March 27

Birth Flower

Grape hyacinth
Muscari Bluebells

Scientific Name: Muscari armeniacum
Family: Asparagaceae

Flower Language

  • bright future
  • generous love
  • hearts that understand each other

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Muscari is a bulbous plant of the Asparagaceae family native to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean coast, blooming from early March to late April. It produces deep blue-purple flowers and is also called 'grape hyacinth' for its grape-like appearance. The name derives from the Greek 'moschos' (musk), named for its strong musky fragrance. It's an easy-to-grow plant with few pests and diseases, and white and cobalt varieties have appeared in recent years. It's beloved worldwide as a representative flower that colors spring gardens.

Trivia

  • Called 'grape hyacinth' for flower shapes resembling grape clusters
  • Hardy plant that blooms annually even when bulbs are left planted
  • Famous for large flower fields at Keukenhof Gardens in Netherlands
  • Fragrant varieties used as perfume since ancient times

Uses

Ornamental
  • flower beds
  • potted plants
  • rock gardens
  • cut flowers
Medicinal
  • records of medicinal use in ancient times

Caution: medicinal use not recommended today

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • perfume ingredient (some varieties)
  • propagation by bulb division

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: bulbs, leaves

Symptoms: digestive symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

Tahitian bridal veil
Bridal veil Dotted bridal veil

Scientific Name: Gibasis pellucida
Family: Commelinaceae

Flower Language

  • wishing for happiness
  • happiness
  • bride's happiness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Bridal veil is a perennial of the Commelinaceae family native to Mexico. When grown in hanging baskets, it forms a veil-like shape with white small flowers, named for resembling a bride's veil. Leaves are lanceolate, dark green above and dark reddish-purple below. Tiny 5-6mm white flowers bloom scattered across the entire plant, flowering year-round with proper temperature. Though compact at 20-30cm tall, it's vigorous with thin creeping stems, commonly grown in hanging baskets.

Trivia

  • English name is 'Tahitian bridal veil' but not actually native to Tahiti
  • Easy for beginners to grow with proper temperature management
  • Can be easily propagated by cuttings
  • Though flowers are small, their abundance creates beautiful overall impression

Uses

Ornamental
  • hanging baskets
  • potted plants
  • indoor decoration
  • wedding bouquets
Medicinal

Caution: no confirmed medicinal use

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • wedding decoration
  • interior greenery

Toxicity

Symptoms: no particular toxicity reported

Slipper flower
Pocketbook plant Pouch flower

Scientific Name: Calceolaria crenatiflora
Family: Calceolariaceae

Flower Language

  • to my companion
  • assistance
  • happiness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Calceolaria is a perennial of the Calceolariaceae family native to the Andes of South America, called 'pouch plant' for its distinctive pouch-shaped flowers. The scientific name 'Calceolaria' derives from the Greek 'calceolus' meaning 'small slipper', named for flowers resembling slippers. Flower colors are diverse including yellow, orange, white, red, and pink, with two-tone and spotted varieties. Blooming period is March to August, preferring sunny, warm, and dry conditions.

Trivia

  • Sometimes considered symbol of financial fortune for flowers resembling purses
  • About 400 wild species distributed in South America
  • Temperature control important, preferring 15-20°C environment
  • Darwin also studied Calceolaria relatives in Galápagos Islands

Uses

Ornamental
  • potted plants
  • greenhouse cultivation
  • cut flowers
  • flower beds (warm regions)
Medicinal
  • records of use as folk medicine in South America

Caution: medicinal use not recommended today

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • material for horticultural education
  • subject of botanical research

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, stems

Symptoms: mild skin irritation symptoms