List of Roman Flowers

Some of the flowers grown in ancient Roman times are the same ones we cherish today. These historical flowers have been found in ancient gardens and were referred to in many ancient texts. Roman flowers can brighten any garden and bring a bit of old-world charm into your modern-day landscape.

Love Lies Bleeding

Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is from the amaranth family. It is an annual that is sometimes known as tassel flower, velvet flower or Inca wheat. Purple flowers are 2 feet long and look like tassels. Leaves are pale green. The plant grows 3 to 5 feet in height and 18 to 30 inches wide. This plant grows best in full sun and in dry, poor soil. Propagate via seed. It is hardy outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.

Crocus

Crocuses are from the lily family. They are perennials that are easy to grow and fragrant. The bulbs are sometimes known as spring crocus and Dutch crocus, and are among the first flowers to bloom in early spring. There are spring and fall blooming varieties that vary in size and color. Most have grass like leaves and flowers that are fragrant and have 1 to 2 inch long petals. Grow in full sun or partial shade. Propagate via bulb divisions or seed. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.

Daffodil

Daffodil (Narcissus) is from the amaryllis family. It is a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial that is easy to grow. It is sometimes known as Easter flower, jonquil, or narcissus. Leaves are strap like and 6 to 30 inches long. Flowers are on stems from 4 to 24 inches tall. The blooms can be yellow, orange or white, or combinations of two colors. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in morning sun or partial shade. Propagate via seed or bulb division. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.

Garden Lily

Garden lily (Lilium hybrids) is from the lily family. It is a fragrant perennial. Depending on cultivar it can be between 2 and 10 feet tall with various shaped flowers, sizes and colors. Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or morning sun and afternoon shade. Propagate via seed or bulbs. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 8.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus (Gladiolus) is from the iris family. It is a perennial that is sometimes called sword lily or by the nickname "glads." Flowers are on spikes and are green, yellow, mauve, yellow, red, pink, purple or orange. Leaves are shaped like swords. Depending on the cultivar, glads will grown from 3 to 5-1/2 feet in height. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Propagate via seed or cormlets. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.