The red rose is the flower most associated with Iran — the heart of a centuries-old rosewater tradition — while the tulip stands as a powerful national symbol.

• National flower: Red rose (Rosa damascena); the tulip is a strong national symbol
• Scientific name: Rosa damascena
• Status: Commonly cited national flower
• Symbolism: love, beauty, and, in the tulip, martyrdom

About Iran’s national flower

Iran, historically Persia, has a deep rose heritage: the Damask rose is distilled into rosewater (golab) used in cooking, ceremony, and perfume, and the city of Kashan holds a famous annual rose festival. The tulip, meanwhile, is a strong symbol in Iranian culture, associated with martyrdom and appearing in poetry and on memorials.

Symbolism and tradition

Roses and tulips both recur throughout Persian poetry, miniature painting, and the celebrated tradition of the Persian garden.

National flower of Iran FAQs

What is the national flower of Iran?

The flower most associated with Iran is the red rose, especially the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) used to make rosewater, while the tulip is a powerful national symbol of martyrdom.

What does Iran’s national flower represent?

In Iran the red rose symbolizes love, beauty, and the divine in Persian poetry, while the tulip has come to represent martyrdom and sacrifice.

Is the rose or the tulip Iran’s national flower?

The red rose, especially the Damask rose used for rosewater, is the flower most commonly associated with Iran, while the tulip is also a powerful national symbol linked to martyrdom.

Explore more

Discover national flowers from around the world, the state flowers of the U.S., or find your birth flower.