The blooms of the Kingdom

Thailand is a land of flowers — garlands at every shrine, orchids spilling from market stalls, lotus rising from temple ponds, and gardens that bloom the year round. This is a loving guide to the flowers of Thailand: what they are, what they mean, when they bloom, and where to find them at their most beautiful.

The flowers

• National & royal flowers

  The golden Ratchaphruek and the royal blooms.

• Orchids

  Thailand's most famous flower family.

• Lotus & water lilies

  The sacred flower of temple ponds.

• Frangipani & jasmine

  The scented flowers of Thai life.

• Tropical blooms

  Bougainvillea, heliconia, ginger and more.

Culture & how-to

• Meanings & symbolism

  Flowers in Thai belief and daily life.

• Garlands (phuang malai)

  The art of Thai flower garlands.

• Bloom calendar

  When each flower is at its best.

• Gardens & markets

  Where to see and buy flowers.

• Growing Thai flowers

  Notes for tropical gardeners.

• FAQ

  Common flower questions.