The classic image of Switzerland we have is that of majestic mountains reaching high up into the sky. While they are harsh, snow-blanketed and seemingly lifeless over winter, the coming of spring sees them turn into veritable carpets of colour as millions tiny alpine flowers burst into life. The Swiss national flower is the edelweiss, and their shades of yellows and whites spread across the meadows in what seems to be an endless parade of colour.
But they are not alone above the snowline. In fact, over 100 varieties of flowers thrive in such difficult conditions. Among them are the nigritella, with its spiky deep crimson flowers, the many-shaded bell flower as well as gentians.
At lower altitudes, Switzerland also offers a fascinating choice of flowers. When you next need to send flowers to Switzerland, you can choose from among local varieties of roses, lilies and gerberas.
Among other flowers commonly found in Switzerland are the Siberian iris, its purple flowers are to be found by the sides of ponds and rivers. Crocuses are also widespread. The tulip is best represented in springtime in the town of Morges. The festival lasts six weeks in Independence Park and there are often over 100,000 examples of as many as 300 varieties. Numerous other villages across the country also welcome spring with festivals in which the whole village is garlanded with flowers. Some of these tulips may well feature in an arrangement when you next want to send flowers to Geneva.
The warmer southern part of the country hosts very different kinds of flowers. Anyone who has travelled through the lakes area will have seen brightly coloured geraniums in pretty plant pots and even bougainvillea growing steadily up walls. Many of the lakeside towns and villages, such as Lugarno and Locarno are carefully-tended riots of colour as the year progresses.
Even the larger cities can be colourful too. Although more formal than the mountains and lakesides, cities such as Zurich have wonderful botanical gardens, with native and non-native species in abundance.
If you have friends or family in Switzerland, whether in the mountains or down by the lakes, a great way to keep in touch is through the gift of flowers. FloraQueen’s network of specially-selected local florists can guarantee on time delivery of the freshest Swiss flowers for any occasion. It has never been easier to send flowers to Zurich than through FloraQueen.
