Ireland’s native flowers

Ireland is known for being one of the greenest places in the world and this is largely thanks to their mild winters and damp summers.  Such weather conditions are also perfect for growing flowers and the landscapes are often abundant in colour.  While some of these flowers grow wild in fields across the country, others are cultivated by homeowners.  When looking into sending flowers that are native to a particular country, it is important to brush up on your knowledge before placing you flower order.

The Ox-eye Daisy is a huge favourite and, when you see it you will immediately feel the urge to tug at its petals while repeating the words “he/she loves me…he/she loves me not”.  This flower is native to Northern Ireland and the Irish refer to it as Nóinín mór.  According to Celtic folklore, each of these flowers holds the spirit of a child who died during birth  These flowers have a long blooming season that can last all the way from the onset of spring to the cooler autumn months.  You will often see it growing along the banks of rivers, in fields and even along the roadside.  These flowers also serve a great purpose for livestock farmers.  They plant these flowers in order to keep various insects away and, since these flowers have a bitter taste, they need not worry about their animals enjoying it as a snack!

Yarrow blooms from June to September and you will likely notice these flowers growing in fields and along the side of the road.  Yarrow comes in white, yellow and pink and they form clusters along stems that can extend as tall as 16 inches.  These flowers prefer direct sunlight and dryer soil and their leaves are somewhat grey in colour.

Another flower commonly found in Ireland is Foxglove.  This flower has many different names including “Folk’s Glove”, “Deadman’s Bells” and “Witch’s Bells”.  When in bloom, they display superb pink, white or purple clusters of flowers.  They can be used to treat various skin problems, headaches and ulcers.  That said, such remedies should be used in moderation since the incorrect dosage could result in serious side effects and even death.  This flower is found growing wild in many locations and gardeners also enjoy cultivating it themselves.  It is also wonderfully hardy which means that it can easily make it through the winter.

Jacob’s Sword, otherwise known as the Yellow Flag Iris, has obtained this name due to its yellow, sword-shaped petals.  This is the one and only wild iris found in Ireland and it prefers areas with higher levels of moisture such as the Irish wetlands.  They are also quite hardy which means that they don’t perish easily.

If you take a stroll through the woods, you will most likely come across some Wood Anemones.  These beauties enjoy moist soil and are usually found near rivers, springs and in the shade of trees.  These pink and white blooms are just 5 inches in height and decorate the wooded areas from February to April each year.  Blue Anemones as quite rare and they only bloom in south-eastern Ireland.

So, for anyone visiting or living in Ireland, why not take a moment to appreciate the beauty nature provides?  Take your picnic basket and blanket out to the woods or your favourite field and make the most of the colourful beauties that call these parts home.