soccer ball made of red and green flowers
It is the time of year when flowers are at their best and you want to go and explore the beauty of nature… but sometimes, that’s not what everyone wants! With one of the biggest events on the footballing calendar taking place in France this summer, millions are bound to be stuck to their television screens to cheer on their country in the hunt for glory in Paris on 10th July in the Euro 2016 final.
To compromise, we’ve put together a list of the national flowers of each country that is competing, to combine the beauty of flowers with the competition of football. If the tournament was won by the team with the best flower, who do you think would win?
Once you’ve found the flower for your team, why not treat somebody to one to show their support? With FloraQueen, we can deliver some beautiful flowers to replace that flag that they have stuck on the window!
Read on to see each country and their flower group by group…
Iris – This beautiful flower is popular across France and has three petals, known as the “standards” and three outer petals, known as the “falls.
Poppy – Their combination of red and black is said to represent Albania due to the similarity in appearance with their flag, and they time their bloom perfectly for EURO 2016 as they bloom between June and October.
Dog Rose – It is said that a shrub of dog rose’s in Germany, close to the Hildesheim Cathedral, has been there for over 1,200 years! That may be how long Romania have to wait until their next international trophy if they don’t surprise a big team.
Edelweiss – The flower spotted in The Sound of Music, although this nearly led to their extinction as so many people picked the flowers when they found them! Switzerland will be hoping for a better fate at EURO 2016 this summer.
Tudor Rose – Adopted by King Henry VII, the rose also featured in the middle of Henry VIII’s famous round table. England will be hoping to be the centre of attention in EURO 2016 with a victory that would make both Henry’s proud!
Daffodil – You should never keep daffodils in a vase with other flowers as their sap can be poisonous, Wales will be hoping to beat off the competition in their group to qualify.
Camomile – Once used in the process of mummification in ancient Egypt, the Russians will be hoping that their flower will inspire them to make history in France this summer.
Rose – The oldest rose fossil found to date is believed to be around 35 million years old. Football may not have been around then, but Slovakia will be hoping to win the European Championship’s for the first time in France.
Knapweed – A pest of a flower, although beautiful, knapweed is known as being hard to get rid of from your garden. Seem similar to the Germany team who are well known for being hard to beat?
Corn Poppy – A special type of poppy, with a hint of white which is lacking in the typical poppy, has a resemblance to the Polish flag combined of red and white which will be worn by many fans in France this summer.
Flax flower – A symbol of purity in ancient Egypt, the flax flower is often used as an oil on salads as a dressing. Nothern Ireland will be hoping that they can add something extra to the European party.
sunflower – A very tall flower, the sunflower is perhaps best known for being the star of some of Vincent Van Gough’s paintings. Ukraine will be hoping to be head and shoulders above the rest and the star of the show in France.
Carnation – Carnations are long lasting flowers, lasting up to 14 days in a vase and for up to 2 years as a plant. Reigning champions Spain will be hoping to extend their record to 3 consecutive European Championship victories to match!
Iris – In ancient Egypt, the iris was a sign of faith, wisdom and courage. The Croatian side will be hoping to display plenty of courage of their own in EURO 2016 as they face a tough route to the final.
Rose – Well known for their sharp thorns on the stems, but unrivaled beauty in the bloom, Czech fans would be unlikely to complain if their side has to fight through for a memorable ending like the rose.
Tulip – Although the tulip is usually associated with Holland, the flower is actually native to Turkey and some parts of Asia. Turkish fans will be homing to make a name for themselves with a great EURO 2016.
Lily – Elegant and classy, just like the Italians, the lily is used in medicines for humans, particularly in Asia, but is known to be poisonous for cats. Italians will be hoping they’ll do enough to knock out some of their competition.
Shamrock – One of the most famous symbols of Ireland, the shamrock is sure to be on display in France for EURO 2016 as it is said to bring good luck. We’re sure Irish fans will be wishing their team all the luck in the world!
Twin flower – A unique flower, quite like Sweden‘s unique strike in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, these flowers grow best in forest environments during the summer months, and fans will be hoping that Sweden hit their peak this summer too.
Poppy – Like Albania, and as poppies can stay active in the soil for up to 8 years, a new poppy may be able to survive the peak of the ‘golden generation’ of Belgian talent on display this summer.
Tulip – After a long absence from international competition, Hungary will hope to create a shock like “tulip mania” in the 17th century when their value soared overnight to become the most expensive flower in the world.
lavender – A flower which always catches the eye, a bit like Cristiano Ronaldo, and has a pleasant fragrance, lavender is sometimes used in desserts, and Portuguese fans will be hoping for a sweet ending to their campaign.
Mountain Avens – The climate in Iceland means that flowers aren’t easy to find, but Mountain Avens are tough battlers and have a great end result. With an estimated 10% of the population travelling to France to support their team, fans will hope the team is similar!
Edelweiss – Like Switzerland, this is the national flower of Austria. Could we end up seeing a battle of the Edelweiss if Austria and Switzerland meet in the latter stages of EURO 2016?
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