Whether it is a happy celebration or a moment of mourning, the one gift which suits every occasion is a bunch of beautiful flowers! Flowers are the best creations of nature and have the power to cheer us up. Along with adding a visual appeal to the surroundings, these beauties also offer many cosmetic and medicinal benefits. In this article, we shall discuss the different types of flowers with pictures and specialities to broaden our knowledge on this subject.
As it is impossible to get into the botanical classification of types of flowers, we have tried to put together the common variety of flowers known to us. You can find interesting details about each of them, like color, season, size, uses and even symbolic meanings (if any).
Are you ready to treat your senses with the wonders of flower power? Then, Scroll down!
15 Common Types of Flowers Found in India:
Here is everything you need to know about the various types of flowers grown in the world. Find out details about size, colors, blooming season, uses and much more!
1. Roses:
Roses are undoubtedly one of the most romantic types of flowers in the world. There are more than 100 varieties of roses in the world and being perennial, you can enjoy their beauty throughout the year. These flower species belong to the Rosaceae family and grow as small shrubs to climbers. They typically have five delicate petals and are guarded by sharp thorns on the stems as a defence mechanism. Fully bloomed Roses have a delightful fragrance and not all species have the same smell.
- Colors: Red, Pink, White, Dark Pink, Yellow, Orange
- Season: Perennial Plants with mid-spring, Monsoon to fall as the peak season
- Size: Ranges from button size to Large flowers
- Uses: Bouquets, Bridal Decorations, Edible Essences and Perfumes
- Place of Growth: Open Gardens and Pots with Plenty of Sunshine
- Symbolism: Love, Beauty, Friendship, Happiness etc.,
2. Carnations:
Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. They have their origins in the Mediterranean region and belong to the Caryophyllales family. There are three different types of flowers in this species – Large-Flowered Carnations with one big flower per stem, Spray Carnations having smaller flowers and Dwarf Flowered Carnations, which have many tiny flowers in one stem. They have a sweet scent and come in many bright colors, while the original shade is pinkish-purple.
- Colors: Pink, Dark Red, White, Striped, Green, Purple and Yellow
- Season: Early Spring to Late Summer
- Size: Different sizes ranging from small to very big, single flowers
- Uses: Bouquets, Decorations
- Place of Growth: Pots or gardens with well-drained soil
- Symbolism: Admiration, Mother’s Love, Good Luck etc.,
3. Gerberas:
Gerberas are the fifth most cut flowers in the world and can brighten any space with their vivid colors and beautiful petals. They belong to the family of daisies and are often called Gerbera Daisies. There are four flower species in Gerberas- Single Flowers, Duplex Flowers, Crested Doubles and Full crested Doubles. The categories are made based on the number of petals and their arrangement. Gerberas have a long vase life compared to the other flowers and can be easily grown in general home gardens.
- Colors: Bright Red, Yellow, Orange, Dark Pink and even Pastel Colors like Violets
- Season: Early Spring to Autumn
- Size: Grows from 3 to 5 inches, depending on the variety
- Uses: Bouquets, Decorations
- Place of Growth: Well-drained, Fertile Soil
- Symbolism: Good Luck, Innocence, Purity
4. Lilies:
Lillies are perennial plants and grow from bulbs. Technically, only those flowers which have one stem growing out of the bulb are called True lilies and the remaining ones are called the Day Lillies and other varieties. Lillies have a strong, but lingering scent which makes them ideal for gifting and decoration purposes. The number of petals can vary from 3 to 6 and the popular types of flowers in this species include – Asiatic Lillies, Oriental Lillies and the Tiger Lillies.
- Colors: White, Pink, Red, Orange, Lilac and Yellow
- Season: Early summer to fall
- Size: The Blossoms grow from 3 to 5 inches
- Uses: Bouquets, Decorations, Aromatherapy and Medicinal Blends
- Place of Growth: Pots or gardens with Porous, Fertile Soil
- Symbolism: Humility, Devotion and Mourning
Read: Different Types of Lilies and Their Pictures
5. Orchids:
Orchids are elegant flowers that have become synonymous to luxury and opulence. They are one of the oldest types of flowers in the world and have around 25,000 varieties growing in different countries. A typical Orchid plant takes around 5 to 7 years to grow and bloom, making them very expensive at the florist shops. The seedpod of this flower contains about 3 million microscopic seeds, which require fungus to germinate. When matured, the plants grow upside down due to the weight of the flowers.
- Colors: Blue, Purple, Red, Pink, White, Yellow, Orange and Green
- Season: Spring and Summer
- Size: 3 to 5 inches wide
- Uses: Bouquets, Decorations, Medicinal Purposes and Perfumes
- Place of Growth: Pots with Special Potting material for providing the air space
- Symbolism: Stature, Strength, Love, Delicate, Graceful
6. Alstroemeria:
Alstroemeria is a rare, fragrance-free flower, which grows in the cool, mountainous ranges and called by names like Peruvian Lilly, Lily of Incas or Parrot Lilly. These stunning beauties get their name from the Swedish Botanist called Von Alstroemer. This South American genus comprises of 50 species of different colors and markings on the flowers, including the jungle or wild varieties. These exotic types of flowers at the florist shops have a long vase life and make ideal gifts for weddings, anniversaries or use as centrepieces. The blooming comes to a halt when the temperatures go high in summers.
- Colors: Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow, Salmon, White
- Season: Late Spring or Early Summer
- Size: Grows 1 to 2 inches wide
- Uses: Decorations and Flower Bunches
- Place of Growth: Forests in South America and Special Greenhouses
- Symbolism: Devotion and Friendship
7. Chrysanthemum:
Chrysanthemum is a tropical flower that grows in different sizes and colors, depending on the variety. It is a composite flower in which clusters of flowers are joined to the flower head and surrounded by the disc florets and ray florets. There are different categories of flowers in this Genus based on the arrangement of the ray and disc florets like Incurved, Reflexed, Singles, Pompons etc. They make for excellent garden plants and can be easily grown with little care.
- Colors: Yellow, White, Pink, Bronze, Gold, Violet, Purple
- Season: Late Summer or Early Winter
- Size: From a miniature size to large blossoms
- Uses: Decorations, Herbal and Medicinal Purposes
- Place of Growth: Outdoor pots or gardens with well-drained soil
- Symbolism: Longevity, Joy and Optimism
8. Tulips:
The Tulip is a symbol of Holland, which is the largest commercial producer of these beautiful flowers. Many countries like North America organize the annual Tulip festival, which invites scores of visitors from around the world to witness the floral treat. These Spring flowers come in a myriad of colors and shapes and some with a sweet fragrance. Currently, around 3000 different types of Tulips are cultivated world-wide and have a blooming period of just 3-7 days in the Spring season. They are mostly unseen in tropical countries due to hot climates.
- Colors: Maroon, Purple, Black, Pink, Red, Yellow
- Season: Spring
- Size: 2 to 5 inches depending on the variety
- Uses: Decorations, Edible Bulbs, Essential Oils and Perfumes, As gifts for Valentine’s Day
- Place of Growth: Outdoor gardens with warm climate but no direct heat
- Symbolism: Love, Royalty, Imagination
9. Lotus:
Lotus holds a lot of importance in our culture, as it is the National Flower of India and a sacred symbol in the Hindu religion. It is also associated with Buddhism and is known by names like The Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus and the Scared Water Lily. Lotus is an aquatic plant and is native to Southeast Asia and Australian regions. The fragrant petals bloom in the morning and fall in the afternoon, when the heat is at its peak.
- Colors: Pink, White, Purple, Blue and Shaded Red
- Season: Spring
- Size: 8 to 5 inches tall depending on the variety
- Uses: Holy Rituals, Aromatherapy, Cosmetics and Edible Needs
- Place of Growth: Shallow, muddy waters
- Symbolism: Purity, Enlightenment, Rebirth
See More: Different Plant Pots
10. Iris:
Irises are one of the most attractive types of flowers in the world. They are known for their delicate and sophisticated look, making them ideal luxury gifting options. These flowers get their name from the Greek Goddess Iris, who is the messenger of Love and uses the rainbow as a vehicle. No wonder why these beauties come in every possible color of the spectrum, excluding red. There are many varieties of this species like Bearded Iris, Flag Iris, Japanese Iris etc.
- Colors: Blue, Purple, White, Yellow, Pink, Orange
- Season: Summer and Fall
- Size: Depends on size of plant which can range from 6 to 12 feet or under 6 feet
- Uses: Aromatherapy, Gifs, Perfumes
- Place of Growth: Shallow, muddy waters
- Symbolism: Purity, Enlightenment, Rebirth
11. Narcissus:
Narcissus belongs to the Daisy family and get’s its name from the word “Narcissus” which means numbness that is caused by the toxins present in its bulb. The plant is widely grown in the Mediterranean region, China and other Asian countries. Among the many varieties of flowers belonging to this Genus, Daffodils, Paper Whites and Jonquils are quite popular. These plants are easy to cultivate, with little maintenance. They trumpet-shaped flowers multiply in numbers and grow as crowds.
- Colors: White, Yellow
- Season: Late Winter or Early Spring
- Size: Small-sized flowers of about 2 to 3 inches
- Uses: Ornamental Purposes, Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses
- Place of Growth: Fertile, Well-Drained Soil
- Symbolism: Rebirth, Renewal, Good Luck, Happiness
12. Cyclamen:
Cyclamens are sweet-scented, exotic type of flowers which typically grow as house plants. They are winter blooms, which go dormant in hot seasons in summers or even when the heat is high. During this stage, the plant looks like it is dying, but infact, it goes off into a sleep-like state. Cyclamens are native to the European regions and get their name from the round or circular tubers. Once the flowers bloom, you must stop watering the plant and allow the leaves to die and let it grow again.
- Colors: Pink, White and Red
- Season: Fall and Winter
- Size: About 8 inches tall when matured
- Uses: Decorative and Medicinal Uses
- Place of Growth: Indoors, Shady Places
- Symbolism: Love, Tenderness, Sincerity
13. Guzmania:
Guzmania is one of the largest flowers and often referred by the name Scarlet star because of its deep red, star-shaped petals. It belongs to the Bromeliads group and grow in bright, natural sunlight. However, they cannot take direct or extreme heat and must be grown in controlled environments. They have a cup or a vase like structure inside, which collects water and must be flushed out every 1-2 months to avoid bacterial growth.
- Colors: Orange, Yellow, Pink, Plum, White and other combinations
- Season: Spring and Summer
- Size: The stalks grow to 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 36 wide
- Uses: Decorative Floral arrangement
- Place of Growth: Well-drained soil with controlled sunlight
- Symbolism: Fortune, Love, Passion
Read: Blue Colour Flower Plant
14. Jasmine:
Talking of fragrant flower types, you simply cannot miss talking about Jasmine. It is one of the most popular flowers in the world and is the National flower of Indonesia and the Phillippines. The flowers bloom in the summer season and fill in the air with strong, but appealing scent released during the nights. The flowers are small in size and white colored and the plants grow as shrubs and vines. In tropical countries like India, Jasmines are a common sight in the backyards and gardens.
- Colors: White, Pink, Blue and other colors
- Season: Spring and Summer
- Size: About an inch
- Uses: Hair decoration, Garlands, Essential Oils, Perfumes
- Place of Growth: Well-drained, moist garden soil
- Symbolism: Love, Beauty, Womanliness, Sensuality
15. Anthurium:
If you thought these red objects were leaves, you are so mistaken! They are Anthurium flowers which are widely used for ornamental purposes. The other names for these flowers are – Laceleaf, Painted Tongue, Flamingo Flower and Tail flower. These exotic blooms may look attractive, but are actually quite poisonous when consumed internally. Anthuriums have a particular season and are available through out the year.
- Colors: White, Yellow, Green, Pink, Orange
- Season: Spring and Summer
- Size: 15-20 inches
- Uses: Hair decoration, Garlands, Essential Oils, Perfumes
- Place of Growth: To Purify Air, Decoratives
- Symbolism: Prosperity, Hospitality, Abundance
See More: Flower Pot Designs for Home
Those are some of the most Popular types of flowers in the world. These colorful blooms play an important role in uplifting our moods and filling our lives with optimism. You can easily grow most of these varieties at home by understanding the process of planting conditions for each. Do let us know which is your most favorite flower among these!
