ˈsãntae-air-ba san-ta
MandevillaLa mandevillamãndeˈβiʝaman-deh-vee-ya
KniphofiaLa bandera españolaβãnˈdɛɾa ɛspaˈɲolaban-deh-ra es-pa-nyo-la
Flaming KatyLa flor de la fortunaˈfloɾ ðe la foɾˈtunaflor deh la for-too-na
MayflowerEl berro del pradoˈβɛro ðɛl ˈpɾaðobeh-ro del pra-doh
ForsythiaLa campanita chinakãmpaˈnita ˈʧinacam-pah-nee-ta chee-na
Marguerite DaisyLa magarza comúnmaˈɣaɾsa koˈmũnma-gar-za co-moon
French MarigoldEl clavel de moroklaˈβɛl de ˈmoɾocla-vel de mo-ro
GaillardiaLa gallardíaɣaʝaɾˈðiaga-yar-dee-ah
SedumLa uña de gatoˈuɲa ðe ˈɣatooo-nya deh ga-toe
GazaniaLa gazaniaɣaˈsanjaga-za-nee-ah
PeonyLa flor malditaˈfloɾ malˈditaflor mal-dee-ta
Gerbera FlowerLa margarita africanamaɾɣaˈɾita afɾiˈkanamar-ga-ree-ta ah-free-ca-na
MatthiolaEl alhelíaleˈliah-leh-lee
KalmiaEl laurel de montañalau̯ˈɾɛl de mõnˈtaɲala-ooh-rel deh mon-ta-nya
GladiolasEl lirio comúnˈliɾjo koˈmũnlee-ree-oh coh-moon
FreesiaLa fresillafɾeˈsiʝafreh-see-ya
GoldenrodLa vara de oro de Canadáˈβaɾa ðe ˈoɾo ðe kanaˈðava-ra deh oh-ro deh ca-na-da
GuzmaniaLa flor del inciensoˈfloɾ ðɛl ĩnˈsjɛ̃nsoflor del in-see-en-so
HawthornLos majuelosmaˈxwelosma-who-eh-los
HeatherLa brecinaβɾeˈsinabreh-see-na
HebeLa verónicaβɛˈɾonikaveh-ro-nee-ca
HeleniumLa enulaeˈnulaeh-nool-ah
IxoraLa cruz de Maltaˈkɾus̬ ðe ˈmaltacrooz deh mal-ta
Ornamental CherryEl cerezo en flor japonéssɛˈɾeso ɛ̃m ˈfloɾ xapoˈnesseh-reh-so ehn flor ha-poh-nes
PelargoniumEl geranioxɛˈɾanjohe-ra-nee-oh
QuinceEl membrillomɛ̃mˈbɾiʝomem-bree-yo
HeliotropeLa vainilla de jardínβai̯ˈniʝa ðe xaɾˈðĩnvah-e-nee-ya deh har-deen
ScaevolaLa flor de abanicoˈfloɾ ðe aβaˈnikoflor deh ah-ba-nee-coh
PenstemonLas campanitaskãmpaˈnitascam-pa-nee-tas
NemesiaLa nemesianeˈmesjaneh-meh-see-ah
ImpatiensLa balsaminaβalsaˈminabal-sah-mee-na
ScillaLa escilaeˈsilaes-see-la
CowslipLa flor de la primaveraˈfloɾ ðe la pɾimaˈβɛɾaflor deh la pree-ma-veh-ra

Tropical flowers in Spanish

As you probably already know, a big chunk of the Spanish-speaking world is located near the tropics. From the tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico to the deep Amazonian jungles of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, you can count on there being many tropical flowers that will blow you away.

Cyclamen are beautiful tropical flowers in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
African VioletLa violeta africanaβjoˈlɛta afɾiˈkanavee-oh-leh-ta ah-free-cah-na
AmaryllisLa amarilisamaˈɾilisah-ma-ree-yees
Angel’s TrumpetLa brugmansiaβɾuɣˈmãnsjabroog-man-see-ah
AnthuriumEl anturioãnˈtuɾjoan-too-re-oh
Bird of ParadiseEl ave del paraísoˈaβe ðɛl paɾaˈisoah-veh del pa-ra-e-so
Blood LilyLa flor de sangreˈfloɾ ðe ˈsãnɡɾeflor deh san-greh
Blue Passion FlowerLa pasionaria azulpasjoˈnaɾja aˈsulpa-see-oh-neh-ra ah-zool
BougainvilleaLa buganviliaβuɣãmˈbiljaboo-gan-vee-lee-ah
BromeliadLa bromeliaβɾoˈmeljabro-meh-lee-ah
Canna IndicaLa flor del cangrejoˈfloɾ ðɛl kãnˈɡɾexoflor del can-greh-ho
Chenille PlantEl rabo de gatoˈraβo ðe ˈɣatora-bo deh ga-toe
CliviaLa cliviaˈkliβjaclee-vee-ah
CyclamenLa violeta de Persiaβjoˈlɛta ðe ˈpɛɾsjavee-oh-leh-ta deh per-see-ah
Kahili GingerEl lirio de arroyoˈliɾjo ðe aˈroʝolee-ree-oh deh ah-ro-yo
Hanging Lobster ClawLa heliconia rostrataeliˈkonja rosˈtɾataeh-lee-coh-nee-ah ros-tra-tah
IlimaLa ilimaiˈlimae-lee-ma
LokelaniLa rosa de Damascoˈrosa ðe ðaˈmaskoro-sa deh da-mas-co
MedinillaLa medinillameðiˈniʝame-de-nee-ya
Morning GloryLa campanillakãmpaˈniʝacam-pa-nee-ya
PentaLa planta de la inmortalidadˈplãnta ðe la ĩ̯mmoɾtaliˈðaðplan-ta deh la in-mor-ta-lee-dad
CosmosLa flor del cosmosˈfloɾ ðɛl ˈkos̬mosflor del cos-mos
FrangipaniLa plumeriapluˈmɛɾjaploo-meh-ree-ah
ProteaLa proteapɾoˈteapro-teh-ah
SampaguitaLa sampaguitasãmpaˈɣitasam-pa-gee-tah
Bat LilyEl lirio murciélagoˈliɾjo muɾˈsjelaɣolee-ree-oh moor-see-eh-la-go
Pink Flowering BananaEl plátano rosaˈplatano ˈrosapla-ta-no- ro-sa
Colocasia EsculentaLa malangamaˈlãnɡama-lan-ga
Cordyline FruticosaLa palma lirioˈpalma ˈliɾjopal-ma lee-ree-oh

Desert flowers in Spanish

If sandy dunes are the first thing to come to mind when you hear the word “desert,” you might want to take a look at some of the stunning deserts in Latin America. The Sonoran Desert, located in Northwestern Mexico and the Southwest of the United States, is the most biodiverse desert in the world.

With over 3,500 plant species (and over 500 fascinating birds, too!), this desert is a biodiversity marvel. Here are some of the most popular desert flowers in Spanish to get you started on your new exploration journey!

The prickly pear in Spanish, can be found in the stunning deserts of Latin America.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
SucculentLa suculentasukuˈlɛ̃ntasue-coo-len-ta
Pencil PlantEl árbol de los dedosˈaɾβol de los̬ ˈðeðosar-bol deh los deh-dos
Burro’s TailLa cola de burroˈkola ðe ˈβuroco-la deh boo-ro
Living StoneLa planta piedraˈplãnta ˈpjeðɾaplan-ta pee-eh-dra
Queen Victoria AgaveEl agave noaaˈɣaβe ˈnoaah-ga-veh no-ah
Zebra CactusLa planta cebraˈplãnta ˈseβɾaplant-a seh-bra
Golden BarrelEl asiento de suegraaˈsjɛ̃nto ðe ˈsweɣɾaah-see-en-to deh soo-eh-gra
Bunny Ear CactusEl nopal cegadornoˈpal seɣaˈðoɾno-pal seh-ga-door
Fox Tail AgaveEl ágave atenuadoˈaɣaβe ateˈnwaðoah-ga-veh ah-teh-noo-ah-doh
WinecupLa malváceamalˈβaseamal-va-seh-ah
Desert MarigoldLa maravilla del desiertomaɾaˈβiʝa ðɛl deˈsjɛɾtoma-ra-vee-ya del deh-see-air-toe
Desert SageLa salvia del desiertosalβja ðɛl deˈsjɛɾtosal-vee-ah del deh-see-air-toe
Palo VerdeEl palo verdeˈpalo ˈβɛɾðepa-lo ver-deh
OcotilloEl ocotillookoˈtiʝooh-coh-tee-yo
Mexican Thread GrassLa cola de zorroˈkola ðe ˈsoroco-la deh zo-ro
ParodiaEl cactus parodiaˈkak̚tus paˈɾoðjacac-toos pa-ro-dee-ah
Prickly Pear CactusEl árbol de tunasˈaɾβol de ˈtunasar-bol deh too-nas
Saguaro CactusEl saguarosaˈɣwaɾosa-goo-ah-ro
Organ Pipe CactusEl pitayo dulcepiˈtaʝo ˈðulsepee-tah-yo dool-seh
BrittlebushEl inciensoĩnˈsjɛ̃nsoin-see-en-so
Desert LilyEl lirio del desiertoˈliɾjo ðɛl deˈsjɛɾtolee-ree-oh del deh-see-air-toe
Jumping ChollaLa choyaˈʧoʝacho-ya
Soaptree YuccaLa yucca elataˈʝuk̚ka eˈlatayoo-ca eh-la-ta
TumbleweedLa planta rodanteˈplãnta roˈðãnteplan-tah ro-dan-teh
Poison IvyLa hiedra venenosaˈʝeðɾa βeneˈnosae-eh-dra veh-neh-no-sa
LovegrassLa hierba del amorˈʝɛɾβa ðɛl aˈmoɾe-air-bah del ah-more
OleanderLa adelfaaˈðɛlfaah-del-fa
Desert SpoonEl serequesɛˈɾekeseh-reh-keh
MesquiteLa dasylirionðasiˈliɾjõnda-see-lee-ree-on
DaturaLa daturaðaˈtuɾada-too-ra
New Mexico LocustLa acacia rosaaˈkasja ˈrosaah-ca-see-ah ro-sa
Desert RoseLa rosa del desiertoˈrosa ðɛl deˈsjɛɾtoro-sa del deh-see-air-toe

Herbal flowers in Spanish

Herbs have been used all over the world for their medicinal purposes or simply for some added spice, but did you know that herbs are actually flowers? Although it might be easy to group them with vegetables, most herbs consist of the flowering part of the plant. Here are some of the most common herbs and herbal flowers in Spanish.

Herbs such as rosemary and thyme in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
EchinaceaLa equináceaekiˈnaseaeh-key-nah-see-ah
Rose HipsLa mosqueta rosamosˈkɛta ˈrosamos-keh-ta ro-sa
DandelionEl diente de leónˈdjɛ̃nte ðe leˈõndee-en-teh deh leh-on
MulleinEl gordoloboɣoɾðoˈloβogor-doh-lo-boh
BeebalmLa monardamoˈnaɾðamo-nar-da
YarrowLa milenramamilɛ̃nˈramame-lehn-ra-ma
ElderberryEl saucoˈsau̯kosa-ooh-co
ComfreyLa consueldakõnˈswɛldacon-soo-el-da
BasilLa albahacaalβaˈakaal-bah-cah
DillEl eneldoeˈnɛldoeh-nel-doh
RosemaryEl romeroroˈmɛɾoro-meh-ro
OreganoEl oréganooˈɾeɣanooh-reh-ga-no
SpearmintLa hierbabuenaʝɛɾβaˈβwenae-air-bah-boo-eh-na
SageLa salviaˈsalβjasal-vee-ah
ParsleyEl perejilpɛɾeˈxilpeh-reh-heel
CilantroEl cilantrosiˈlãntɾosee-lan-troh
ChivesEl cebollínseβoˈʝĩnseh-boh-yeen
ThymeEl tomillotoˈmiʝotoh-mee-yo
MintLa mentaˈmɛ̃ntamen-ta
CatnipLa menta gatunaˈmɛ̃nta ɣaˈtunamen-ta gah-too-na
PeppermintLa menta piperitaˈmɛ̃nta pipɛˈɾitamen-ta pee-peh-ree-ta
LemongrassEl zacate limónsaˈkate liˈmõnsah-cah-teh lee-mon
SteviaLa steviaˈsteβjasteh-vee-ah
Bay LeavesLas hojas de laurelˈoxas̬ ðe lau̯ˈɾɛloh-has deh la-ooh-rel
TarragonEl estragónɛstɾaˈɣõnes-tra-gon
FennelEl hinojoiˈnoxoe-no-ho
ChervilEl perejil francéspɛɾeˈxil fɾãnˈsespeh-reh-heel fran-sehs
Winter SavoryLa satureja montanasatuˈɾexa mõnˈtanasa-too-reh-ha mon-ta-na
MarjoramLa mejoranamexoˈɾanameh-ho-ra-na

Edible flowers in Spanish

Edible flowers are exactly what they sound like–yummy flowers! Although many of them look like any other flower, others may look closer to what we commonly refer to as fruits and vegetables. Here are the names of some of the most common edible flowers in Spanish.

Borage is an edible flower in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
ArtichokeLa alcachofaalkaˈʧofaal-ca-cho-fa
LeekEl porroˈporopo-ro
GarlicEl ajoˈaxoah-ho
WatercressEl berro de aguaˈβɛro ðe ˈaɣwabeh-ro deh ah-goo-ah
HoneysuckleLas madreselvasmaðɾeˈsɛlβasma-dre-sel-vas
BorageLa borrajaβoˈraxaboh-ra-ha
Squash blossomsLa flor de calabazaˈfloɾ ðe kalaˈβasaflor deh cah-la-bah-za
CeleryEl apioˈapjoah-pee-oh
ArugulaLa arúgulaaˈɾuɣulaah-roo-goo-la
BergamotLa bergamotaβɛɾɣaˈmotaber-ga-mo-ta
ChicoryLa achicoria comúnaʧiˈkoɾja koˈmũnah-chee-coh-ree-ah coh-moon
CloverLos trébolesˈtɾeβolestreh-bo-les
CornflowerEl azulejoasuˈlexoah-zoo-leh-ho
HollyhockEl alceaalˈseaal-seh-ah
Johnny Jump-UpEl pensamientopɛ̃nsaˈmjɛ̃ntopen-sa-me-en-toh
SorrelLa acedera comúnaseˈðɛɾa koˈmũnah-seh-deh-ra coh-moon
The shallotEl echaloteeʧaˈloteeh-cha-lo-teh
DayliliesEl lirio de díaˈliɾjo ðe ˈðialee-ree-oh deh dee-ah
HostasEl lirio llanténˈliɾjo ʝãnˈtɛ̃nlee-ree-oh yan-ten
NasturtiumLa capuchinakapuˈʧinaca-poo-chee-na

National flowers

Flowers can be extremely important to people and–by extension–to nations. Many countries all over the world have chosen a national flower to represent them, their peoples, and their culture. This is a very common practice in Latin America, where nature is incredibly central to the people’s culture, beliefs, and practices.

Most Spanish-speaking countries have plenty of plant diversity. Half of the ten countries with the most plant diversity are in Latin America, namely Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. Even Spain is extremely diverse, with the Canary Islands being some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

National flower of Mexico

Mexico decided to go above and beyond by having not one–not two–but three national flowers! The dahlia was named the national flower in 1963 due to its historic significance to the Aztecs, who referred to it as “acocoxóchitl.”

Poinsettias were later added for their strong link to Christmas, where important thoroughfares like Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City get covered in striking red Nochebuenas.

Finally, the Aztec marigold was added for its significance in the Día de los Muertos tradition. More on this later on in the article!

Poinsettias are one of three national flowers of Mexico, for their strong link to Christmas.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
DahliaLa daliaˈðaljadah-lee-ah
PoinsettiaLa nochebuenanoʧeˈβwenanoh-che-boo-eh-na
Aztec marigoldEl cempasúchilsɛ̃mpaˈsuʧilsem-pa-soo-cheel

National flower of Colombia

Orchids are considered the national flower of Colombia thanks to how many different orchid species there are. Colombian orchids come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors that it can be hard to keep up! The specific orchid species that is considered the national flower is the Cattleya Trianae, which is named after the famous Colombian botanist José Jerónimo Triana.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
Colombian orchidLa orquídea colombianaoɾˈkiðea kolõmˈbjanaor-key-deh-ah coh-lom-bee-ah-na

National flower of Spain

The carnation is the national flower of Spain thanks to its links to religion. As a deeply Christian country, the carnation helps represent the religious beliefs of a majority of Spaniards. This flower is also representative of Flamenco, an iconic dance that originated in the Spanish region of Andalusia.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
CarnationEl clavelklaˈβɛlcla-vel

National flower of other Spanish-speaking countries

There are many, many Spanish-speaking countries that have a national flower. Although each of them has a fascinating history, we’ll leave it up to you to read more about why each one was chosen! Take it as a fun challenge, especially if you’re moving towards the intermediate Spanish level. To get you started, here is the national flower of each country in Latin America.

CountryEnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
ArgentinaCockspur coral treeEl ceiboˈsei̯βoseh-e-boh
BoliviaQantutaLa cantutakãnˈtutacan-too-ta
BoliviaHanging lobster clawEl patujúpatuˈxupa-too-hoo
ChileChilean bellflowerEl copihuekoˈpiweco-pee-ooh-eh
Costa RicaGuarianthe skinneriLa guaria moradaˈɣwaɾja moˈɾaðagoo-ah-re-ah moh-ra-da
CubaWhite garland-lilyLa mariposamaɾiˈposama-ree-po-sa
EcuadorFlower of the AndesLa chuquiraguaʧukiˈɾaɣwachu-key-ra-goo-ah
El SalvadorCoffea arabicaLa flor de caféˈfloɾ ðe kaˈfeflor deh ca-feh
El SalvadorYucca elephantipesLa flor de izoteˈfloɾ ðe i̯ˈsoteflor deh e-zo-teh
GuatemalaLycaste skinneriLa monja blancaˈmõnxa ˈβlãnkamon-ha blan-cah
HondurasRhyncholaelia digbyanaLa orquídea de la Virgenoɾˈkiðea ðe la ˈβiɾxɛ̃nor-key-deh-ah deh la veer-hen
NicaraguaFrangipaniEl sacuanjochesakwãnˈxoʧesah-coo-an-ho-che
PanamaHoly Ghost orchidLa flor del Espíritu Santoˈfloɾ ðɛl ɛsˈpiɾitu ˈsãntoflor del es-pee-ree-too san-toh
ParaguayBlue passionflowerLa mburucuyámbuɾuˈkum-boo-roo-coo-ya
PeruQantutaLa cantutakãnˈtutacan-too-ta
Puerto RicoMagaLa flor de Magaˈfloɾ ðe ˈmaɣaflor deh ma-ga
Dominican RepublicBayahibe roseLa rosa de Bayahíbeˈrosa ðe βaʝaˈiβero-sa deh bah-ya-e-beh
UruguayCockspur coral treeEl ceiboˈsei̯βosay-bo
VenezuelaEaster orchidLa flor de mayoˈfloɾ ðe ˈmaʝoflor de ma-yo

More handy floral words to add to your Spanish vocabulary bouquet

Whether you’re a certified botanist or a recreational gardener, there are many auxiliary words that you should add to your flower vocabulary! From the different parts of a flower to words related to growing and caring for them, we’ve got you covered!

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
PetalsLos pétaloslos ˈpɛtalospeh-ta-los
PlantLa plantala ˈplãntaplan-ta
StemEl talloɛl ˈtaʝota-yo
RootsLas raíceslas̬ raˈisesrah-e-ses
LeavesLas hojaslas ˈoxasoh-has
PollenEl polenɛl ˈpolɛ̃npoh-len
SeedsLas semillaslas seˈmiʝasseh-me-yas
BouquetEl ramo de floresɛl ˈramo ðe ˈfloɾesra-mo deh flo-res
FloristEl floristaɛl floˈɾistaflo-rees-ta
NectarEl néctarɛl ˈnek̚taɾnec-tar
BeeLa abejala aˈβexaah-beh-ha
FertilizerEl fertilizanteɛl fɛɾtiliˈsãntefer-tee-lee-zan-teh
NurseryEl viveroɛl βiˈβɛɾovee-veh-ro
GreenhouseEl invernaderoɛl ĩmbɛɾnaˈðɛɾoin-ver-nah-deh-ro
Flower vaseEl floreroɛl floˈɾɛɾoflo-reh-ro
Pot / PlanterLa macetala maˈsɛtama-seh-tah
GrassEl pastoɛl ˈpastopas-toe
BranchLa ramala ˈramara-ma
BushEl arbustoɛl aɾˈβustoar-boos-to
TrunkEl troncoɛl ˈtɾõnkotron-co
SproutEl broteɛl ˈβɾotebro-teh
BlossomEl florecimientoɛl floɾesiˈmjɛ̃ntoflo-reh-see-me-en-toh
To blossomFlorecerfloɾeˈsɛɾflo-reh-ser
ThornLa espinala ɛsˈpinaes-pee-na
MossEl musgoɛl ˈmus̬ɣomoos-go
GardenEl jardínɛl xaɾˈðĩnhar-deen
FloraLa florala ˈfloɾaflo-ra
BotanyLa botánicala βoˈtanikabo-ta-nee-ca
HorticultureLa horticulturala oɾtikulˈtuɾaor-tee-cool-too-ra
GerminateGerminarxɛɾmiˈnaɾher-me-nar
PhotosynthesisLa fotosíntesisla fotoˈsĩntesisfo-toe-seen-teh-sees
PlagueLa plagala ˈplaɣapla-ga
HerbLa hierbala ˈʝɛɾβae-air-bah
BudEl botónɛl βoˈtõnbo-ton
Annual plantsLas plantas anualeslas ˈplãntas aˈnwalesplan-tas ah-noo-ah-les
Perennial plantsLas plantas pereneslas ˈplãntas pɛˈɾenesplan-tas peh-ren-es
Biennial plantsLas plantas bienaleslas ˈplãntas̬ βjeˈnalesplan-tas be-eh-na-les
FoliageEl follajeɛl foˈʝaxefoh-ya-heh
To growCrecerkɾeˈsɛɾcreh-ser
VegetationLa vegetaciónla βexɛtaˈsjõnveh-heh-ta-see-on
WeedLa mala hierbala ˈmala ˈʝɛɾβama-la e-air-ba
GlovesLos guantesˈɣwãntesgoo-an-tes
ShovelLa palaˈpalapa-la
HoseLa mangueramãnˈɡɛɾaman-geh-ra
Watering potLa regaderareɣaˈðɛɾareh-ga-deh-ra

Cultural significance of flowers in Spanish speaking cultures

Christmas

Poinsettias have become symbols of the Christmas holiday season all over the US, but did you know that this tradition actually has Hispanic roots?

The Christmas holiday period is one of the most important times of the year–if not the most important one–for most Spanish speakers. As most Hispanic countries have deep Christian roots, Christmas celebrations often begin as much as a full month in advance.

If you’ve ever celebrated Christmas with a Spanish speaker, you probably already know that most Latin Americans celebrate it on the 24th of December. Christmas Eve–known as Noche Buena in Spanish–is the main Christmas celebration for most Spanish speakers. And remember what poinsettias are called in Spanish? That’s right, Nochebuena!

Día de las Madres

You can’t have a Mother’s Day celebration without a bouquet of flowers. If you were from a Spanish-speaking country and failed to get your mom some flowers on her special day, you’d be in great trouble!

You can't have a Mothers Day celebration without a bouquet of flowers in Spanish.

Gifting flowers is a traditional component of Mother’s Day, as flowers have come to represent life, fertility, and beauty–all qualities typically associated with motherhood. Here are some of the most common flowers that people gift on Mother’s Day:

  • Roses
  • Iris
  • Orchids
  • Carnations
  • Tulips

Can you recall how to say each of the flowers above in Spanish? We’ve covered them all in this article!

Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is one of the most important holidays in Mexican culture. Celebrated every year on the 2nd of November, this holiday is a flippant celebration of those who have left us behind.

Each year, people all over Mexico set up special altars for their lost loved ones, full of candy, mementos, and–you guessed it–flowers. In particular, the Aztec marigold is the most emblematic flower of Día de los Muertos. As you may recall, the Aztec marigold is known as cempasúchil in Spanish.

Legend has it that two Aztec lovers named Xochitl (which means flower in Nahuatl) and Huitzilin (which means hummingbird in Nahuatl) climbed to the top of the mountain dedicated to Tonatiuh, the Aztec god of the sun. Then, a war broke out and Huitzilin died in combat.

A heartbroken Xochitl asked the god of the sun to reunite her with her lover, to which he agreed. Tonatiuh turned Xochitl into a cempasúchil and a hummingbird immediately rushed to stand on the cempasúchil. This story came to associate both hummingbirds and cempasúchil flowers with the dead, albeit in a nostalgic and longing way as opposed to a superstitious or negative way.

Watch your Spanish grow tall like a sunflower with this vocab

Whether you’re a horticulturist, passionate about nature, or simply want a more well-rounded Spanish vocabulary, we hope you found this article useful! Even if you were simply looking to learn how to say roses in Spanish to charm a special someone, you likely won’t regret learning more than just a handful of names of flowers in Spanish.

And if you want to keep watering your Spanish to grow into true mastery, make sure to bookmark our Spanish blog! We publish exciting new content every month to help push your vocabulary boundaries a little bit further out, blog by blog!

So, now that you’ve learned over 300 new handy flowery words in Spanish, keep exploring this wonderful language! How about learning 245 different animals, or maybe even 101 cool words in Spanish? Up to you!

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