Clematis
Virgin's Bower Traveller's Joy Old Man's Beard

Scientific Name: Clematis spp.
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Cunning
  • Beauty of mind
  • Traveller's joy

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Clematis is a plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, genus Clematis, known as the 'queen of climbing plants.' With over 300 varieties worldwide, it is beloved by gardeners alongside roses in English gardens. The flowering period is from April to October, with various types including the 'Florida' group producing large flowers and the 'Viticella' group bearing many small flowers. Japan has native species like Kazaguruma and Tessen from China, which have been cherished since ancient times.

Trivia

  • The name derives from the Greek word for 'vine'
  • Some varieties have fragrant flowers
  • Repeat-flowering varieties bloom multiple times a year
  • Japan's windmill grass is actually a different plant

Uses

Ornamental
  • Decorative use on garden arches and fences
  • Cut flowers for bouquets
  • Potted plant appreciation
Medicinal
  • Traditional external treatment for joint pain
  • Treatment for skin conditions

Caution: As a toxic plant, internal use is dangerous. Careful handling is required.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Use as natural dye
  • Material for basket weaving

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems, Sap

Symptoms: Causes burning sensation in mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal mucosa irritation

Old Rose
Heritage Rose Antique Rose Classic Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa gallica, Rosa × damascena
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Elegance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Old roses refer to rose varieties that existed before the creation of the hybrid tea rose 'La France' by French breeder Guillot in 1867. These are the roses depicted in European paintings and antique ceramics, possessing classic flower forms and fragrance. The four basic groups are Gallica, Alba, Damask, and Centifolia, typically once-blooming with elegant flower forms, rich fragrance, and layered, frilled petals.

Trivia

  • Damask rose is the national flower of Bulgaria
  • Old roses are used in the famous Chanel No.5 perfume
  • Gallica roses are also called French roses
  • Some varieties have over 1000 years of history

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation for garden decoration
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Preservation as dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Rose hips used as vitamin C source
  • Petals used for beauty and skincare

Caution: Caution needed for those with allergies

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Rose hips
Other
  • Raw material for perfumes and cosmetics
  • Rose oil extraction

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Astilbe
False Goat's Beard False Spirea

Scientific Name: Astilbe × arendsii
Family: Saxifragaceae

Flower Language

  • Approach of love
  • Following one's heart
  • Modesty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Astilbe is a perennial that brightens early summer gardens with elegant, pyramid-shaped flower plumes resembling cotton candy. Suitable for shade gardens, it continues to bloom vigorously even during long rainy seasons without flower damage. The balanced appearance with densely growing foliage creates an attractive, stable plant form. In 1908, German breeder George Arends successfully created garden hybrids that became the foundation of current cultivars.

Trivia

  • The name means 'without brilliance' in Greek
  • German breeder Arends is called the father of modern varieties
  • Maintains beautiful foliage from flowering until winter
  • Representative plant of shade gardens

Uses

Ornamental
  • Adding color to shade gardens
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Ground cover applications
Medicinal
  • Traditional fever reduction
  • Anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Medical effects not scientifically confirmed

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Use as dried flowers
  • Material for floral arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Tuberose
Polianthes Night-blooming Tuberose

Scientific Name: Polianthes tuberosa
Family: Agavaceae

Flower Language

  • Sensual
  • Dangerous pleasure
  • You calm my heart

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a perennial plant from the Agavaceae family, native to Mexico. Around August, it produces spike-shaped flower clusters of 20-30 white, six-petaled flowers, with flower spikes reaching about 45cm. Its most distinctive feature is its fragrance - a complex, exotic, sweet floral scent that intensifies at night. This scent is considered the most sensual among flowers, being elegant and alluring. It is cultivated in Hawaii and tropical Asia for creating perfume top notes.

Trivia

  • Scientific name means 'white flower'
  • Used in Chanel No.5 perfume
  • Popular lei flower alongside plumeria in Hawaii
  • Fragrance becomes 10 times stronger at night

Uses

Ornamental
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Cultivation as fragrant garden plant
  • Material for flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Traditional relaxation effects
  • Stress relief in aromatherapy

Caution: Avoid use in enclosed spaces due to strong fragrance

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Aroma oil production
  • Incense material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Bulbs, Sap

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation

Red Rose
Rosa Garden Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa × hybrida
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Passion
  • Love
  • Beauty

Characteristics

Colors: Red

Description

The red rose is called the 'queen of flowers' and is considered the most beautiful flower on Earth. The relationship between humans and roses spans over 2000 years, with currently over 15,000 varieties existing. Red roses are the most representative color symbolizing love and passion, given during romantic occasions such as proposals, Valentine's Day, and wedding anniversaries. Twelve red roses are called 'dozen roses' and hold special meaning in European tradition.

Trivia

  • 1 rose means 'love at first sight', 12 roses mean 'eternal love pledge'
  • The most beloved flower color in the world
  • Red rose fragrance consists of over 300 compounds
  • Cultivated since ancient Persian times

Uses

Ornamental
  • Proposals and anniversary gifts
  • Wedding bouquets
  • Garden decoration
Medicinal
  • Rose hips rich in vitamin C
  • Rose oil for aromatherapy
  • Petals for beauty benefits

Caution: Caution needed for thorn injuries

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Rose hips
Other
  • Luxury perfume ingredient
  • Cosmetic component
  • Rose water production

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic (except for physical injury from thorns)