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Lavender has been used since ancient times, first cultivated by the Egyptians for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It was later used in ancient Greece and Rome for perfumes, bath oils, and healing purposes.
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Tulips were first cultivated in the Ottoman Empire, with the name "Tulip" coming from the Turkish word for turban (due to the flower's shape). They became extremely popular in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, where the Tulip Mania occurred in the 1630s, marking one of the first speculative bubbles in history.
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Native to North America, sunflowers were first cultivated by Indigenous peoples for their seeds and oil. They were later spread to Europe after European colonization and became a symbol of warmth and vitality.
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Daffodils, or narcissus, were cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans. In the 17th century, hybrid varieties started being bred in Europe.
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Peonies were first cultivated in China, where they were valued for both medicinal and ornamental purposes. They later spread to Europe and the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Orchids were cultivated in various parts of the world, but serious efforts began in the 1800s with European orchid hunters bringing them back to the West. Today, orchids are one of the most popular houseplants.
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Roses are one of the oldest cultivated flowers, with evidence suggesting they were grown in ancient civilizations. They were first used for ornamental purposes, as well as for medicinal and religious reasons. -
Originating in China, chrysanthemums were cultivated as a symbol of autumn and later became popular in Japan. They were introduced to Europe in the 17th century.