Beautiful Flowers in Greek Culture You’ll Love to Explore

Hey, my friend! Let’s talk about flowers in Greek today. So, Greece is not just about ancient ruins and beaches because there are some gorgeous flowers too. And learning Greek flower names like Ηλιοτρόπιο (ee-lee-o-TROH-pee-o, sunflower), Κρίνος (KREE-nos, lily) and Άνθος (ÁN-thos, blossom)? Well, it’ll make you sound like a total flower expert with a side of mythology. From Τριαντάφυλλο (tree-an-DAH-fee-lo, rose) to Ιάκινθος (ee-AH-kin-thos, hyacinth), flowers in Greek  have both the things which is beauty and story behind them. And if you need to find out flower’s name in Greek for your work or even to learn something different, then this guide is perfect for it.

To start things off, I will tell you some of the most beautiful flowers in Greek that you will find in Greece. You might be familiar with Λευκός κρίνος (lef-KOHS KREE-nos, white lily), but what about μαργαρίτα (mar-ga-REE-tah, daisy), βιολέτα (vee-o-LEH-tah, violet), ναρκίσσος (nar-KEE-sos, daffodil), γαρίφαλο (gar-EE-fah-lo, carnation) or τουλίπα (too-LEE-pah, tulip)? These names sound like they belong in a classic Greek myth or poem but they are actually just beautiful flowers. Now I think you have got a bouquet idea of Greek flowers name for yourself or for someone. Keep reading—you are about to become a Greek flower pro. If you really love flowers then I suggest you check the Italian names of flowers. They are awesome too!

flowers in Greek

Popular Flowers in Greek Names 

English flower names in Greek are as unique as the country itself! Here’s a list of some flowers you might come across if you’re exploring Greek gardens or just hanging around with some plant-loving locals.

  • Triantafyllo (rose): Just as romantic in Greek as it is in any other language!
  • Ilianthemo (sunflower): This one literally means “turning to the sun” which totally suits sunflowers, right?
  • Krino (lily): A flower with both beauty and elegance.
  • Anthos (blossom): Think of this as the “flower” or “blossom” of flowers in a poetic way.
  • Alyki (wild garlic flower): A bit unusual but adds a pop of purple to the fields.
  • Margaritari (daisy): Similar to “margarita” but don’t worry—no tequila here!
  • Lavanda (lavender): This one’s for all the lavender lovers. Same in Greek, just extra classy.
  • Yakinthos (hyacinth): This one’s both pretty and packed with mythological drama.

These flowers are not just for looking at. They have tons of meanings too, especially when it comes to expressing love, friendship and even healing.

Flowers in Greek with Pictures

To keep things simple, here’s a quick list of popular Greek flower names so you’ll always know which is which:

No.ImagesEnglish NamesGreek Name (Pronunciation)
1RoseRoseΡόδο (ROH-doh)
2FlaxFlaxΛίνω (LEE-noh)
3JasmineJasmineΓιασεμί (YAH-seh-mee)
4daisyDaisyΜαργαρίτα (mar-gah-REE-tah)
5TulipTulipΤούλιπ (TOO-lip)
6SunflowerSunflowerΗλίανθος (hee-LYAN-thos)
7BalsamBalsamΒάλσαμο (VAL-sah-mo)
8magnoliaMagnoliaΜαγνόλια (mah-NO-lee-ah)
9LavenderLavenderΛεβάντα (leh-VAHN-dah)
10LotusLotusΛωτός (LOH-tos)
11Aloe Vera FlowerAloe Vera FlowerΑλόη (AH-lo-ee)
12Cobra SaffronCobra SaffronΚρόκος (KRO-kos)
13CrossandraCrossandraΚροσσάνδρα (kros-SAN-drah)
14Crape JasmineCrape JasmineΓιασμίνι (yah-SMEE-nee)
15Poppy FlowerPoppy FlowerΠαπαρούνα (pah-pah-ROO-nah)
16Golden ShowerGolden ShowerΧρυσόβροχο (khree-SOH-vro-kho)
17Grand Crinum LilyGrand Crinum LilyΚρίνος (KREE-nos)
18Chandramallika

Chrysanthemum
Χρυσάνθεμο (khree-SAN-theh-mo)
19ChamomileChamomileΧαμομήλι (ha-mo-MEE-lee)
20Jasminum SambacJasminum SambacΓιασεμί Σάμπακ (YAH-seh-mee SAM-bak)
21DahliaDahliaΔάλια (DAHL-yah)
22Delonix RegiaDelonix RegiaΔελονίξ (deh-lo-NIX)
23Sweet VioletSweet VioletΓλυκιά βιολέτα (glee-KYA vee-o-LEH-tah)
24Black TurmericBlack TurmericΜαύρος κουρκουμάς (MAH-vros koor-kou-MAHS)
25NarcissusNarcissusΝάρκισσος (NAR-kee-sos)
26Peacock FlowerPeacock FlowerΠαπαγαλόχορτο (pah-pah-gah-LOH-khor-toh)
27Puncture VinePuncture VineΠικροδάφνη (pee-kro-THAF-nee)
28Yellow OleanderYellow OleanderΚίτρινος πικροδάφνος (KEE-tree-nos pee-kro-THAF-nos)
29Yellow MarigoldYellow MarigoldΚίτρινος καλέντουλας (KEE-tree-nos kah-LEN-too-lahs)
30Pot MarigoldPot MarigoldΚαλέντουλα (kah-LEN-too-lah)
31PandanusPandanusΠάντανος (PAN-da-nos)
32PeriwinklePeriwinkleΒυζαντινός (vee-zan-tee-NOS)
33Prickly PearPrickly PearΑγκαθωτός αχλαδιά (an-kah-THOH-tos ah-khla-DIA)
34Foxtail OrchidFoxtail OrchidΟρχιδέα (or-khee-DAY-ah)
35Forest GhostForest GhostΦαντασματάκι (fan-das-ma-TAH-kee)
36Butterfly PeaButterfly PeaΠεταλούδα (pet-ah-LOO-dah)
37Blue Water LilyBlue Water LilyΜπλε νερόλι (BLEH neh-ROH-lee)
38HibiscusHibiscusΙβίσκος (ee-VIS-kos)
39MurrayaMurrayaΜουρράγια (moo-RAH-yah)
40Night Flowering JasmineNight Flowering JasmineΝυχτολούλουδο (nee-khto-LOO-loo-tho)
41Night Blooming JasmineNight Blooming JasmineΝυχτογεννημένο γιασεμί (nee-khto-YEN-nay-me-no yah-seh-MEE)
42CreeperCreeperΣκαρφαλωτό (skar-fa-lo-TOH)
43Lady’s slipper orchidLady’s slipper orchidΟρχιδέα γυναικείου (or-khee-DAY-ah yee-nai-KEE-oo)
44White FrangipaniWhite FrangipaniΛευκή φραντζιπάνι (lef-KEE fran-tzee-PAH-nee)
45ShameplantShameplantΝτροπή (droe-PEE)
46Scarlet MilkweedScarlet MilkweedΚόκκινο γαλατσάκι (KOK-ee-no ga-la-TSHA-kee)
47Star JasmineStar JasmineΑστεροειδές γιασεμί (as-teh-roi-DES yah-seh-MEE)
48StramoniumStramoniumΣτραμονίον (strah-mo-NEE-on)
49HiptageHiptageΙπτάμενος (eep-TAME-nos)
50HollyhockHollyhockΧαλαγιά (ha-la-YAH)

Why Flowers Important in Greek Culture

As you may already know that Greek is the main language in Greece and Cyprus. About 13 million people speak it today in the world. And yes, you will find most beautiful flowers of the world here. Interesting thing in Greece is that flowers mean a lot more than just beauty. They are in myths, celebrations and even special events. For example, did you know that the anemone (a flower) is linked to the myth of Adonis (a mortal) who was in love with Aphrodite. Legend says that his blood turned into red anemones after he was hurt. Isn’t it interesting?

Now take roses as another example. We already know they are a symbol of love  just like everywhere else. But have you heard the myth of Yakinthos (hyacinth)? In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a handsome young man who was loved by the god Apollo. Their friendship was very special, but it ended sadly. Apollo was heartbroken when Hyacinthus died. One thing led to another (a bit dramatic, of course), and from Hyacinth’s blood, Apollo created a beautiful flower that we now call a hyacinth, to remember him. This flower now reminds everyone of their love. Greek mythology is always full of surprises. What you think?

If you ever visit Greece in spring, you might get to see these flowers blooming everywhere—from wild fields to home gardens. And let’s not forget festivals! Greeks love to use flowers to decorate their homes and churches during big celebrations of Easter. You’ll see fields full of them, and trust me, they look amazing!

You also like: Konkani Names of Flowers

Greek Language Tips: Flowers Edition

Now, if you want to speak Greek language with your friends or anyone even without learning too much, then flowers in Greek names are a great way to start. Greek is one of the oldest languages in the world (we’re talking ancient) and it has a unique alphabet that makes it feel a bit magical. But don’t worry, you don’t need to learn the whole language to speak it. Just a few Greek flower names are enough to get you started and speak this language. Interesting thing to learn Greek is that flower names often have a bit of the myth and mystery of the language itself.

For instance, “Anthos” means “blossom” but can also mean “flower” in a poetic way. And if you want to say you like roses? Try “Mou aresoun ta triantafylla” (I like roses), and that’s it. Now go ahead and say it to someone with a smile—you’re basically Greek now!

Final Thoughts on Greek Flower Names

Flowers in Greek mythology have style, stories and deep cultural roots. With names like Triantafyllo and Ilianthemo, you are not just naming flowers because you are connecting with a bit of Greek history and language. It is like the Greek mythology wrapped in beauty of flowers. In this article, I have listed flower names in Greek language with their English meanings for easy learning. So, next time you come across a Λευκός κρίνος or ένα ηλιοτρόπιο, you can smile knowing that you are practically speaking Greek. After all, everything sounds better in that melodic language!

So there you go—now you’re all set with some beautiful Greek flower names, a bit of culture and even a myth or two to share. I hope this post has sparked your interest in the beautiful world of flowers and the myths that breathe life into them. Now go ahead and show off those flower names in Greek mythology and watch people be impressed. Opa! 

FAQs of Flowers in Greek Mythology

What is the traditional flower of Greece?

The traditional flower of Greece is the oleande which grows in a warm climate.

What is the Greek name for a beautiful flower?

In Greek, a beautiful flower is called “όμορφο λουλούδι” (omorfo louloudi).

Who is the Greek god of flowers?

The Greek god of flowers is Priapus which is known for his connection to gardens and fertility.

What are Zeus’s flowers?

Zeus is linked to laurel and oak which are symbols of strength and victory.

What is Athena’s flower?

Athena’s flower is the olive tree that represents peace and wisdom.

What is Hades’ flower?

Hades is associated with the poppy, symbolizing sleep and the afterlife.

What are rare Greek names?

Rare Greek names include Soterios (savior) and Eudokia (goodwill).

What is the golden flower in Greek?

The golden daffodil is seen as the golden flower.

What is the flower of love in Greece?

The rose is the flower of love in Greece(like everywhere) that is famous for beauty and romantic meaning.

Leave a Comment