Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Greece

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Greece

Greece, with its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native flowers. Among the resplendent blossoms that flourish here are Oleander, Paperflower, and Chinese hibiscus. These flowers not only display captivating beauty but also hold deep symbolism and ecological importance in the region. Trustworthy sources confirm their significance, making them essential elements of Greece's natural landscape.

Most Common Flower Plants

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Paperflower

The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.

Common lantana

3. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

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Chinese hibiscus

4. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Cape leadwort

5. Cape leadwort

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Japanese pittosporum

6. Japanese pittosporum

The name of the japanese pittosporum can be deceiving. It is not a true orange plant, it instead gets its name from the fact that the highly fragrant flowers have a distinct citrus scent. The flowers don’t last for a long time, only about two weeks, but the dark evergreen foliage is attractive all year long and the plant makes a great addition to a border or as a stand-alone plant.

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Bear's breech

8. Bear's breech

Bear's breech (Acanthus mollis) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe from Portugal to North Africa. Bear's breech grows commonly in the wild and is often used as a garden plant. The acanthus leaves of this plant are seen throughout history in sculptures, columns, and furniture.

Summer, Early fall

Judas tree

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small deciduous tree indigenous to Southern Europe and Western Asia. The judas tree is pollinated by bees. This species is protected in Israel. It grows best in deep, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.

Spring, Early summer

Laurustinus

10. Laurustinus

Laurustinus (*Viburnum tinus*) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers.

Four o'clock flower

11. Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.

China rose

The china rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy to see why the china rose was chosen as the basis for many rose hybrids.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Tree medick

13. Tree medick

Tree medick (Medicago arborea) is a low-altitude, sun-loving shrub from southern Europe. As a legume, it improves the soil with nitrogen. Insects feed on the leaves while honey bees gather the nectar. Tree medick's similarity to alfalfa makes it good animal fodder, and it has been used for this purpose since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Shrubby jerusalem sage

14. Shrubby jerusalem sage

Shrubby jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is a fast-growing semi-woody evergreen that grows from 91 to 122 cm tall. Beautiful clusters of bright yellow blossoms appear late spring to early summer attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sun to partial shade.

Summer, Early fall, Early winter

Natal plum

Nearly all parts of the natal plum are poisonous except for the fruit, which is red when ripe and quite delicious. It is a hardy plant, in the same family as the Oleander, and its thorns make it a good choice for barrier hedges. The white flowers are fragrant and keep blooming across two seasons.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Pinkladies

Pinkladies natives to the grasslands in the Central United States but spread outside its native states quickly. Today, it has been naturalized in a total of 28 states in the US and spreading as far south as Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico. Pinkladies is commonly used as an ornamental ground cover plant but escaped out from the gardens quickly.

Late spring, Summer

Mexican petunia

17. Mexican petunia

Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) is an evergreen herbaceous perennial recognized by its wrinkly, trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Due to its vigorous spreading ability, Ruellia simplex has become widely naturalized outside Mexico. It is considered an invasive species in many countries.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Chaste tree

18. Chaste tree

The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a flowering shrub that thrives in subtropical regions. While it prefers full sun, it can grow with partial shade and tolerate temperatures as low as -23 ℃. The chaste tree has been cultivated in Europe dating back to Ancient Greece. Modern use focuses on creating essential oils from the leaves and fruits.

Summer, Early fall

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Common mallow

20. Common mallow

The common mallow is an ornamental plant with a large variety of cultivars. It has historically also been used to create a yellow dye. Common mallow seeds are shaped roughly like cheese wheels, leading the seeds (and sometimes the plant itself) being called "cheeses."

Late spring, Summer, Fall

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More Plants in Greece

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Greece's warm Mediterranean climate, diverse habitats, and rich biodiversity are conducive to sustaining various flora, including toxic plants. While the exact prevalence is subject to ongoing research, environmental conditions in Greece do support the existence of species such as , , and , all of which have potentially toxic properties. These plants raise ecological concerns due to their ability to proliferate in the Greek landscape.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the Greek landscape sheds its winter chill, Spring breathes life into an array of blossoms. Celebrated for marking rebirth, , , and punctuate the terrain with vibrant hues. These blooms not only embody the season's essence but are integral to local culture and natural biodiversity, signaling a fresh commencement in this Mediterranean Eden.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Embracing the warmth and vivid colors, Spring in Greece heralds the rebirth of nature, providing an ideal incubator for fruits to flourish. The period sees the ripening of , known for its succulent burst of flavor. Along with , offering a crisp, refreshing bite, and the celebrated , each a beacon of the season's zestful energy. These fruits are not only a testament to the region's rich agricultural tapestry but also a highlight of local cuisine and festivities.

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Most Common Fruits

Greece's Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, alongside its fertile and diverse soil types, fosters the growth of various local fruit plants. Among these, , , and have not only adapted to the Greek landscape but have also become integral to local traditions and cuisine. Their cultivation is a testament to the symbiosis between the land's natural resources and its agricultural practices, determining their significant role within the cultural fabric of Greek society.

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Most Common Trees

Greece's climatic conditions, with long sunny summers and mild winters, coupled with fertile soil, provide an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic trees in Greece are the , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. Their presence not only contributes to the beauty of the Greek landscape but also supports local ecosystems and plays a role in traditional practices and folklore.

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Most Common Weeds

Greece's warm, Mediterranean climate provides an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds to flourish. With extended sunny periods and mild winters, weeds like , , and commonly infest gardens, challenging green-thumbed enthusiasts with their persistent growth. These pervasive weeds demand consistent management efforts to prevent them from overtaking desired flora in Greece’s picturesque landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Graced with a Mediterranean climate and diverse terrains from sun-drenched shores to mountainous highlands, Greece accommodates an array of tall trees stretching towards the heavens. Towering amidst this landscape, , , and stand as botanical giants. Their imposing presence not only shapes the skyline but also harbors significant ecological roles and reflects the historical tapestry of the region, affirming their stature as silent sentinels from bygone eras to modern-day Greece.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Greece may bring a serene cold, but it is also a haven for certain flowers that brave the chill. Among them are , , and . These resilient blooms showcase the beauty and symbolic depth of nature's ability to thrive even in harsh conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Greece, you can find Oleander, Olive, Paperflower, Common lantana, Chinese hibiscus, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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