Colombian flowers are renowned for their vibrant diversity, thriving in the country’s tropical climate and rich ecosystems. With over 32,000 plant species, Colombia’s floral landscapes, from Andean highlands to Amazonian rainforests, offer a kaleidoscope of colors and forms. These blooms are central to the nation’s identity, celebrated in festivals and global exports.
Deeply woven into Colombian culture, these flowers carry symbolic meanings, from love to resilience, and are used in traditions, ceremonies, and culinary arts. Their historical significance spans indigenous practices to modern floriculture, making them a source of pride and inspiration for gardeners and artists alike.
Growing these flowers is rewarding due to their adaptability to varied conditions, with many thriving in warm, humid environments. Most prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun, though some tolerate shade, offering versatility for diverse garden designs. Regular watering and minimal pruning ensure vibrant displays.
Sustainability is a hallmark of Colombian flowers, supporting eco-friendly gardening and biodiversity. By cultivating these blooms, gardeners reduce reliance on imported flowers and attract pollinators, enhancing local ecosystems. Their durability also makes them ideal for long-lasting arrangements.
From lush tropical plots to urban patios, Colombian flowers inspire stunning gardens that reflect the country’s natural splendor. Their vivid hues and exotic forms evoke Colombia’s vibrant landscapes, inviting gardeners to connect with its rich heritage and create breathtaking, sustainable spaces.
Colombian Flowers
Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya trianae)
- Description: Colombia’s national flower, this orchid, named after botanist José Jerónimo Triana, features pastel pink, lilac, and yellow petals, symbolizing beauty and resilience.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained bark or moss in partial shade. Maintain high humidity and water weekly. Ideal for USDA zones 10-12.
Freedom Rose (Rosa ‘Freedom’)
- Description: A vibrant red rose, the most popular for export, symbolizing love and lasting up to two weeks in a vase.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Space 3 feet apart and prune annually. USDA zones 5-9.
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- Description: Known for their longevity and beauty, carnations in white or pink are gifted for Mother’s Day, symbolizing love and gratitude.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and deadhead regularly. USDA zones 5-9.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Description: Vibrant blooms in blue, pink, or purple, varying with soil pH, are a symbol of Colombia’s floral diversity, grown in Antioquia and Cundinamarca.
- Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Space 3 feet apart. USDA zones 6-9.
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria spp.)
- Description: Also called Peruvian lily, these flowers in red, pink, or yellow symbolize friendship and are popular in wedding arrangements.
- Growing Tips: Plant tubers in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart. USDA zones 7-10.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Description: Grown year-round in Antioquia, these flowers in various colors symbolize joy and are used in celebratory arrangements.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun with fertile soil. Space 18 inches apart and pinch back for bushiness. USDA zones 5-9.
Heliconia (Heliconia spp.)
- Description: Known as bird of paradise, these tropical blooms in red, orange, or yellow resemble a bird in flight, adding exotic flair.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with rich, moist soil. Space 3 feet apart. USDA zones 9-11.
Victoria Amazonica (Victoria amazonica)
- Description: The world’s largest water lily, with purple, white, or yellow petals, blooms in the Amazon, adding stunning beauty to water gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in warm, still water with full sun. Requires large containers or ponds. USDA zones 10-11.
Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii)
- Description: A perennial shrub with yellow to orange flowers, attracting birds and butterflies in Colombian woodlands.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 4 feet apart and prune to maintain shape. USDA zones 9-11.
Acacallis Cyanea Orchid (Acacallis cyanea)
- Description: A unique orchid with intense purple and yellow blooms, growing along Colombian river edges, often partially submerged.
- Growing Tips: Plant in moist, well-drained media with partial shade. Maintain high humidity. USDA zones 10-12.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Description: Bright yellow blooms, popular in Colombian fields, symbolize happiness and are used in festive displays.
- Growing Tips: Sow seeds in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart. USDA zones 2-11.
Pompon (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Description: Small, round flowers in various colors, symbolizing joy and eternity, often used in Colombian floral arrangements.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 18 inches apart and deadhead to extend blooms. USDA zones 5-9.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Description: Vibrant blooms in red, pink, or yellow, these daisies add cheerful color to Colombian gardens and bouquets.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and water regularly. USDA zones 8-10.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
- Description: Heart-shaped, waxy red or pink blooms, flamingo flowers are popular for their tropical elegance and longevity.
- Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade with well-drained, organic soil. Keep moist and humid. USDA zones 10-12.
Florist Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
- Description: Clusters of small, colorful blooms in red, pink, or yellow, these succulents are prized for their durability in Colombian gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and water sparingly. USDA zones 9-11.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- Description: Striking orange and blue blooms resembling a bird’s head, this tropical flower adds bold elegance to Colombian landscapes.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Space 3 feet apart. USDA zones 9-11.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
- Description: Intricate, exotic blooms in purple or blue, symbolizing faith, these vines thrive in Colombia’s tropical regions.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Provide a trellis and space 4 feet apart. USDA zones 6-10.
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Description: Bright, long-lasting flowers in red, pink, or yellow, zinnias add vibrant color to Colombian gardens and attract pollinators.
- Growing Tips: Sow seeds in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and deadhead regularly. USDA zones 3-10.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
- Description: Airy, daisy-like blooms in pink, white, or purple, cosmos bring a delicate charm to Colombian wildflower gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with moderately fertile soil. Space 12 inches apart. Drought-tolerant. USDA zones 2-11.
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
- Description: Large, trumpet-shaped flowers in white, yellow, or pink, these pendulous blooms are fragrant and dramatic in Colombian gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil. Space 6 feet apart. Toxic, so handle with care. USDA zones 9-11.
Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)
- Description: Vibrant red or pink waxy blooms on tall stalks, torch ginger adds tropical flair to Colombia’s rainforests and gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Space 4 feet apart. USDA zones 10-12.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
- Description: Spikes of pink, white, or yellow flowers, snapdragons bring playful structure to Colombian borders and containers.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun with fertile soil. Space 12 inches apart and pinch for bushiness. USDA zones 7-10.
Verbena (Verbena spp.)
- Description: Clusters of tiny purple, pink, or white flowers, verbena adds delicate beauty to Colombian gardens and attracts butterflies.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and water moderately. USDA zones 7-11.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Description: Bright orange or yellow blooms, marigolds are used in Colombian festivals and repel pests in gardens.
- Growing Tips: Sow in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and deadhead regularly. USDA zones 2-11.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- Description: Edible, peppery flowers in orange, yellow, or red, nasturtiums thrive in Colombian kitchen gardens and repel pests.
- Growing Tips: Sow in spring in full sun with poor to average soil. Space 12 inches apart. Avoid over-fertilizing. USDA zones 2-11.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- Description: Clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers, phlox bring long-lasting color to Colombian summer gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 18 inches apart and deadhead. USDA zones 4-8.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
- Description: Large, vibrant blooms in red, pink, or yellow, hibiscus add tropical splendor to Colombian landscapes.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Space 3 feet apart and prune for shape. USDA zones 9-11.
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
- Description: Hardy blooms in red, pink, or white, geraniums thrive in Colombian patios and gardens for their durability.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and pinch back. USDA zones 3-8.
Canna Lily (Canna indica)
- Description: Bold red, orange, or yellow blooms on tall stalks, canna lilies add dramatic height to Colombian tropical gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant rhizomes in spring in full sun with rich, moist soil. Space 2 feet apart. USDA zones 7-10.