Spanish Flower Names for Gardens, Vocabulary and Inspiration

Learning Spanish flower names is both beautiful and practical. I have been studying Spanish for years, and flowers are one of my favorite topics to explore. Whether you are a gardener, a language learner, or someone looking for a unique baby name, knowing flower names in Spanish opens up a world of color and culture. This collection features over 250 flower names in Spanish, from common garden blooms to tropical species and culturally significant flowers from Spain and Latin America .

Table of Contents

What Are Spanish Flower Names?

Spanish flower names are the words used to describe flowers in the Spanish language. The Spanish word for flower is “la flor” (singular) and “las flores” (plural). Most flower names in Spanish are feminine (la rosa, la violeta), but important masculine exceptions exist like “el girasol” (sunflower) and “el clavel” (carnation) . Understanding these names helps you speak about nature, give gifts, and appreciate Spanish-speaking cultures.

Common Spanish Flower Names

These are the most popular and widely recognized flower names in Spanish.

Rosa (rose)
Margarita (daisy)
Girasol (sunflower)
Tulipán (tulip)
Lirio (lily)
Orquídea (orchid)
Narciso (daffodil)
Clavel (carnation)
Lavanda (lavender)
Hibisco (hibiscus)
Jazmín (jasmine)
Violeta (violet)
Crisantemo (chrysanthemum)
Amapola (poppy)
Peonía (peony)
Azucena (white lily)
Dalia (dahlia)
Camelia (camellia)
Hortensia (hydrangea)
Gardenia (gardenia)
Geranio (geranium)
Jacinto (hyacinth)
Begonia (begonia)
Petunia (petunia)
Magnolia (magnolia)

Garden Flowers in Spanish

These flowers are commonly found in gardens around Spanish-speaking countries.

La rosa – rose
La margarita – daisy
El tulipán – tulip
La azucena – lily
La dalia – dahlia
El clavel – carnation
La petunia – petunia
La begonia – begonia
La gardenia – gardenia
La camelia – camellia
La hortensia – hydrangea
La peonía – peony
El iris – iris
La magnolia – magnolia
El geranio – geranium
La caléndula – marigold
La zinnia – zinnia
El cosmos – cosmos
La salvia – salvia
La verbena – verbena
La alegría – busy lizzie
El tagete – tagetes
La celosía – cockscomb
La portulaca – portulaca
La gazania – gazania
La rudbeckia – black eyed susan
La lantana – lantana
La boca de dragón – snapdragon
La espuela de caballero – delphinium
La bella de noche – four o’clock

Spring Flowers in Spanish 🌸

These flowers bloom in spring and are associated with renewal.

El narciso – daffodil
El jacinto – hyacinth
El crocus – crocus
La prima vera – primrose
La violeta – violet
El pensamiento – pansy
La campanilla – bluebell
La anémona – anemone
El ranúnculo – buttercup
La fritilaria – fritillary
El muscari – grape hyacinth
La galantina – snowdrop
La flor de cerezo – cherry blossom
La lila – lilac
La azalea – azalea
La flor de ciruelo – plum blossom
La campanilla de febrero – snowdrop
La violeta del bosque – wood violet
La anémona del bosque – wood anemone
El lirio del valle – lily of the valley

Wildflowers in Spanish 🌿

These flowers grow naturally in fields, meadows, and woodlands.

La amapola – poppy
La manzanilla – chamomile
El diente de león – dandelion
La margarita silvestre – wild daisy
El trébol – clover
La achicoria – chicory
La centaurea – cornflower
La escabiosa – scabious
El botón de oro – buttercup
La verónica – speedwell
La malva – mallow
La milenrama – yarrow
El cardo – thistle
La dedalera – foxglove
La consuelda – comfrey
La campanula – harebell
La digital – digitalis
El helecho florido – flowering fern
La hepática – hepatica
La pulmonaria – lungwort
La sanguinaria – bloodroot
El trilio – trillium
La flor de mayo – may flower (Venezuelan national flower)

Tropical Spanish Flower Names 🌺

These flowers thrive in warm, tropical climates.

La buganvilla – bougainvillea
El hibisco – hibiscus
La flor de pascua – poinsettia
La ave del paraíso – bird of paradise
El anturio – anthurium/painter’s palette
La heliconia – heliconia
La ixora – ixora
La plumeria – plumeria
La alamanda – allamanda
La pentas – pentas
La catharanthus – madagascar periwinkle
La mandevilla – mandevilla
La dipladenia – dipladenia
La crossandra – crossandra
La ruellia – ruellia
La orquídea – orchid
La protea – protea
El jengibre ornamental – ornamental ginger
La estrelitzia – strelitzia
La bromelia – bromeliad
La calathea – calathea flower
La alpinia – alpinia
La costus – costus
La etlingera – torch ginger
La curcuma – turmeric flower
La flor de jamaica – hibiscus flower (used for tea)
La flor de loto – lotus flower
La flor de pasión – passion flower

Fragrant and Scented Spanish Flower Names 🌹

These flowers are known for their beautiful and distinctive scents.

El jazmín – jasmine
La lavanda – lavender
La madreselva – honeysuckle
La gardenia – gardenia
El azahar – orange blossom
La dama de noche – night blooming jasmine
El galán de noche – night blooming cereus
La tuberosa – tuberose
El clavel – carnation
La rosa – rose
El lirio – lily
El jacinto – hyacinth
La peonía – peony
La fresia – freesia
La violeta – violet
La magnolia – magnolia
El azahar – orange blossom
La flor de azahar – orange blossom flower
La manzanilla – chamomile
El romero – rosemary flower

Decorative and Ornamental Spanish Flower Names

These flowers are popular in floral arrangements and bouquets.

La lisianthus – lisianthus
La gerbera – gerbera daisy
La alstroemeria – alstroemeria
La fresia – freesia
La statice – statice
La gypsophila – baby’s breath
La solidago – goldenrod
La astilbe – astilbe
La espuela de caballero – delphinium
La calla – calla lily
La peonía – peony
El ranúnculo – ranunculus
La anémona – anemone
La eustoma – eustoma
La matthiola – stock
La campanula – campanula
La nigella – love in a mist
La estrella de Navidad – poinsettia (Christmas star)
El nardo – tuberose
La vara de San José – gladiolus

Cactus and Succulent Flower Names 🌵

These flowers grow on cacti and succulents in arid regions.

La flor de cactus – cactus flower
La chumbera – prickly pear flower
El nopal florido – flowering nopal
La flor de pitaya – dragon fruit flower
La epiphyllum – epiphyllum
La schlumbergera – Christmas cactus flower
La mammillaria – mammillaria flower
La echinopsis – echinopsis flower
La rebutia – rebutia flower
La gymnocalycium – gymnocalycium flower
La astrophytum – astrophytum flower
La ferocactus – ferocactus flower
La flor de ocotillo – ocotillo flower
El sahuaro – saguaro cactus
El agave – agave
La yuca – yucca
El nopal – nopal (cactus pad)
La pitahaya – dragon fruit

Desert Flower Names 🏜️

These flowers thrive in dry, desert environments.

La adelfa – oleander
La lantana – lantana
La buganvilla – bougainvillea
El espino – hawthorn
La retama – broom flower
La jara – rockrose
El romero – rosemary flower
La santolina – santolina
La flor del desierto – desert flower
La amapola del desierto – desert poppy
El palo verde – green stick (tree)
La gobernadora – governor plant
El lirio del desierto – desert lily
La verbena – verbena
La acacia – acacia

Spanish National Flowers and Culturally Important Blooms

These flowers hold special significance in Spanish-speaking countries.

El clavel – carnation (national flower of Spain)
La dalia – dahlia (national flower of Mexico)
La orquídea – orchid (national flower of Colombia)
La flor de mayo – may flower (national flower of Venezuela)
La flor de izote – yucca flower (national flower of El Salvador)
La monja blanca – white nun orchid (national flower of Guatemala)
La rosa de Bayahíbe – Bayahibe rose (national flower of Dominican Republic)
La flor de maga – maga flower (national flower of Puerto Rico)
La cantuta – cantuta (national flower of Peru)
La victoria regia – Victoria amazonica water lily (national flower of Guyana)
La ceiba – ceiba flower (sacred in Maya culture)
El cempasúchil – Aztec marigold (Mexico’s Day of the Dead)
La flor de nochebuena – poinsettia (Christmas flower)
La rosa de Castilla – Castilian rose (Spanish heritage)
La violeta – violet (symbol of modesty)

Indigenous and Native Spanish Flower Names

These flowers have names derived from indigenous languages of Latin America.

Cempasúchil – Aztec marigold (Mexico)
Dalia – dahlia (Mexico, Guatemala)
Cuetlaxóchitl – poinsettia (Mexico)
Mburucuyá – passion fruit flower (Brazil)
Copihue – Chilean bellflower (Chile)
Patujú – heliconia/hanging lobster claw (Bolivia, Peru)
Chuquiragua – flower of the Andes (Ecuador, Peru)
Sacuanjoche – plumeria/frangipani (Nicaragua)
Rayen – flower (Mapudungun language of Chile)

Edible and Herbal Spanish Flower Names

These flowers are used in cooking, teas, and traditional medicine.

La manzanilla – chamomile (herbal tea)
La caléndula – calendula (medicinal)
La lavanda – lavender (herbal/medicinal)
La violeta – violet (edible)
El pensamiento – pansy (edible)
La capuchina – nasturtium (edible)
La rosa – rose (edible)
El azahar – orange blossom (herbal)
La malva – mallow (medicinal)
La milenrama – yarrow (medicinal)
La consuelda – comfrey (medicinal)
La equinácea – echinacea (medicinal)
La hierba de San Juan – st. john’s wort (medicinal)
La valeriana – valerian (medicinal)
La pasiflora – passionflower (medicinal)
La tila – linden flower (herbal tea)
El hibisco – hibiscus (herbal tea)
La flor de jamaica – hibiscus flower (herbal tea)
El saúco – elderflower (edible/herbal)
La borraja – borage (edible)
La begonia – begonia (edible)
El crisantemo – chrysanthemum (herbal tea)
La flor de calabaza – squash blossom (edible)
La alcaparra – caper flower (edible)

Spanish Flower Names with Symbolic Meanings

Many flowers in Spanish culture carry specific symbolic meanings .

La rosa roja – red rose (passionate love)
La rosa blanca – white rose (pure love, “I am worthy of you”)
La rosa amarilla – yellow rose (jealousy)
La rosa roja y blanca – red and white rose (mixed feelings)
El clavel rojo – red carnation (woman love, passion)
El clavel blanco – white carnation (purity, religious ceremonies)
El clavel amarillo – yellow carnation (love scorned)
El girasol – sunflower (adoration, loyalty)
La amapola – poppy (fantasy, illusion, beauty)
La azucena – white lily (innocent heart, purity)
La campanilla – bellflower (hope)
La dalia – dahlia (instability)
La gladiola – gladiolus (assignation)
La hortensia – hydrangea (whim, caprice)
El iris azul – blue iris (good news)
El iris blanco – white iris (hope)
El jazmín blanco – white jasmine (kindness)
El lirio – lily (greetings)
La magnolia – magnolia (love for nature, sympathy)
La margarita – daisy (“do you love me?”)
El narciso – narcissus (selfishness)
El nenúfar – water lily (purity of heart)
La ortiga – nettle (“you are cruel”)
El tomillo – thyme (constancy)
El tulipán amarillo – yellow tulip (hopeless love)
El tulipán rojo – red tulip (declaration of love)
La violeta azul – blue violet (confidence)

How To Use Spanish Flower Names

Learning Spanish flower names is useful in many situations. When giving gifts, knowing the flower name and its meaning helps you choose the right bloom. Red roses (rosas rojas) express love. White lilies (azucenas) represent purity. Sunflowers (girasoles) show adoration . In gardening, Spanish flower names help you read plant labels and care instructions at nurseries. For language learners, flower vocabulary builds conversational skills about nature, gifts, and celebrations.

Why Spanish Flower Names Matter

Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people worldwide. Flowers are central to many cultural traditions. In Spain, red carnations (claveles rojos) appear in flamenco dancers’ hair . In Mexico, marigolds (cempasúchil) guide spirits during Day of the Dead celebrations . Also In Colombia, orchids (orquídeas) are national treasures. Knowing Spanish flower names connects you to these rich cultural practices. It also helps you travel, garden, and communicate across Spanish-speaking regions.

What Makes Spanish Flower Names Unique

Spanish flower names differ from English in interesting ways. Many names are feminine (la rosa, la violeta) because “la flor” is feminine. But exceptions like el girasol (sunflower) and el clavel (carnation) use masculine articles . Some flower names are similar to English. Rosa is rose. Tulipán is tulip. Others are completely different. Girasol literally means “turn towards the sun” . Margarita is daisy. Learning these patterns helps you remember vocabulary faster.

Tips To Learn Spanish Flower Names

Group flowers by category. Garden flowers together. Wildflowers together. Tropical flowers together. This helps your brain organize the information. Practice with flashcards. Write the English on one side and Spanish on the other. Say the names out loud. Spanish pronunciation is consistent once you learn the sounds. Visit a botanical garden or nursery. Point to flowers and say their Spanish names. Watch Spanish language nature documentaries. Listen for flower names in context. Most importantly, use the words. Describe flowers in Spanish to friends or in a journal.

FAQ

What is the Spanish word for flower?

The Spanish word for flower is “flor” (feminine, plural “flores”). The word comes from Latin and is similar to the English word “floral” and “flourish” .

What is the Spanish name for sunflower?

The Spanish name for sunflower is “girasol.” The word literally means “turn towards the sun,” which perfectly describes how sunflowers follow the sun across the sky .

What is the national flower of Spain?

The national flower of Spain is the red carnation, called “clavel rojo” in Spanish. It symbolizes passion, love, and the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture .

What is the Spanish name for marigold used in Day of the Dead?

The marigold used in Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations is called “cempasúchil” (also spelled cempasúchitl). This name comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, not Spanish .

Is “rosa” masculine or feminine in Spanish?

“Rosa” is feminine. You say “la rosa” (the rose) and “una rosa” (a rose). Most flower names in Spanish are feminine, but important exceptions include “el girasol” (sunflower) and “el clavel” (carnation) .

What is the Spanish name for lily?

Spanish has two words for lily. “Azucena” refers specifically to the white lily, symbolizing purity. “Lirio” is a more general term for lily or iris .

Conclusion

Spanish flower names open doors to gardens, conversations, and cultures across the Spanish-speaking world. From the wild amapolas (poppies) of Spanish meadows to the sacred cempasúchil (marigolds) of Mexican altars, each name carries beauty, history, and meaning. So here is my question for you. What is your favorite Spanish flower name? Do you love the simple elegance of “rosa”? The joyful brightness of “girasol”? The fragrant mystery of “jazmín”? Drop your answer in the comments below. Let us build a garden of Spanish flower names together. I will go first. My favorite is “azucena” because white lilies are pure magic. What is yours?

Ethan Carter

Ethan Carter is a nature enthusiast and content writer with a passion for flowers and botanical knowledge. He is the author behind FlowerNamez, where he shares simple and informative content about flower names, types, and meanings.

With a focus on clarity and accuracy, Ethan aims to help readers explore the beauty of flowers and understand their significance in everyday life.