Flowers Named for Royalty: A Dozen Examples
Posted on 23/05/2025
Throughout history, royalty and nobility have predominantly influenced various facets of culture, including agriculture, fashion, art, and more. One often overlooked aspect of this influence is the naming of flowers. Let's explore a dozen captivating flowers named after royalty or associated with regal figures.
1. Queen Elizabeth Rose
The Queen Elizabeth Rose is a remarkable floribunda rose introduced in 1954, the same year as Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. This rose features large, pink blossoms with a subtle fragrance, epitomizing elegance and grace. The Queen Elizabeth Rose has been honored with numerous accolades, including the prestigious All-America Rose Selections award.
2. Empress Jos?phine Rose
Named for Empress Jos?phine, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, this rose symbolizes her profound love for horticulture. Empress Jos?phine amassed one of the world's largest rose collections at her estate, Ch?teau de Malmaison. The Empress Jos?phine Rose is renowned for its rich, pink hues and its historical significance.
3. Princess Victoria Louise Poppy
Princess Victoria Louise, the only daughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, lends her name to this striking Oriental poppy. Known for their large, vibrant red or orange blooms with dark central spots, these poppies add a touch of regal splendor to any garden.
4. Princess Diana Clematis
Named in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Princess Diana Clematis is a beautiful climber with bell-shaped, pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. This clematis symbolizes Princess Diana's timeless elegance and her enduring philanthropic legacy.
5. Lady Emma Hamilton Dahlia
Named after Lady Emma Hamilton, the famous mistress of Lord Nelson, this dahlia boasts stunning peach and orange blooms with a delicate fragrance. The Lady Emma Hamilton Dahlia is cherished for its unique, bicolor petals and its historical connection to one of history's most famous love stories.
6. Prince Charles Flower
The Prince Charles Flower, a type of clematis, honors the Prince of Wales. This clematis is celebrated for its robust, climbing vines and charming blue-purple flowers that bloom abundantly from summer to fall. The Prince Charles Flower is a popular choice among garden enthusiasts for its striking appearance and ease of care.
7. Queen Sirikit Orchid
Named in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit Orchid is a hybrid orchid featuring delicate pink and yellow blooms. This orchid is cherished for its beauty and has become a symbol of Thailand's rich cultural heritage and botanical diversity.
8. King Alfred Daffodil
The King Alfred Daffodil, named for King Alfred the Great of England, is a classic daffodil variety with bright yellow flowers. Known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms, these daffodils signal the arrival of spring and bring a touch of royal charm to gardens worldwide.
9. Princess Charlene of Monaco Rose
This enchanting rose was named in honor of Princess Charlene of Monaco. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Rose features soft, peach-pink blooms with a delightful fragrance. It has quickly become a favorite among rose enthusiasts and serves as a symbol of the princess's grace and beauty.
10. Emperor of China Chrysanthemum
The Emperor of China Chrysanthemum is a stunning flower named to evoke the grandeur of Chinese emperors. With its large, pom-pom shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, and yellow, this chrysanthemum adds a touch of royal luxury to autumn gardens and floral arrangements.
11. Queen of Sweden Rose
Named in honor of Queen Silvia of Sweden, the Queen of Sweden Rose is a beautiful, light pink rose characterized by its perfectly formed, cup-shaped blooms. This rose is notable for its resistance to disease and its ability to thrive in various climates, making it a resilient choice for rose enthusiasts.
12. Duchess of Cornwall Rose
Honoring Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cornwall Rose features soft, apricot-colored blooms with a light, fruity fragrance. This rose is celebrated for its romantic appearance and robust growth, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
Conclusion
Flowers have long played a role in commemorating royal figures, often symbolizing their beauty, influence, and legacy. The captivating blooms named for royalty not only serve as living tributes but also enrich gardens and floristry with their historical and cultural significance. By cultivating these regal flowers, gardeners worldwide continue to celebrate the enduring connection between botany and royalty.