Spring is finally here, and with it comes the return of fresh blooms, brighter days, and a renewed love for nature. But when it comes to flowers, preferences vary across the country. A recent study by data research group Ydaft reveals which flowers are most searched—and likely most loved—in every U.S. state.
How the Study Was Conducted
To find out the most popular flower in each state, researchers at Ydaft gathered a list of 85 commonly known flowers from the site Bloom and Wild. They then analyzed Google Trends search data across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., over a three-month period. The most-searched flower in each state was labeled its favorite.
America’s Top Flower: The Rose
Topping the national list is the timeless rose. This flower, often linked to love and romance, was the most searched in 10 states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
Its popularity isn’t surprising. Roses come in many colors, each with symbolic meanings, making them a versatile choice for gifts and gardens. In fact, roses are so beloved in the U.S. that President Ronald Reagan declared them the national flower in 1986.
Surprising Favorites Across the Country
While roses might be a clear national favorite, the second-place flower may come as a surprise: the marigold. Known for its bright yellow and orange petals and ease of care, the marigold earned the top spot in five states—Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Marigolds are also known for repelling pests, making them a great choice for gardeners.
Hydrangeas, known for their full blooms and soft colors, ranked third. They were the top flower in Alabama, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Tied for fourth place were two very different flowers:
Alstroemeria—a long-lasting cut flower with striped petals—was the favorite in California, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
Sunflowers, with their towering stems and sunny faces, led in Kentucky, New Mexico, and North Dakota.
Flower Favorites by State
Here’s a complete breakdown of each state’s most searched flower:
- Alabama: Hydrangea
- Alaska: Iris
- Arizona: Daisy
- Arkansas: Daffodil
- California: Alstroemeria
- Colorado: Marigold
- Connecticut: Hydrangea
- Delaware: Marigold
- District of Columbia: Geranium
- Florida: Rose
- Georgia: Rose
- Hawaii: Orchid
- Idaho: Snapdragon
- Illinois: Rose
- Indiana: Lily
- Iowa: Zinnia
- Kansas: Marigold
- Kentucky: Sunflower
- Louisiana: Rose
- Maine: Ranunculus
- Maryland: Rose
- Massachusetts: Alstroemeria
- Michigan: Alstroemeria
- Minnesota: Waxflower
- Mississippi: Rose
- Missouri: Marigold
- Montana: Ranunculus
- Nebraska: Daisy
- Nevada: Lily
- New Hampshire: Poppy
- New Jersey: Rose
- New Mexico: Sunflower
- New York: Rose
- North Carolina: Hydrangea
- North Dakota: Sunflower
- Ohio: Rose
- Oklahoma: Tulip
- Oregon: Hyacinth
- Pennsylvania: Lavender
- Rhode Island: Hydrangea
- South Carolina: Azalea
- South Dakota: Poppy
- Tennessee: Peony
- Texas: Tulip
- Utah: Hyacinth
- Vermont: Geranium
- Virginia: Rose
- Washington: Dahlia
- West Virginia: Aster
- Wisconsin: Marigold
- Wyoming: Snapdragon
Regional Trends: A Blooming Pattern
Though each state had its own favorite flower, some clear regional trends stood out.
Eastern States Love Roses: All 10 rose-loving states are located in the eastern half of the U.S., with none in the West naming it their top bloom.
Neighboring States Share Floral Tastes:
Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado all favor marigolds.
Texas and Oklahoma both love tulips.
Hydrangeas Stay East: Like the rose, the hydrangea was only a favorite in Eastern states.
These patterns suggest that local climate and gardening conditions may influence what flowers are both grown and searched for.
What It All Means
While flower preferences can be personal, this study shows that local trends—and maybe even neighborly influence—play a big role. Whether it’s the romantic rose, the cheerful marigold, or the bold sunflower, each bloom brings a touch of joy to homes and gardens around the country.
