Many indigenous flowers grow throughout the country of Spain due to the varied climate conditions. As a nation well known for its flora and fauna, Spain boasts more than eight thousand different species of flowers. The flora is divided into the following differing types: annuals, perennials, flowering trees, flowering shrubs and climbers.
Annuals
These flowers have a hard time surviving the intense summer heat of Spain. They grow and bloom best if planted in partial shade or during a season when the temperatures are not as fierce. Some of the more popular choices for a Spanish annual include petunias, violas and pansies. Petunias are excellent sources of color for a Spanish gardener, as they come in numerous shades. Pansies are both fragrant as well as edible, and their distinct color pattern adds interest to any garden.
Perennials
A favorite for any gardener, perennials continue to come back each year. Gardening in Spain notes that "the most reliable and exotic include the long flowering lion’s ear/leonotis, African daisies, ... lavenders, cascading rosemary and of course geraniums/pelargoniums". The lion's ear can grow up to eight feet tall, and the flower has a look of a lion's ear due to it's orange ' furry' blooms that emerge from a single head. Geraniums have long been a Spanish favorite, and festivals whereupon residents showcase their geranium displays are annual held throughout the country.
Flowering Trees
Another category of Spanish flowers is the flowering tree. The seasonal blooms that accompany each of these trees are a welcome gift in a Spanish garden or landscape. Popular flowering trees include judas, Mexican flame, orange tree, jacaranda, magnolia in the spring as well as devil's tongue, orchid and grape myrtle trees in the summer. For fall blooms, plant a chorisia tree and a flowering acacia for the winter months. A variety of colors and textures are found throughout these Spanish flowering trees, and each adds interest and height to a garden.
Flowering Shrubs
Many flowering shrubs will bloom throughout most of the year. Shrubs are used to create borders or employed as a highlight throughout extensive gardens. Popular Spanish varieties include hibiscus, lantanas and oleanders. Hibiscus comes in a large assortment of colors to enjoy and is one of the better known and widely celebrated flowering shrub around the world. Lantanas tend to spread very quickly and need to be pruned to keep at bay. The oleander shrub produces showy flowers in colors such as salmon, pink and red.
Climbers
These flowers act as vines and, as such, creep their way up walls and hedges. Bougainvilleas and bignonias are two types commonly seen throughout Spain. The former blooms in vibrant colors of orange, gold, yellow and pink. The latter (bignonias) produces sparse blooms in an orange-red shade. Both types of climbs need to be held in check with occasional light pruning.
Flora and Fauna of Spain
Spain has many unique types of flora and fauna. Although flowers are one aspect of creating a Spanish themed garden, additional plants should be considered as well. Combining a mix of the above types of flowers will give a garden the most diverse and appealing look.
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