Dutch Iris
Iris hollandica
Western iris
Scientific Name:
Iris × hollandica
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
Message
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Good News
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Glad Tidings
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Hope
Description
A bulbous plant of Iridaceae family native to Mediterranean coast, bred in Netherlands in 19th century. Created through crossing three species from Spain, France, and North Africa. Various flower colors including purple, yellow, and white, blooming beautiful flowers 11-16cm diameter from April-June. Mainly cultivated for cut flowers, popular for both Japanese and Western styles.
Trivia
- 'Iris' means 'rainbow' in Greek
- Created by Dutch bulb company Van Tubergen in 19th century
- Hybrid born from crossing three original species
- Most irises seen in flower shops are this variety
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers
- Ikebana flower material
- Flower arrangements
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal effects known
Caution:
No particular cautions needed
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Important crop in horticultural industry
- Bulb export commodity
- Sometimes used as perfume ingredient
Stock
Gillyflower
Ten Week Stock
Scientific Name:
Matthiola incana
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
Power to Overcome Adversity
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Eternal Beauty
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Bonds of Love
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Courtship
Description
Originally perennial from Southern Europe, treated as annual in Japan due to summer heat sensitivity. 20-80cm tall, blooming 4-petaled flowers in spikes from March-May. Rich variety of colors including pink, white, purple, yellow, and red with characteristic sweet spicy fragrance. Good lasting quality as cut flowers, popular for arrangements.
Trivia
- English name 'Stock' means stem, referring to thick sturdy stems
- Japanese name 'Arasetou' written as '紫羅欄花'
- Both single and double flowers exist, doubles more popular for cut flowers
- Flowers bloom progressively from bottom to top
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers
- Garden bed planting
- Material for mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Historically used as medicinal herb
- Medicinal use not common today
Caution:
Medicinal effects not confirmed today
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as perfume ingredient
- Can be enjoyed as dried flowers
Anemone
Windflower
Poppy Anemone
Scientific Name:
Anemone coronaria
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
I Love You
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Expectation
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I Am Waiting for You
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Fleeting Love
Characteristics
Colors:
Red, White, Blue-purple
Description
A bulbous plant of Ranunculaceae family native to Mediterranean coast and Southern Europe. Blooms vivid colored flowers in red, white, pink, purple, blue in spring. Name derives from Greek word for 'wind', as petals scatter easily in wind. In Greek mythology, flower born from blood of beautiful youth Adonis. Caution needed in handling due to toxicity in all parts.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'coronaria' means 'crown'
- Name derives from Greek 'anemos' (wind)
- Over 100 varieties exist, each with different fragrance
- Color atmosphere may change between bud and flowering stages
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden beds and pot plant viewing
- Used as cut flowers
- Material for spring mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Historically used as medicinal herb
- Not used medicinally today due to toxicity
Caution:
Absolutely avoid ingestion due to toxicity in all parts, caution for skin contact
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Flower arrangement material
- Used for bouquet color
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant (protoanemonin)
Symptoms:
Dermatitis, blisters, rashes, digestive symptoms and severe poisoning from ingestion
Cornflower
Bachelor's Button
Bluebottle
Scientific Name:
Centaurea cyanus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Elegance
-
Delicacy
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Single Life
-
Education
Description
An annual native to Europe, originally a weed in wheat fields. Blue flowers particularly beautiful, serving as national flower of Germany and Estonia. Japanese name comes from resemblance to carp streamer pinwheel. Used as cut flowers, dried flowers, and edible flowers. Historic flower found even in Tutankhamun's tomb in ancient Egypt.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'Centaurea' derives from Greek mythology centaur
- 'Cyanus' means 'blue' in Greek
- Depicted in Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus'
- History of Prussian queen picking with sons during Napoleon era
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bed planting
- Used as cut flowers
- Viewed as dried flowers
Medicinal
- Historically used for medicine, food, and dye
- Mainly ornamental use today
Caution:
Medicinal effects not confirmed today
Other
- Used as natural dye
- Nectar source for insects
- Material for wildflower gardens