Flowers Native to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are filled with an abundance of plant life. While many plant varieties were introduced into the habitat from other regions, there are many flowers that are indigenous to the islands. Native Canary Island flowers typically prefer a warmer climate and full sun conditions, making these unique islands the ideal environment for a wide assortment of flowering plants.

Pericallis

Pericallis (Pericallis echinata), a member of the sunflower family, can be found only in the moist areas of Tenerife, the largest of the seven Canary Islands. This plant is found beginning at sea level and continuing up into the forests of the island. This perennial plant has bright green leaves and blooms daisy-like pink and lavender flowers with a purplish yellow center. Pericallis grows quite easily once established, typically reaching more than a foot in height, with flowers approximately 2 inches in diameter. Pericallis is a good choice for a potted plant, and soil should be kept moist and well-drained. For optimal growth, when growing pericallis the temperature should be no lower than 54 degrees. In cooler weather conditions, this plant prefers full sun throughout the day, while in the heat of the summer, partial shade is preferred, according to the Rare Plants website. Pericallis is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 9 and 10.

White Marguerite

White marguerite (Chrysanthemum frutescens), a member of the daisy family, is found on the islands of La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Gomera. There are several different varieties of this plant, with 13 varieties growing on the island of Tenerife, according to the website SFGate.com. White marguerite prefers warmer climates, and once established, flourishes quickly in the wild. Beginning in the summer and continuing into the fall, white marguerite blooms daisy-like white flowers with bright yellow centers. If dead flowers are cut back, this plant will continue to bloom, according to the Sunny Gardens website. Hardy in USDA planting zones 10 and 11, white marguerite thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Canary Island Lavender

Although there are many species of lavender, Canary Island lavender (Lavandula canariensis) is a fern-leaved lavender that grows in the wild only in the Canary Islands. This plant is a plant that prefers warmer climates and grows best in full sun conditions with moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of temperatures of 50 degrees and above. In cooler weather, watering should be kept to a minimum, according to the Rare Plants website. In warmer areas, such as California, Canary Island lavender will often bloom all year long, producing pretty bluish lavender flowers. Canary Island lavender is often used for both commercial and medicinal purposes. Its strong scent makes it a popular choice for cosmetics and perfumes, and it is often used as a remedy for both insomnia and depression, according to the Tenerife Island website. This plant is hardy in USDA planting zones 10 and 11.