The luxurious nature and unique climate of Italy have made it one of the most “prosperous” countries in the world. Here, flowers are truly revered and endowed with the qualities of living beings. Even the word “flora” itself takes its origins from ancient Roman mythology - that was the name of the goddess of flowers. It is not surprising that the art of floristry appeared in this country, and today Italians are the recognized leaders of this art.

In Italy there are even a number of holidays associated with different colors and plants are Holidays of camellia, strawberry, artichoke etc. These days, the whole country is decorated with these plants and celebrates such an event.

Of course, all kinds of floral compositions are also popular - in Italy they are presented in such an assortment, which perhaps has no analogues in the whole world. Plants are imported into this country and, of course, a lot of plants are grown on the territory of Italy itself and exported to other countries.

One of the favorite plants of Italians can confidently be called sunflower - it symbolizes the sun and light. No less popular is the olive, which grows here almost everywhere - this plant is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Often, it is with these plants that a strict and laconic business bouquet is compiled, which at the same time serves as a wish for success and capital increase.

In general, in Italy they give preference to compositions that are shaped like sheaves, and the dimensions of the compositions can vary significantly - they can be from very small to huge, almost two meters. Small compositions are often placed on the table, they are usually given as gifts with or without an occasion, but large “sheaves” are most often placed at the entrance to a restaurant, cafe or store on the day of its opening; such “giants” can decorate housewarming parties, banquets, etc. .d.

In addition to the favorite sunflowers and olives, such “sheaves” often contain spikelets. Like the Slavic peoples, they symbolize abundance and prosperity. For this reason, they are included both in business compositions and in festive compositions dedicated to some special occasion.

Another symbolic plant in Italy is the grapevine. Here it is customary to worship it as a symbol of fertility and inspiration - wine is made from it, houses are built from it. Grape clusters are often present in compositions - they represent fertility, numerous offspring, a rich harvest, and happiness.

Lovers here give each other roses and carnations- these plants in Italy are considered to be talismans of love, passion, and fidelity. And orders for compositions made from these buds are most often addressed to any online flower shop.

In general, in Italy, like nowhere else in the world, plants are revered, and every resident of the country strives to decorate both their home and the surrounding areas with as many flowers as possible.

The vegetation in Italy is very diverse. This is mainly a cultural landscape, excluding, of course, the highlands. One could call the landscape monotonous if not for the birch, oak and pine groves. By the way, it’s worth mentioning Italian pine trees separately. Wood from Italian pines from Weymouth and Vallechiana is transported to our country. Tourists who have seen pine trees will never forget their beauty - these are tall trees with an even trunk, the crown of which is crowned with a pink “mushroom”. When choosing the San Paolo Hotel in Venice for your holiday in Italy, the photo will show you which beautiful trees planted around this hotel. Of course, the overall picture cannot be called a natural landscape; it is purely a view of a large metropolis, which, like others hotel complexes, in the evenings sparkles with bright lights and spotlights.

But we have moved away from the topic. Poplars and white acacia can be found in the floodplain of the Po River. But you will find shrubby vegetation and evergreen trees only along the coasts of the Alenny Peninsula. You will be surprised by the diversity of vegetation in this region - alpine pines, cacti, pine trees, agaves, palm trees, holm and cork oaks.

Despite the fact that subtropical crops predominate in Italy, for example, olives, figs, almonds, citrus fruits, pomegranate, here you can find wild olive, tree juniper, strawberry maquis, laurel, oleander. But once you rise to five hundred to eight hundred meters above sea level, you will notice that subtropical crops practically do not grow here - they have been replaced by broad-leaved forests.

In the Alps, this type of vegetation predominates, but at a much lower level. Just like in the Alps, beech, chestnut, oaks with some hornbeam, and ash grow in the highlands of Italy. And higher up this diversity is replaced by beech and coniferous forests. In the Alps, such forests grow at around nine hundred meters, and in Italy the level rises to two thousand meters above sea level.

If you want to relax in Venice, choose Hotel Hotel Domus Civica, but, however, it is enclosed in a purely urban landscape, and you won’t notice much vegetation here. But if you still want to make short notes about trees and shrubs, it is better to live on the outskirts of the city - in a villa or in a house in the village.

Of course, you won’t get to the 2000 m mark on your own. But if you do get there, you will see the predominant conifers here - all types of pines, fir, European species oil. Beyond them, tall grass meadows begin - subalpine meadows give way to alpine vegetation. In summer, cattle are walked here.

Which trees and shrubs are about to bloom in Europe? This is a small selection that will be replenished over time - let the eye rejoice.

Nice botanical I was solving a problem the other day with a friend. “And our lilacs have already bloomed. Such a scent!” she stunned me.

In the photo that was made in France, and indeed it is a brush of lilac, only the flowers have a corolla of five petals, instead of the usual four. Well, what doesn’t happen now... I was also surprised by the lack of leaves.

I had to contact to the experts. Familiar landscape designer dispelled doubts. It turned out that it was not a lilac at all, but Viburnum bodnantense, or viburnum bodnantense.

And how many more amazing plants found during travel! That's how the decision came to make a selection of the most beautiful flowering trees and shrubs of Europe.

Viburnum bodnatenskaya

Viburnum bodnantense (Viburnum bodnantense) attracts attention already in late February-early March - there are no leaves on the trees yet, and on its bare branches there are small clusters of flowers, up to 8 cm long. They are very aromatic - they exude the smell of sweet vanilla and lilac. And the narrow, jagged leaves turn burgundy-red in the fall - it’s very beautiful.
This viburnum hybrid was bred in Great Britain about 80 years ago and is loved by gardeners - it is grown in France, Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain and other countries. Saplings of this viburnum can often be seen at fairs and in stores, and they cost 5-7 euros.

forsythia

As soon as the snow melts (if it falls in this area, of course), forsythia (Forsythia europaea) blooms - the bushes are almost completely covered in March-April yellow flowers. After a couple of weeks, when flowering comes to an end, foliage and new shoots appear that will bloom in next year. The plant is very popular in Europe; it can be found in many gardens, parks and just on the streets. And in Albania and in the territory former Yugoslavia wild forsythia grows.

Wisteria

Another plant similar to lilac is wisteria (Wisteria), a subtropical vine from the legume family. In April-May, some houses and fences are almost completely covered with tassels of lilac (less often white) fragrant flowers hanging down. Wisteria can be seen in the Mediterranean countries, Belgium, Great Britain, and Crimea. It grows quickly - up to 5 m in the summer, easily climbs supports, but is afraid of frost.

Rome, Italy. End of March

Judas tree

In April-May, the European purple plant, also known as European cercis, or Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), blooms. The flowers are delicate, light lilac or brighter. It blooms for three weeks, by the end of flowering the leaves are already opening. Fruits in September. It can be seen in parks and on the streets in Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Crimea, etc. According to legend, the repentant Judas committed suicide with this tree. True, various stories mention different trees- aspen, elderberry, birch. But it is the cercis that is called the Judas tree.

Rome, Italy. End of March

Magnolia

In Germany, Holland, Denmark and other countries, magnolia liliiflora blooms in April-May. This is one of the most beautiful garden plants- blooms with large, up to 11 cm in diameter, lily-shaped flowers. There are 240 species in the genus Magnolia.

Magnolia, Copenhagen (Denmark)

Japonica

Japanese quince (Cydonia oblōnga) is a low shrub, but how beautiful it is when it is covered with rather large red-orange flowers - up to 5 cm in diameter! There are also varieties with double flowers. Flowering is abundant, occurs in May-June and lasts about three weeks. This plant is cultivated in many European countries, even in Scotland, Sweden and Norway.

Japanese quince, Copenhagen (Denmark)

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The flora of Italy is very diverse and has about six thousand species. Plants range from mosses and lichens, which grow in the rugged Alps, to heat-loving palms, magnolias and eucalyptus, which can be found in abundance along the coast and islands.

The modern flora of the region began to form approximately 65 million years ago, when the territory of Italy was washed by the ancient Tethys Ocean. In those days, palm trees, ficus trees, pomegranates, figs and pistachios grew there.

According to ancient Roman and ancient Greek authors, during antiquity, extensive forests grew in the vicinity of Rome, in Etruria, the Tiber Valley, in the southern Alpine valleys and on the Padanian plain. Soon, due to extensive deforestation, these areas became deforested. At present very little forest grows in Liguria, Tuscany, and on the Tyrrhenian coast of Central and Southern Italy.

Thus, due to intense human activity over many centuries, natural vegetation can only be seen in the mountains. In addition, many species of wild animals have almost completely disappeared in Italy. Now they can only be found in nature reserves and national parks of the country.

At an altitude of about three thousand meters there are mountain tundras, where, depending on the height, shrubs, herbaceous plants, mosses and lichens grow. Below they turn into alpine meadows, which are famous for their lush grasses. In spring lilies bloom there, pansies and rhododendrons. If you go even lower, then at an altitude of 2200-2300 meters there is a subalpine belt of meadows and low-growing bushes, as well as crooked forests. In the Alps, the main tree of the crooked forest is mountain pine.

Under the subalpine belt there are forests. At an altitude of about two thousand meters they grow various types pine and spruce. There are also fir and larch there. Below, beech, hornbeam, ash and chestnut grow.

In the foothills there are often thickets of chestnut and beech with deciduous broad-leaved shrubs such as hawthorn and hazelnut. In these areas, oak groves with deciduous shrubs are also common: sumac, hazel, viburnum, hop hornbeam, deciduous pistachio.

In the lower tier of forests, blueberries, bearberries, lingonberries, and various types of heather mainly grow: ordinary, snow and tree heather.

Among the herbs and flowers are sedge, cruciferous, alpine violet, stone and snow rose, linnaea, lily, hyacinths, foxgloves, anemones. In addition, there are a lot of mushrooms, mosses and ferns in these forests.

However, the natural vegetation of the foothills has been preserved only in small areas. These lands are mainly planted with cultivated plants.

Oak, pine and birch groves grow on the hills. In addition, white acacias, poplars, willows, and scarlet poppies grow there in abundance.

The vegetation of Italy reaches its riot on the plains. However, they too have suffered from human activity. The largest plain of the Apennine Peninsula is Padana. Its original extensive oak forests with lindens, chestnuts, elms and beeches survive in small quantities only on the moraine hills, i.e. hills formed by rocks that have been transported over varying distances by a glacier. In place of cut down forests, barren wastelands with thickets of heather are formed.

In addition, there are thickets of tree-like heather, strawberry tree, holm oak, juniper, honeysuckle, two types of pistachio, phyllirea, butcher's broom, cistus, rosemary, and Abraham tree. Rosemary and sage grow on dry slopes.

Along the Po River there are low plains with wet soils. Poplars, elms, and willows are already growing there. In addition, Ravenna has such forests intertwined with vines. In this area there is also a pine grove of pines - "pineta".

In general, pine or Italian pine is widespread throughout the Mediterranean and is famous for its nuts.

During the spring rains, various types of bulbous flowers, irises, violets, anemones and fruit trees. In June, drought sets in and the vegetation burns out. Many types of flowers and plants bloom again in September and October when the rains come again.

If the Padana Plain belongs to the Central European forest zone, then the plains of the Apennine Peninsula and islands already lie in the subtropical zone.

On the coast and on the islands grow evergreen trees and shrubs, pine and alpine pines, mastic trees, palm trees, holm and cork oaks, cypresses, cacti and agaves, laurel, myrtle, oleander, carob, as well as plantations cultivated plants: almonds, olives, citrus fruits, pomegranate. Large groves are formed by olive trees.

The lower tier is represented by aromatic labiatae (rosemary officinalis, creeping tenacious), ferns, violets, primroses, bells, daisies.

In Southern Italy, exclusively Mediterranean evergreens grow, for example, oleander, scrub oak, laurel, strawberry tree, wild olives, myrtle, pistachios, cistus, lavender, thyme, heathers. Myrtle and cork oak grow in Sardinia. There are also forests and thickets of Mediterranean bushes.

Sicily is dominated by citrus fruits, vineyards, chestnut groves and pistachio trees. In general, this island is unique in its nature. Plants gradually move from subtropical to shrubs and birch groves, which grow at an altitude of two thousand meters on the slopes of Mount Etna. The fact is that birch does not grow in southern Europe. It can only be found in the north, four thousand kilometers from Sicily.

In Italy, even in its northern part, flowering plants you can almost see all year round. You look at some and often don’t know - what kind of flowers are these? We have made a selection with photographs and descriptions of the most beautiful herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs. We will replenish it periodically

Returning from my first trip to Italy, I began to look at kilometers of photography - and almost a third of them were devoted to flowers. I clicked everything that came my way.
I knew some of these plants well; they grow here too. I saw others in greenhouses, and under open air met for the first time. I didn’t even know the names of some plants. I'm not a botanist, just curious. I had to turn to an expert.
This is how this list was born. It contains both popular garden and wild plants that are often found in northern Italy - from the Mediterranean to the Alps.

Azalea

At the end of March, azaleas begin to bloom in gardens on Lake Como, Maggiore and other places, with their peak flowering in April and early May. Bushes planted on the slopes, covered with colorful flowers. There are travelers who specially come here from afar at this time - just like in Japan for sakura. The azaleas that adorn the gardens of Italy are predominantly of Asian origin and have become widespread in Europe relatively recently. In Europe they are widespread in Great Britain and the Atlantic coast of France. In Italy, azaleas do well in the north, and there are many of them in the foothills of the Alps. Interesting places to visit: Parco della Burcina in Piedmont, villa Carlotta And Melzi to Lake Como in Lombardy, as well as in neighboring Switzerland - the most beautiful Parco San Grato in the mountains near Melide on Lake Lugano.

Oleander

Traveling through blooming and green Italy, the first thing you notice is the numerous alleys of oleanders. This beautiful bush in Italy it is found everywhere - growing along roads, in squares and parks, decorating villas. An indigenous inhabitant of the Mediterranean region, it blooms from early summer until September inclusive, and tolerates summer heat and warm Italian winters. Tall bushes with dark green leaves can grow singly or create entire thickets. Groves of several varieties look especially beautiful - oleander blooms with white, light pink, yellow, red, and crimson flowers. If, looking at this beauty, you have a desire to pick a branch for yourself, you need to remember that oleander is very poisonous plant, all its parts and the secreted juice are extremely dangerous, so you should only admire it from afar.

bougainvillea

It is not difficult to recognize bougainvillea among other flowering trees and bushes - at the peak of flowering, the ground around it is strewn with a purple, pink or purple carpet. In this case, you will not see petals, but something similar to leaves. The fact is that the bougainvillea flower is very small and white, and it is already surrounded by large bracts - modified colored leaves. Because of appearance These stipules, fragile as paper, are called bougainvillea “paper flower”. Bougainvillea is found in the form of trees, bushes, but most often - woody vines. Two-color bougainvilleas look very interesting. This tree is very popular as an ornamental tree, decorates gardens, fences and walls of buildings, remains green all year round - the leaves do not fall. Its tolerance to drought and salt makes it an ideal resident of coastal areas. The further south and warmer it is, the better this plant of stunning beauty feels and blooms longer.

Magnolia

Thanks to large flowers and oval shiny leaves The magnolia tree is difficult to confuse with something else. It is found on embankments, in parks, botanical gardens and simply on the streets of most Mediterranean cities. In northern Italy, magnolia blooms in February-March, and thousands of people come to see this pink miracle, which also exudes a strong and pleasant aroma. After the leaves fall, no less remarkable fruits appear - large, fleshy, similar at the same time to a pine cone and some kind of exotic fruit. This is one of the oldest plants on earth, shrouded in legends, which, moreover, has medicinal properties, and the smell of magnolia is the basis of many perfume compositions.

Cistus

The flowers of this wild shrub resemble rose hips, which is why it is sometimes called rock rose. Flowers range from white to dark pink and purple, with several species having a prominent dark red spot at the base of each petal. The leaves and young shoots of some species, such as Cistus ladanifer, secrete an aromatic resin from which incense oil is made. The shrub is usually not tall, up to 1 meter. Woody stem, with bark. Blooms in April-June. Distributed in Val Maira (Piedmont), Lombardy, Veneto, Liguria, Tuscany, etc. The photograph was taken on Mount Conero near Ancona.

Heather

Residents of northern Italy like to decorate their terraces and balconies with pots of flowering heather bushes, although in wildlife In Italy, heather almost does not grow - it prefers more northern countries. Walking along the city streets, sitting in coffee shops, it is impossible not to pay attention to beautiful decor– wicker baskets, terracotta or metal pots with small flowers on branches look charming. Heather flowers can be the most different shades, the combination of several varieties in flower arrangements. Heather begins to bloom at the end of summer and continues throughout September-October. At this time, pots with these plants under the international name Calluna are sold en masse in markets and even in supermarkets. You can bring home such a souvenir, however, this is a rather capricious plant, demanding on the acidity of the soil.

Kampsis

This liana deservedly enjoys respect among the owners of gardens and villas - it can be seen in large and small cities of Italy along the streets, where it wraps around walls, fences and pillars. An unpretentious, fast-growing plant in the warm climate of Italy, all summer and even in autumn it produces abundant inflorescences with clearly visible tubular flowers, most often orange, but you can also find yellow, pink or crimson varieties. Thanks to its aerial sucker roots, it can rise to a height of up to 15 m. It does well in an urban environment - it is resistant to gases and smoke. In the winter it sheds its leaves, leaving woody thickets of vine stems. Also known as tecoma and trumpet flower.

Wisteria

Another vine that often becomes the subject of photography when traveling. Like bougainvillea, it looks very impressive on the streets ancient cities, wrapping around walls, supports and lanterns. In April-May it begins to bloom, and it is simply an amazing sight - it blooms magnificently, the clusters of inflorescences cascade down like a lilac or blue waterfall. When entire alleys of wisteria bloom in parks or botanical gardens, this phenomenon is in no way inferior in beauty to the famous cherry blossoms. This is a deciduous, frost-resistant vine, it can grow up to 15-18 m in height. Another name is wisteria, the flowers resemble acacia in structure, both of them are legumes. Wisteria is capable of secreting phytoncides - active substances that suppress the tuberculosis bacillus; insects die next to a broken branch. Its flowers and beans are also believed to be highly poisonous to humans.

Hibiscus

These big ones bright flowers well known to fans beautiful plants. In Italian gardens, squares and parks, in hedges near houses you can often find these evergreen shrubs with red, orange, yellow flowers, simple or double. In the warm climate of Italy it blooms from spring to autumn. One variety of hibiscus is known as Sudanese rose and is used to make hibiscus tea. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with roses - hibiscus belongs to the mallow family.

Orchis purpurea

It's wild herbaceous plant up to 70 cm high. From the Orchid family, it blooms from April to June. The flowers exude a light vanilla aroma. Distributed throughout almost all of Italy, prefers mountainous areas where there are few people. Grows in pastures, meadows, and rare light forests. This species of orchis is found in Russia and Ukraine, but is considered rare.