Bulgaria has some of the richest flora in Europe - 3550 - 3750 higher plant species and about 847 subspecies. Of special importance are the endemic and relict species which constitute quite a significant part of Bulgaria's higher plant flora. About 170 species and 100 subspecies are identified as Bulgarian endemics.
Characteristic and unique for Bulgaria are species such as Primula deorum, Lilium rhodopaeaum, Oxytropis urumovii, Betonica bulgarica and many others, most of which are concentrated in the largest mountain ranges. Balkan endemics number up to 300 species and subspecies. Among them are Pinus peuce, Haberlea rhodopensis, Sideritis scardica, Aquilegia aurea, Centranthus kellererii, Geum bulgaricum, Viola delphinantha and many others.

Orchids, the most spectacular of plant families, are very well represented in
Bulgaria - with 68 species. As well as the common orchids such as Early purple orchid, Green-winged orchid, Common spotted orchid, Fragrant orchid, Early marsh
orchid, Red and White helleborine and others, a number of very rare orchids such as
Lady's slipper, Violet bird's-nest orchid, Ghost orchid and others can be seen here.

A wide range of plant communities can be observed in Bulgaria. A number of these are relict and endemic communities. Bulgarian endemic species are dominant in 27 communities and Balkan endemics are dominant in 77 others.

The greatest variety of habitats and plant communities occurs in the larger Bulgarian mountain ranges. Other plant communities of high conservation value include sand dunes, and other habitats along the Black Sea coast; longose forests; steppe communities; the Mediterranean elements in the Struma and Mesta river valleys; mesophytic meadows in the plains and macrophytic vegetation around water basins.