February 19

Birth Flower

Primula juliana
Julian primrose Polyanthus primrose

Scientific Name: Primula juliana
Family: Primulaceae

Flower Language

  • eternal love
  • beginning and sorrow of youth

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Primula juliana is one of the garden varieties of western primrose, developed through crossbreeding between the small Caucasian juliae species and the improved large-flowered polyanthus. Released by Sakata Seeds in 1972, this relatively new variety group maintains a compact form of 8-15cm height while retaining substantial flower size for strong visual impact. Cold-hardy and provides long-lasting blooms from winter through spring.

Trivia

  • Relatively new variety developed by Sakata Seeds in 1972
  • Characterized by smaller plant size than polyanthus while maintaining flower size
  • Available in single, double, and rose-form flower types beyond single blooms
  • Cold-hardy but heat-sensitive, treated as annual in Japan

Uses

Ornamental
  • Winter to spring bedding and container planting
  • Potted plants for indoor and outdoor decoration
  • Featured plant in container gardening
Medicinal
  • Grown for ornamental purposes, no medicinal use

Caution: No medicinal effects

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Horticultural therapy applications
  • Educational plant for school gardening
  • Short-term cut flower enjoyment

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant (especially roots)

Symptoms: Primula species may cause mild skin irritation

Magnolia
Purple magnolia Lily magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia liliiflora
Family: Magnoliaceae

Flower Language

  • love of nature
  • dignity
  • sublime

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Magnolia is a deciduous shrub from the Magnoliaceae family, native to southern China. Known as one of Earth's oldest flowering trees, it has maintained its current form for over 100 million years. Blooming before leaves emerge in March-April, it produces upright purple-red flowers about 10cm long with a subtle fragrance. Growing 4-5m tall as a medium-sized tree, it tends to form multiple trunks.

Trivia

  • One of Earth's oldest flowering trees, maintaining current form for over 100 million years
  • Main fragrance component is the compound pentadecane
  • Flowers characteristically bloom upward without fully opening
  • Buds used to make 'Shin-i' herbal medicine still used today

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden tree for early spring landscape
  • Park and street tree planting
  • Short-term cut flower enjoyment
Medicinal
  • Dried buds used as 'Shin-i' herbal medicine
  • Traditional use for rhinitis, headaches, and coughs

Caution: Medicinal use requires expert knowledge

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Used as perfume ingredient
  • Wood used for crafts and furniture
  • Research material for essential oil components

Toxicity

Symptoms: No general toxicity reported but caution needed for medicinal use