Costa Rica is an ecologist’s paradise. 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.
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”. And if you’re planning a destination wedding, this Costa Rican flower guide can also help you plan your tropical bridal bouquet.
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. According to tradition, these Costa Rican flowers bring good luck and peace for the future.
Costa Rica plays host to some of the rarest biomes in the world, most specifically the cloud forests. 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 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 them a great choice of Costa Rica wedding flowers any time of the year.
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, coming 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! These exotic beauties are breathtakingly beautiful when viewed up close and in their natural environment.
These huge Costa Rican flowers make a bold statement when included in any special Costa Rica event decor or 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 in Costa Rica, growing in vertical formation deep in the jungle.
Heliconias are also an essential part of the tropical ecosystem. This plant in Costa Rica provides food for butterflies, spiders, ants, frogs, bats, and hummingbirds, just to name a few!
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. If they look like a flower and smell like a flower (which they do), they’ll enhance your 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 bouquet.
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 flowers because they’re the perfect statement flower. The bright red hue and unique texture make them a unique flower to build a bouquet around.
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. 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.
6. The Flower with the Strongest Scent: Plumeria Frangipani
These tropical flowers Costa Rica contains in abundance are found across several tropical countries. 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!
Costa Rican Flower FAQ
Explore common questions about flowers and plants in Costa Rica for more details about your favorite tropical flora.
What is the national flower of Costa Rica?
The dry orchid, the first flower on this list, is the national flower of Costa Rica. It was chosen to represent this country because, according to legend, it brings abundance and good luck. Many Costa Ricans also associate the flower with the beauty and elegance of nature.
You can find the guaria morada 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 flower blooms higher up in tree branches, which can make it hard to see in the wild.
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 orchids from all around the country. Some of the best places to find orchids and other tropical flowers in Costa Rica include:
You’ll also find orchids in many nature preserves and national parks, including Jardín de Guarias, Piedras Blancas National Park, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.
What 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 exotic 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 flowers of Costa Rica is during the Green Season. This time of year falls between May and November, so there’s a bit more rain than during other seasons. However, all that extra rainfall results in lush landscapes and tons of blooming flowers. Because the plant life is 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 and sea turtles.
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 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 flowers are the perfect choice for a wedding 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 flowers Costa Rica has to offer. 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.