Sunflowers, Jacarandas, and Roses: a Guide to Argentina's Eight Most Beautiful Flowers
From the national tree—the ceibo (cockspur coral tree)—to the famous jacarandas, the lupins in Patagonia, the tulips in Trevelin, the sunflowers in the province of Buenos Aires or the roses in the Palermo Rose Garden. Argentina, like any great destination for enjoying nature, bursts with colour when their most beautiful species bloom. In this article, you will learn when and where to find them in the country.
Indigenous legends, captivating aromas and hypnotising colours: the flowers of Argentina keep in their stems and leaves the secrets of the earth, the force of nature and the power of the rain and the sun. Each species is unique, and they come in all types, shapes and shades. Read on to discover some of the most beautiful in the country:
1) The Ceibo
According to legend, on the banks of the Paraná River lived Anahí, a little Indian girl who delighted her Guaraní tribe with her beautiful singing. But one day the invaders came and sentenced her to die at the stake. The magic of this tale began to work as the fire grew, as the little girl turned into a majestic tree covered with fiery red flowers. This is how the ceibo tree came into being, according to the oldest traditions of Argentina.
It may be for this reason that the national tree prefers to grow in the Littoral, between the banks of the Paraná River and the Río de la Plata. It can also be found in warm regions close to rivers, lakes and wet marshes. And thanks to its eye-catching petals and the fact that its trunk has no damaging roots, it is perfect to grow anywhere. This is why it is so common to see it in many parks throughout the country between October and April, when it is at its best.
2) Jacaranda
Among the intense green of the northern yungas, a beautiful indigenous tree with lilac, light blue and even purplish-blue flowers stands out. This is the Jacaranda, which at the end of the 19th century was taken from its natural habitat to Buenos Aires to embellish the streets and avenues of the city with its breathtaking beauty.
From that moment on, it became much more than a tree. It is now a symbol of the country's history and culture. So much so that the iconic Argentine writer María Elena Walsh dedicated a song to it, and since 2015 it has been designated as Buenos Aires' distinctive tree. Tourists from all over the world come here, especially in November, when its velvety blossom blooms, to be seduced by its magical colours.
3) Lupins
The exotic lupins mark the beginning of spring in southern Argentina, turning the beautiful landscape pink, purple, and blue. This curious looking wildflower grows in every corner of Patagonia, as you travel along the mythical Ruta de los 7 Lagos—an ideal spot—or admire the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains.
These leguminous plants are not only prized for their distinctive beauty, but also for their nutritional properties. Their antioxidant effects are great for regulating cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. And while their full potential is still being researched, in the meantime, visitors are captivated by the colourful performance they offer each year.
4) Tulips
As October arrives, tulips paint the vast Patagonian territory with rainbow colours. This multicoloured carpet at the foot of the imposing Gorsedd y Cwmwl hill is located in the town of Trevelin, province of Chubut, in the famous Tulip Fields of the Ledesma family.
Every year, this family opens the doors of their emblematic farm from October 1st to November 6th. That's because it is exclusively at that time when these blossoms burst into a thousand shades, so that locals and tourists can witness this unique spectacle offered by the Argentinean Patagonia.
Visits can be during the day or at night. In the sunlight or moonlight, with the snow-capped mountains in the background, the tulips create a unique scene worthy of a painting. And, after exploring every corner of this scented land, you can indulge in Welsh delicacies at the local baker's or admire the regional wonders at the craft fair.
5) Sunflowers
You can find them on your way to the beaches of the province of Buenos Aires, or along the roads through the various agricultural regions of the country. Thousands of outstanding flowers dance obeying the sunlight, putting on an amazing show of yellow in Argentina's countryside.
Sunflowers begin to bloom in spring, but it is in summer when they reach their peak. Believe it or not, they can reach up to three metres in height, much taller than the average person. In autumn, the flowering cycle comes to an end, and it's time for the long-awaited harvest.
A symbol of prosperity and joy, this flower is essential in the province of Buenos Aires. So much so that it even has its own national festival. Every year during the month of February, this celebration takes place in the town of Carlos Casares, in the west of the province, where farmworkers are honoured for their efforts.
6) Sunflowers
You can find them on your way to the beaches of the province of Buenos Aires, or along the roads through the various agricultural regions of the country. Thousands of outstanding flowers dance obeying the sunlight, putting on an amazing show of yellow in Argentina's countryside.
Sunflowers begin to bloom in spring, but it is in summer when they reach their peak. Believe it or not, they can reach up to three metres in height, much taller than the average person. In autumn, the flowering cycle comes to an end, and it's time for the long-awaited harvest.
A symbol of prosperity and joy, this flower is essential in the province of Buenos Aires. So much so that it even has its own national festival. Every year during the month of February, this celebration takes place in the town of Carlos Casares, in the west of the province, where farmworkers are honoured for their efforts.
7) Lavender
This is one of the most widely used flowers for making exquisite perfumes, essential oils and medicines. Its properties are countless, but the best known is its powerful relaxing effect, which calms stress and anxiety. Its vivid colour and intense aroma attract everyone who passes by this plant, which symbolises freshness, purity, silence, and peace.
While found throughout the country, one of the largest plantations is open to the public amidst the fresh air of La Cumbre, in the province of Córdoba. It is an ideal place to visit during the summer months (December to March), when the lavender is in full bloom.
8) Peonies
Sophisticated, exclusive and delicate. The favourite of florists and brides to walk down the aisle on their wedding day and achieve elegant settings. This appealing flower, chosen to decorate homes for its long life in vases, is characterised by an infinite number of petals, which can be pink, fuchsia, violet, white or mixed.
Peonies bloom in spring, but are only available for a month after harvesting, which takes place from the end of October to the end of November. What is special about them is that they must be harvested by hand, stem by stem, and the plant can take between two and five years to flower. This makes this floral jewel one of the most expensive on the planet. That is why in Argentina there are very few cultivations, distributed between the province of Buenos Aires and Patagonia.