The Most Stunning Costa Rican Flowers

Key Takeaways 

• Costa Rica is home to some of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in the world, making the wildlife and plants in Costa Rica reason enough to experience ecotourism at its finest 
• Learn about some of the most popular flowers in Costa Rica, and get inspired for ways to incorporate them into unique tropical bridal bouquets for a Costa Rica destination wedding, for adventuring in Costa Rica’s wilderness, or both! 
• Plan a getaway to Costa Rica that fully embraces conservation efforts alongside ample recreation opportunities
• Explore the best of Costa Rica for every season and every occasion by booking your completely exclusive stay at Casa Teresa

Costa Rica is an exquisite natural paradise, but you don’t need to be an ecologist to see why admiring the native plants in Costa Rica is well worth a visit in its own right. For stunning foliage and tropical flowers, Costa Rica is truly one of the best places in the world – if not the best. There are many Costa Rican flowers that are found nowhere else on the planet. 

Pollinators and Plant Diversity: What’s Unique in Costa Rica

Even before the Nicoya Peninsula became one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, Costa Rica, of which it is part, has long reigned supreme as an ecotourism destination. No small reason for this is because Costa Rica’s flowers burst with pollens that feed the butterflies and other insects, birds, and small critters that in turn give wing to spectacular birdwatching and life to the jungles to hike through and party in, and tidepools to snorkel in. 

This means flower sightseeing is a definite must-add to your list of activities to do in this beautiful country, especially if you want to try to embrace the “Pura Vida”. 

Ready to enhance your Costa Rica wedding with its best flowers? If you’re planning a destination wedding, this Costa Rican flower guide can also help you plan your tropical bridal bouquet that showcases the abundance of natural beauty all around your beachview property. 

A Tour of Costa Rica’s Top Flowers

Whether planning flower arrangements for a Costa Rica wedding, embarking on outdoor adventure, or a little bit of both, see how many of these flowers you can spot on your tour of plants in Costa Rica!

1. Costa Rica’s National Flower: Dry Orchids

Uniquely delicate and gorgeous, these exquisite tropical flowers are Costa Rica’s national flower, the guaria morada (Guarianthe skinneri). These beautiful purple orchids bloom along the Pacific coast in pre-montane zones, and thrive especially well in lush Central American climates. According to tradition, dry orchids bring good luck, peace for the future, and familial harmony, making them ideal for any Costa Rican wedding flower arrangement.

Costa Rica plays host to some of the rarest biomes in the world, most specifically the cloud forests that visitors can admire by zipline. Cloud forests provide the perfect environment for orchids, which explains why flowers in Costa Rica are so lush and vividly colored.

For a romantic excursion that doubles as an excellent flower-viewing opportunity, be sure to visit the Monteverde orchid garden if you’re up for an overnight stay in the Monteverde, about 4.5-5 hours from Santa Teresa. This famous museum highlights the native plants in Costa Rica, and gives tours in both English and Spanish, and they have an average of over 120 species of orchids in bloom all year round, including incredible miniature orchids, making Costa Rican orchids must-have flowers for a tropical bridal bouquet, no matter what time of year the love’s blooming.

2. The Jurassic Park Flower: Gingers

Gingers are some of the most iconic and recognizable tropical flowers in Costa Rica. They can be relatively small, but they can also grow as big as your head! There are many different types of gingers, and they come in both red and pink shades. Pictured above are the aptly named “torch gingers,” a centerpiece of the Costa Rican jungles. 

These blooms are also a feature in the original Jurassic Park Movies. You can even see these plants from Costa Rica when you stand in line for the ride at Universal Studios! As stunning as they are on the big screen, these beauties are even more breathtakingly beautiful when viewed up close and in their natural environment. So, take inspiration from the movie magicians, and include them as part of your special Costa Rica event.

Make a bold statement by adding these quintessentially Costa Rican flowers to wedding decor and as part of a tropical bridal bouquet. Small pink gingers can also be used for more delicate decor or as a natural hair adornment.

3. False Birds of Paradise: Heliconias 

Vivid, unusually-shaped heliconias are found in abundance throughout the nation. They grow in vertical formation deep in the jungle, making them some of the most unusual native plants in Costa Rica.

Heliconias are also an essential part of the tropical ecosystem. This plant in Costa Rica also provides food for the region’s abundant wildlife, including butterflies, spiders, ants, frogs, bats, and hummingbirds!

Though heliconias appear to be your typical Costa Rican flower, they’re technically “inflorescences,” or leaf-like structures. Still, their scientific classification doesn’t stop them from being one of the most beautiful tropical “flowers” in Costa Rica. In fact, their hues perfectly complement a beach sunset, and with a gorgeous, lush flower-like scent, they are ready to enhance any tropical bridal bouquet.

4. The Flamingo Flower: Anthuriums

Anthuriums are waxy, heat-resistant tropical flowers that come in color varieties of pink, white, green, and red. Due to their unusual shape and shiny texture, they are lovely statement flowers to work into a wedding flower bouquet or for other Costa-Rica bound romantic getaways. 

Anthuriums flower freely in warm climates and need bright light in order to thrive. Of course, Costa Rica has an abundance of year-round sunshine that provides them with just that. 

We love seeing anthuriums in Costa Rica wedding flower arrangements because they’re the perfect statement flower. The bright red hue and unique texture make them a unique flower to build a tropical bridal bouquet around.

5. The Diplomat’s Flower: Mandevilla Hirsuta

Mandevillas are vibrant blooms that come in many stunning varieties. Their full shape and bright hues are perfect representatives of the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from plant life to its coasts and to everything beneath the waves. These showy Costa Rican flowers are utterly perfect for a tropical bridal bouquet, guaranteed to make the wedding guests ooh and ahh. 

Named after the British diplomat Henry Mandeville, these flowers can add a fragrant accent to any space, and particularly for wedding flowers that bring Costa Rica’s delicate tropical fragrance to any idyllic, breezy beachside “I do.”

6. The Flower with the Strongest Scent: Plumeria Frangipani

These tropical plants in Costa Rica are found in abundance throughout Central America’s tropical zone. Plumerias are not only beautiful, but they have a gorgeous perfumed scent that many have come to associate with a tropical vacation.     

The smell is so potent, distinct, and heavenly that after you first sniff this Costa Rican flower, you’ll be able to smell them just by looking at this picture!

Cherishing Costa Rican Plants and Wildlife 

Part of what makes Costa Rica so exquisite is its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine natural environments. And when the land and water is clean and healthy, the food is healthier and more abundant, and life is just better. 

Costa Rican culture is deeply tied to its rainforests, beaches, farmland, and mountains, which is why people take conservation so seriously here. This means living the Pura Vida is about enjoying Costa Rica’s flowers, forests, fauna, and more responsibly, and by sharing our commitment to preserving our fragile ecosystems. 

At Casa Teresa, we bring luxury to ecotourism. We partner with services and private tour guides who share our commitment to sustainability and privacy, including by ensuring guests access to restricted nature preserves for experiences that are not only more responsible, but completely exclusive. 

Similarly, the private chefs available for booking are ready to celebrate and showcase Costa Rica’s freshest local, organic, and delectable foods – including planet-friendly vegan cuisine.  

Costa Rican Flower FAQ

Explore common questions about flowers and native plants in Costa Rica for more details about your favorite tropical flora.

What is the national flower of Costa Rica?

The dry orchid, or guaria morada, is the first flower on this list because it is the first in the hearts of Costa Rica as its national flower. It was chosen to represent this country because, according to legend, it brings abundance and good luck. Many Costa Ricans also associate it with the beauty and elegance of nature.

You can find the orchid along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica between 1,600 to 3,300 feet above sea level. Because it’s a type of air plant, this Costa Rican orchid blooms higher up in tree branches, which can make it hard to see in the wild and a real treat when you do.

Where can I see orchids in Costa Rica?

In addition to their abundance in the natural landscape, you can visit a number of sanctuaries to see many native flowers, including Costa Rican orchids from all around the country. Some of the best places to find orchids and other tropical plants in Costa Rica include:

• Lankester Botanical Garden
• Caribbean Botanical Garden
• Botanical Orchid Garden
• Monteverde Orchid Garden

You’ll also find Costa Rican orchids in many nature preserves and national parks, including Jardín de Guarias, Piedras Blancas National Park, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.

What kinds of flowers grow in Costa Rica‘s cloud forests?

Visiting the cloud forests means you’ll have an amazing opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Some of the Costa Rican flowers and plants you can expect to see include:

• Miniature Orchids: You should bring a magnifying glass to spot these beauties on the trunks of trees. There are over 400 species of orchids in Costa Rica and you can spot some of them in the cloud forests. 

• Bromeliads: This unique plant from Costa Rica grows in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Some of them grow on the ground by tree roots, while others love to attach themselves to tree branches. Their leaves hold water, so you may find a frog hidden among them, relaxing in the mini pond.

• Passiflora: An exquisite Costa Rican flower, this plant is a vine that also produces fruit! They need a lot of light to thrive, so you’ll find them in open spaces, clearings, and forest canopies where the sun shines through.

What are the best months to visit Costa Rica for flower viewing?

The best time to explore the tropical beauty of Costa Rica is during the green season. This time of year falls between May and October or November, so there’s more rain than during other seasons. All that extra rainfall results in lush landscapes and tons of blooming flowers. With Costa Rica’s plant life in full bloom, you can also expect increased wildlife activity, allowing you to spot native birds and animals.

However, don’t be afraid to visit during other times of the year, including December through February for the dry season and June through August for humpback whales, sea turtles, and still with plenty of Costa Rican flowers. Read more here about the seasons in Costa Rica’s beautiful Nicoya Peninsula.

What flowers are popular for tropical weddings?

If you’re looking for a tropical bridal bouquet, coming to Costa Rica can be the inspiration you need. Costa Rican wedding flowers come in so many bright colors, unique textures, and unusual shapes that your bouquet will truly be one-of-a-kind. Some of our favorites when hosting weddings at Casa Teresa include:

• Orchids: Since Costa Rican orchids grow large and small, you can make them the centerpiece or an accent flower in your bouquet. Whether you choose dramatic white or a bright pink orchid, accent your bouquet with plenty of greenery to make the orchids pop.

• Anthurium: These Costa Rican flowers are perfect for weddings because they’re shaped like a heart! Use them as the centerpieces of your bouquet in a neutral cream hue or in brighter orange and reds that match your wedding colors.

• Heliconia: Similar to the birds-of-paradise blooms, this Costa Rican flower lends its elongated shape as an accent flower. Arrange your anthurium in the center of the bouquet, surrounded by greenery with heliconia accents around the edges.

If you have any other questions about tropical bridal bouquets and Costa Rican wedding flowers, our concierge will be able to direct you to a local florist with the experience you need.

Stay at Casa Teresa to See Beautiful Costa Rican Flowers

Our beachside paradise is the perfect locale for discovering the tropical plants in Costa Rica. Situated on 1.3 lush acres, this tropical haven is set directly on the idyllic Santa Teresa beach. Bask in the warm breeze and listen to the crashing of the waves right from your private backyard pool.

Private and ensconced with foliage, this villa is nevertheless in close proximity to all the excitement and adventure the Nicoya Peninsula has to offer. You can use the flowers you see here in a tropical bridal bouquet for your destination wedding, and we’d be happy to host you with world-class concierge services and any amenity you have in mind. 

Contact us to arrange your reservation.