Sweet Orange Flower
Citrus × sinensis (L.) Osbeck
Sweet orange flowers are highly fragrant, white, waxy blooms that are the state flower of Florida. These beautiful blossoms produce the world's most popular citrus fruit and have been symbols of good fortune and fertility for centuries.
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
March to May with peak bloom in spring; flowers on new wood
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: bitter orange flowers and peonys also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Orange blossoms are the state flower of Florida, reflecting the state's citrus heritage. In wedding traditions worldwide, orange blossoms symbolize fertility and eternal love, adorning bridal bouquets and wreaths. The tree's ability to simultaneously bear flowers and fruit made it a symbol of fertility and abundance. Orange flower water is essential in Middle Eastern and French cuisine. In Chinese culture, oranges represent good fortune, and trees bearing flowers and fruit together symbolize prosperity. Orange blossom honey is highly prized globally. The sweet fragrance of orange groves in bloom is iconic in Mediterranean and subtropical regions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering and fruit production
Water
Moderate to high; water regularly during growing season; intolerant of waterlogging
Soil
Well-drained, Loamy, Clay, Fertile, pH 5-6, Tolerates alkaline
Expert Growing Tips
Trees begin bearing fruit at 3-5 years old
Fruit takes 9-12 months to mature after pollination
Prune after fruit ripens, not before, as flowers bloom on new wood
Dislike root disturbance, plant in permanent location when young
Flowers attract bees for excellent honey production
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Fruit tree in warm gardens
- State flower of Florida (specimen planting)
- Bridal bouquets and wedding decorations
- Bee-attracting pollinator gardens
- Container growing in cooler zones
Traditional Uses
- Fruit extremely high in vitamin C and flavonoids
- Orange juice aids immune system and digestion
- Peel contains d-limonene with anticancer properties
- Flowers made into calming tea
- Essential oil used in aromatherapy for mood elevation
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sweet Orange Flower
Why is orange blossom the state flower of Florida?
Orange blossom became Florida's state flower in 1909, reflecting the state's importance as a citrus-producing region. The fragrant white flowers symbolize Florida's agricultural heritage and natural beauty.
Why are orange blossoms used in weddings?
Orange blossoms symbolize fertility, eternal love, and purity in wedding traditions worldwide. The tree's ability to simultaneously produce flowers and fruit made it a powerful symbol of fruitful unions and prosperity.
What is orange blossom honey?
Orange blossom honey is produced by bees that pollinate citrus groves while collecting nectar from orange flowers. It has a delicate, citrus-scented flavor and is highly prized worldwide.
How long do orange trees flower?
Orange trees flower primarily in spring (March-May), but can bloom intermittently throughout the year in warm climates. The intensely fragrant flowers attract pollinators and develop into fruit over 9-12 months.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Bitter Orange Flower
Citrus × aurantium L.
Bitter orange flowers are intensely fragrant, white, star-shaped blooms with 5 petals. These blossoms produce the highly prized Neroli essential oil and orange flower water used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and cuisine.
Peony
Paeonia lactiflora (representative)
Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant, and often lushly petaled blossoms. They symbolize romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, and honor.
Star Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Star Jasmine is an elegant evergreen climbing vine from East Asia, adored for its masses of small, pinwheel-shaped white flowers that release one of the most intensely sweet and captivating fragrances in the garden. Though unrelated to true jasmines, its scent rivals them all.