Flowers of Belgium
The city of Ghent in west Belgium has a long history as a center of the country’s trade and industry. World famous Flemish cloth was the textiles leader for centuries, although today, steel production is the major industry. As one of Belgium’s most important seaports, Ghent is where about 80 percent of Belgium’s foliage plants grow. The country’s thriving garden and cut flower growing areas and flower export industry are located in Ghent.
Red Poppy
The red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is Belgium’s national flower and is indigenous to Europe. It is also called corn poppy and Flanders poppy for its association with “In Flanders Fields,” the famous World War I poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae of the Canadian Army. The poem reads in part, “In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses row on row…”
- The city of Ghent in west Belgium has a long history as a center of the country’s trade and industry.
This bright red flower is an annual, growing rapidly to heights of about 2 feet. It prefers full sun to partial shade and neutral to acidic soil, with moderate watering. It fares well even in arid climates, but cannot withstand frost.
Begonia
The begonia (Begonia genus) is at the heart of Belgium’s Begonia Floral Carpet Festival, which takes place every two years on the Grand-Place, the main square in Brussels, the capital. The festival started in 1971 and attracts visitors and locals alike who come to enjoy the begonias and the festival theme, which is different each time. Instrumental in establishing this festival tradition was floral architect E. Stautemans. Creating the floral carpet takes about 700,000 flowers. Begonias are the flowers of choice because they are hardy and thrive in Belgium’s sandy soil and frequent rain, even though they are not native to Belgium and originated in Asia. Belgium is a major flower exporter, sending begonia tubers to the Netherlands, France and the United States. Begonias are also a highlight of the Ghent Flower Show held every five years in the halls of the Flanders Expo. This event dates back to 1809 and is open to the public.
- This bright red flower is an annual, growing rapidly to heights of about 2 feet.
- Begonias are the flowers of choice because they are hardy and thrive in Belgium’s sandy soil and frequent rain, even though they are not native to Belgium and originated in Asia.
Bluebell
The bluebell (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) is endemic to Belgium and other countries in western Europe. It is commonly called the English bluebell. Flowering in May and June, this pretty flower grows to heights of about 10 inches, preferring well-drained soil and partial shade although it also does well in full sun. For maximum flowering, ensure the plant receives ample water in the early growing season.
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Based in Northern California, Maureen Katemopoulos has been a freelance writer for more than 25 years. Her articles on travel, the arts, cuisine and history have appeared in publications such as "Stanislaus Magazine," "Orientations," "The Asia Magazine" and "The Peninsula Group Magazine." She holds a Baccalaureate degree in journalism from Stanford University.
