A List of Common Flowers

Common flower types vary significantly by geographical location, climate and culture, but some hearty varieties of flowers remain universal. Common flowers serve different purposes. Some varieties are ideal for gardens while others are more common in bouquets or arrangements. Common flowers offer distinct characteristics in terms of color, aroma and design or shape.

Roses are one of the most popular flowers for growing and giving. Roses are a multi-petaled flower that are typically accompanied by a thorn-covered stem. There are more than one hundred species of roses that vary mostly by size and color. The wide variety of available colors, including red, white, orange, yellow, and even multi-colored, make roses ideal for incorporating into bouquets and arrangements. Roses also have one of the most recognizable flower scents; perfumes and potpourris often feature the aroma of roses. Roses are also popular in gardens because of their adaptability to be planted as shrubs, bushes or climbing vines.

Daisies are typically white or yellow flowers that are comprised of a distinct central disc that is surrounded by thin, flat petals, though some less common daisy varieties do not have a central disc. Daisies are well-known for their bright coloring and pleasant aroma that attracts bees and butterflies for pollination. Daisies have been the subject of poetry by William Shakespeare and John Keats. Daisies are often associated with friendship and innocence. Daisies are not killed by mowing, so some people consider common daisies to be weeds, though their hearty nature is valued by gardeners.

Tulips are one of the most recognizable flowers in the world. Their distinct cup-like shape comprised of overlapping petals come in a variety of color options including red, purple, pink, white, orange and blends of several colors. Tulips are the official flower of Holland, and tulips remain one of Holland's largest exports. Tulips are very adaptable plants that are easy to cultivate and therefore they are ideal for gardens. Tulips are typically associated with romance or creativity and imagination because of their bountiful colors.

Carnations are composed of bundles of small, ribbon-like petals that cluster to form a full bloom. Carnations were a popular flower used in Roman garlands, and they are historically referred to as the flower of the Gods. Carnations are popular because of their expansive color palette (yellow, pink, green, red, purple) as well as their ease of growing. Carnations will last for several hours or even days after being cut, making them a popular choice for bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres.