Nigeria is a West African Country situated in the Gulf of Guinea, blessed with a vast amount of natural landmarks and good wildlife reserves. The weather could be said to be tropical, although there are several flowers in Nigeria known to survive all types of weather.
Still, climate conditions vary from one region to another. In the southern regions of Nigeria, they are known to have a good amount of rainy season compared to the far north. While in the North, the rainy season is only for 4 months, mostly from June to September.
Notwithstanding, since all states in Nigeria have their fair share of rainy and dry seasons, this ensures that most flowers in Nigeria have the chance to survive. In this article, we would be discussing extensively the kinds of flowers that are normally grown in the country.
#1. Costus Spectabilis
Costus Spectabilis is popularly known as Yellow Trumpet. The flower is the national flower of Nigeria. The colour of the flower is yellow but painted red on the coat of arms for unknown reasons. The flower can be found all over Nigeria in specific locations.
Yellow trumpet is also in some African countries including Zimbabwe, Angola, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. It is normally identified by yellow shiny flowers surrounded by four freshly leaves.
The flowers do not stay long before withering away but quickly grow another. During the winter, the fresh and bright plant begins to lose its vigor.
#2. Mimosa Pudica
Another common flower you are more likely to come across in Nigeria is Mimosa Pudica, also known as Sleeping grass, Touch me not, and Sensitive plant. The plant goes by many names and is a perennial herb that is known to be used for the treatment of several diseases.
The reason why it is often referred to as a sensitive plant is that when it is touched, the plant will fold its leaves and the stems begin to wither almost immediately. This rare occurrence is known as thigmonasty.
The flowering plant can also be found in the USA, Asian countries, Australia, Micronesia, and West African countries. It is very unusual for each single Mimosa Pudica to last half a day, and also known to have changes in spatial orientation.
#3. Helianthus Annuus
Helianthus Annuus or Sunflower as you may also call it is one of the most popular flowers in the world including in Nigeria. Although, not that invasive.
Sunflower is a plant mostly known to the Americans, but having it thrive on our lands in any climate is a privilege. When first seen, you are just going to love the yellowish colour, but it is not usually yellow as may be believed by many. Sunflowers could be orange, red, or any other colour. However, the colour that most people are familiar with is yellow.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) has a misconception that its head often tracks the sun. However, this was said to be untrue in 1597 by John Gerard, a renowned botanist who planted some in its herbal garden.
Notwithstanding, sunflowers have been observed to follow the directions of the sun, but not when they are fully matured. During their full maturity stage, they face east.
#4. Calla Lily
If you are a Nigerian, there are chances that you have come across Calla Lily before, although you may not know what the flower is called. It is one of the most popularly grown flowers in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
What makes the flower special is that it is very easy to grow and manage. It can perform exceedingly indoors despite being an outdoor plant by nature.
It can be planted in a garden or have it contained in a pot or vase. Wherever the Calla Lily might be, you are just going to love that beautiful view.
Calla white is not usually white as believed. Although the white colour is used for weddings. The flower could come in different colours, namely pale yellow, cream, lemon yellow, etc.
The plant does well in full sun. During the cold weather, you should consider having them planted in a pot to last for a month and then move them to your garden if you want. When permanently stuck indoors, ensure it enjoys some sun
#5. Croton
Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is another grown flower in Nigeria. It is also very easy to spot due to its variegated foliage donned in beautiful colours. When grown outdoors, croton can grow up to 6 feet, but smaller when indoors.
Croton needs enough water and light to thrive. This will ensure the plants can come out more beautiful and fresher. Another distinctive feature known to the plant is it can take a while for it to be fully mature.
In extremely cold climates, the plant can lose its freshness. It needs to be exposed to the ideal temperature to behold its usual posture, especially when set indoors.
The plant is known to be harmful to humans and animals. It has been recorded that it might cause skin rashes. Despite the ill side, the seed and oil extracted from it can be used to make medicine.
#6. Aloe Vera Flowers
Aloe vera is a plant most Nigerians are familiar with because it is used to treat and prevent skin problems. There are also a great number of creams that have the plant as part of the core ingredients. The plant remains the most grown flower in Nigeria, hence, can be easily procured.
The plant, aloe vera belongs to the species of genus aloe and is also available in most countries. Aside from being used for commercial purposes, the plant can also be used to decorate.
Most people may see Aloe vera as a succulent plant, but there is more to it. However, people do not get to experience the bloom side of the plant as it is often used before it fully matures. Aloe vera flowers are common with fully matured ones, normally at least 4 years. In four years, the plant should be ready to unveil its other beautiful side.
#7. Tradescantia Pallida
There are many ways to introduce Tradescantia Pallida, another type of flower you can easily find in Nigeria. Durability, resistance to disease, beautiful, and could survive almost any temperature, to mention a few.
Tradescantia Pallida is often referred to as “Purple Heart” by most people. It is best described as pointed purple leaves measuring about 6 to 12 cm long which could be green, red, or purple. When the plant blooms, it carries small clusters of bright pink, three-petalled, and fragile pink flowers emerging from the stem.
Purple flower is almost disease free which makes it an ideal flower to grow in Nigeria.
The plant, most importantly the clustered pinky flowers needs protection from strong wind to avoid losing them.
#8. Amaryllis
If you are looking for a lovely flower worth keeping indoors and that can also give your garden that great look, then you are just going to love Amaryllis.
The plant is very exceptional. There are many flowering bulbs, but Amaryllis is the easiest and fastest to bloom. The bloom period is usually between 6 to 10 weeks after planting. The flower originated from South Africa and earned itself the botanical name, “Hippeastrum”.
Amaryllis comes in different beautiful colours including white and pink which are always the most preferable for many. The plant can thrive well indoors but will need to be placed in a warm place where it can get exposed to direct light for better results.
#9. Hibiscus
Hibiscus could have easily been in the top 3 if the flowers were listed based on how popular they are. It is one of the best types of flowers around as it has lots of benefits.
The flowers are usually large, shaped like a trumpet, and with at least 5 petals. The colour of hibiscus comes in yellow, pink, red, orange, and purple.
Hibiscus flower has several benefits, but there is one misconception that often is a topic among many. Many people believe that zobo drink is made from the hibiscus plant, which is not true. The zobo leaf is not a Hibiscus flower. The leaf is the edible plant, known as Hibiscus sabdariffa which is another variety.
#10. Anthurium
Another flower that can be easily grown and managed in Nigeria is the exotic Anthurium Flower, the largest among the arum family, Araceae. Also known as flamingo flower, tailflower, and laceleaf.
Anthurium is mostly grown as epiphytes on other plants while some are terrestrial. The flower can survive almost all kinds of indirect light, but when growing in low light will result in slow growth and fewer flowers. Endeavour to protect it from direct heat, instead, you should place it in an environment with indirect light. Places like your bright bathroom are good enough if you decide to keep it as an indoor plant.
With sufficient care, Anthurium plants can produce flowers throughout the year then making your environment very lovely. Still, you should be mindful of the sap as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. The flower is also known to come in a variety of colours.
#11. Lilium
Lilium is another lovely and special flower widely called true lilies. The flower is one of the hugely popular flowering plants, and many people would have come across the name in literature. The flower is otherwise known as lily, although the name is also used for many plants that resemble Lilium.
The flowers are usually large with a pleasant smell that almost anyone would love. It comes in different colours including white, orange, yellow and red.
#12. Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Galanthus is the scientific name, but “Snowdrop” is the name it is often called by many because it is much easier to remember. Snowdrop flowers are among the first spring flowers to bloom and are very easy to maintain.
Normally, Galanthus does not require much care before turning out well. This makes it one of the best for any Nigerian wishing to grow flowers. It can be grown in a garden or anywhere you deem fit for it to grow and bloom without worrying about pests.
The major downside is that snowdrops could be toxic to humans and animals. Hence, if you have children around or caring for pets, then this flower should not be grown within your space.
#13. Chlorophytum comosum
Here is another type of flowering plant that can be grown in Nigeria called Chlorophytum comosum, but widely known as spider plant. The plant can grow over 24 inches and is very easy to grow as well. It is one of the flowering plants you do not need to give much care to before thriving in its habitat. Spider plant is grown as a houseplant.
During the hot season, a white flower holding on to a long stem as well as pups that resemble spiders are produced by the flowering plant. The pups are the reason why the flower got the name, “Spider plant.”
#14. Dahlia Pinnata
Dahlia Pinnata, also known as “garden dahlia” is a popular grown flower in Nigeria. The flower can be found in several countries but is native to Mexico. The plant can grow up to 60-inch height with the leaves usually dark green and the flowers come in many colours including deep purple and pink.
For the plant to flourish, it needs exposure to direct sunlight and much protection from strong wind. Also, it needs minimal water and the soil must have sufficient fertilizer.
#15. Mussaenda
Mussaenda is a flower that is very much rampant in Africa and can also be found in Nigeria. For the plant to thrive in its habitat, it will need full sun, and moderate watering to produce flowers with small star-shaped petals which could be colour red or yellow.
The leaves are about 6 inches long and have the shape of an egg. Although, the plant is more likely to do well under the sun, but will still be able to hold its own under partial shade.
#16. Chrysanthemum
If you are a flower lover from Nigeria and looking for the best flower to add to your garden or as a houseplant, we recommend that you take a peep at Chrysanthemum. It is beautiful, and exotic and also comes in different colours if you are the picky type.
The lovely Chrysanthemum is also referred to as “Mums” which is more preferred by many. It is native to northeastern Europe and East Asia but now in Africa.
#17. Euphorbia Milii (Crown of Thorns)
Euphorbia Milii should move your mind because not every time you see a flower with such a lovely side, yet with an unusual side.
There is a reason why it is usually referred to as Crown of Thorns, while it is another lovely flower anyone could easily fall in love with, still, there are thorns to watch out for.
One would expect nothing less from Crown of thorns, it can bloom all through the year and even when kept as a houseplant. The leaves are green in colour and thick as well and the very small flowers are surrounded by bracts.
#18. Acalypha Hispida
Acalypha Hispida is not just a flower that can make your environment lovely to the eyes, it can also serve important uses such as using the leaves for the treatment of gonorrhea and leprosy. Different parts of the plants are also used as expectorants for people with asthma, diarrhea, and many more.
Acalypha hispida or chenille plant as you may also call it is native to Hawaii and Oceania, but can also be grown in Nigeria where the use of herbs to treat disease or infection is rampant.
#19. Plumbago Auriculata
Plumbago Auriculata is another special species of flowers that are abundantly available in Nigeria, but native to South Africa. The flower is also known as cape leadwort, cape plumbago, or blue plumbago.
In regions with temperate climates, cape leadwort can be grown and cared for, otherwise, the plant should be placed in containers if you are in an environment with a colder climate. For the flower to grow beautifully, it is best to be exposed to full sun.
#20. Cordyline Fruticosa
Cordyline fruticosa has this look that would draw your interest if it is your time seeing one. It is a very good flower worth keeping around due to the many benefits one can get from it. Aside from keeping your home beautiful, it can also serve a good number of purposes including using it for food, dye, traditional medicine, and more.
Tiplant as Cordyline Fruticosa as it is often called is said to have spiritual powers, hence it is believed to be a harbinger of good luck. Even though it is more popularly grown as a houseplant, it can also dwell nicely as an outdoor flowering plant in Nigeria.
#21. Dracaena Trifasciata
It is easy to be undone by the pronunciation of one of the hugely popular grown flowers not just in Nigeria, but in almost every country. The flower goes by many names, they are mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp, and snake plant,
The major reason why the plant can be found in several regions is its resilience in different climates. It does not need much care to survive.
Snake plant is also used to make medicinal mixtures for poisoning, malaria fever, diarrhea, dysentery, etc. The plant can be grown outdoors and indoors.
