Satsuki azalea
Japanese azalea
Scientific Name:
Rhododendron indicum
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
punctuality
-
temperance
-
chastity
Description
Satsuki is often thought to be different from azaleas, but Satsuki is also a member of the Rhododendron genus. Satsuki blooms later than other azaleas, has slightly smaller flowers, and has waxy, glossy flowers. It has the property of growing vigorously even in harsh environments such as rock faces and streamside areas.
Trivia
- Has over 400 years of cultivation history as bonsai
- Named 'Satsuki' for blooming in the 5th lunar month
- Has particularly beautiful glossy petals among Ericaceae
- Tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into various forms
Uses
Ornamental
- Bonsai
- Garden trees
- Potted plants
- Ikebana
Medicinal
Caution:
Medicinal use dangerous due to grayanotoxin content
Culinary
Not edible due to toxic compounds
Other
- Parent variety for horticultural breeding
- Tourism resource (Satsuki festivals)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Flowers, Leaves, Nectar
Symptoms:
Vomiting, convulsions, staggering, difficulty walking, arrhythmia, respiratory arrest in severe cases
Gymnaster
Miyakowasure
Scientific Name:
Gymnaster savatieri
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
strong will
-
brief comfort
-
until we meet again
Description
A garden variety of the Japanese native Miyamayomena that blooms beautifully every early summer without much care. Blue-purple colors are common, but pink flowers also exist. It has a long history of cultivation since the Edo period and has been loved as a tea ceremony flower.
Trivia
- Named 'Miyakowasure' from Emperor Juntoku's historical tale
- Continuously loved as tea ceremony flower since Edo period
- Blue-purple flowers are common but pink varieties also exist
- Hardy plant that blooms beautifully every year without much care
Uses
Ornamental
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
- Wild plant gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal use
Culinary
No recorded culinary use
Other
- Subject of literary works
- Seasonal word in haiku and tanka
- Symbolic plant of Japanese culture
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Boronia
Pigmy lantern
Scientific Name:
Boronia pinnata
Family:
Rutaceae
Flower Language
-
impressive
-
fragrant
-
heartwarming
Description
A shrub endemic to Australia that grows in dry, bright sclerophyll forests. It produces cute round buds and blooms star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers throughout its branches. The branches and leaves have a pleasant citrus fragrance, and some varieties also have fragrant flowers. Also known as 'Pigmy Lantern.'
Trivia
- Named after Italian plant collector Francesco Boroni
- High cultivation difficulty, suitable for advanced gardeners
- Difficult to recover once it experiences water stress
- About 150 species of Boronia exist in Australia
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Hanging baskets
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Fragrance gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal use
Culinary
No recorded culinary use
Other
- Essential oil extraction
- Perfume ingredient
- Aromatherapy
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Carnation
Clove pink
Dianthus
Scientific Name:
Dianthus caryophyllus
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
mother's love
-
pure love
-
deep love
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
A perennial of the Caryophyllaceae family native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. Beloved since ancient Greek and Roman times, it is cherished worldwide as a symbol of Mother's Day. Red carnations hold particular significance as flowers expressing 'mother's love.'
Trivia
- Symbol flower when Anna Jarvis proposed Mother's Day in 1907
- One of the most cultivated cut flowers in the world
- Offered to Jupiter in ancient Rome
- Flower name derives from Latin meaning 'flesh color'
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bedding plants
- Potted plants
- Bouquets
- Corsages
Medicinal
- Believed to have fever-reducing properties in ancient times
Caution:
Not currently used medicinally
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Essential oil extraction
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported. Used as food since ancient times.