What is Saudi Arabia’s National Flower?

Here’s a fragrant little fact you might not know: Saudi Arabia’s national flower is the Royal Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum). This beautiful evergreen climbing shrub holds a special place in the hearts and homes of many Saudis, especially in the mountainous regions of the Kingdom, where it thrives best.

Royal Jasmine Elevates Gardens Across the Kingdom

Royal Jasmine grows with long, slightly stiff branches that climb fences, walls, and trellises, adding natural elegance to gardens and backyards across Saudi Arabia. Its glossy, dark green leaves are compound, made up of many small, ovate leaflets that sit opposite each other on the stems. They create a rich green backdrop for their delicate flowers.

The flowers themselves are about 5 centimeters in diameter, ranging from white to a soft yellowish hue. They grow in clusters, with buds starting out pinkish before opening early in the morning. This timing is no accident. The jasmine’s scent is at its strongest and its oil content is highest just after the flowers open at dawn. It fills the air with a sweet and enchanting fragrance that lingers into the day.

Saudi Arabia cultivates around 280 tons of jasmine flowers annually, mostly in the southwestern mountainous areas where the climate helps encourage the blooms. People appreciate the Royal Jasmine not only for its beauty and scent, but also for its valuable essential oils.

Fragrant jasmine blossoms now play a key role in social celebrations and weddings throughout the Kingdom. People often use them in flower arrangements to add an elegant and welcoming touch. Homeowners across Saudi Arabia decorate their backyards and gardens with this tall climbing plant, making it a familiar and beloved sight.

In every way, Royal Jasmine represents a blend of natural beauty, cultural tradition, and everyday charm. It is truly a fitting national flower for Saudi Arabia.

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