June 04

Birth Flower

Fig marigold
Ice plant Rosy dewplant

Scientific Name: Lampranthus spectabilis
Family: Aizoaceae

Flower Language

  • Adaptability

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Fig marigold is a member of the succulent family. Named for its pine needle-like leaves and small chrysanthemum-like flowers. It grows in a spreading manner, making it useful as ground cover. While it can grow in shade, flowers won't open without being planted in sunny locations. The flowers respond to direct sunlight, opening in the morning and closing in the evening.

Trivia

  • Named 'Matsuba-giku' (pine leaf chrysanthemum) for leaf and flower shapes, with dense succulent elongated leaves and chrysanthemum-like flowers
  • Also has flower language of 'laziness' or 'idleness' due to blooming only on sunny days or during daytime
  • Prefers well-draining, dry soil; cactus soil is also suitable for growing
  • Can be propagated by cuttings, with best timing in June or September-October

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ground cover
  • Rock gardens
  • Container gardening
Medicinal
  • No notable medicinal uses recorded

Caution: Medicinal use not recommended

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Use in greening projects
  • Planting in salt-damaged areas
  • Landscape plant for arid regions

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Artichoke
Globe artichoke

Scientific Name: Cynara scolymus
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Independence

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

In early summer, it produces fist-sized bright blue-purple flowers at the tips of thick stems. While it's an improved edible variety of cardoon that grows wild in the Mediterranean coast, it's also planted in large gardens for ornamental purposes and used as cut flowers. Growing 1.5-2m tall, the thistle-like flowers are large, measuring 10-15cm in diameter.

Trivia

  • Flower meanings of 'wounded heart', 'warning', and 'independence' derive from thorns on leaf tips
  • Rich in dietary fiber, effective for constipation relief and beneficial for high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Perennial herb propagated by seeds or division, with vegetative propagation by division recommended
  • Dislikes acidic soil, requiring proper soil preparation

Uses

Ornamental
  • Large garden planting
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Use as dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Liver protective effects
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Digestive aid

Caution: Consult physician regarding medicinal effects

Culinary
  • Buds (receptacle)
  • Stems
Other
  • Use as health food
  • Raw material for supplements
  • Use as herbal tea

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported (edible plant)

Baby's breath
Gypsophila

Scientific Name: Gypsophila paniculata
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • Deep emotion

Characteristics

Colors: Pink

Description

Named 'baby's breath' because fully bloomed gypsophila appears like mist. Native to high-latitude regions including Ukraine, Caucasus, and northern Iran, with about 125 species widely distributed from the Mediterranean coast to Asia. Grows to about 1m tall and produces countless small white flowers.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Gypsophila comes from Greek 'Gypsos' (gypsum) and 'Philos' (loving), referring to preference for chalky soil
  • Produces fluffy, small lovely flowers from May to July, growing to about 1m height
  • All varieties are sensitive to heat and humidity, requiring well-draining soil and locations
  • Once established in ground, no special watering needed and can rely on rainfall

Uses

Ornamental
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Supporting role in bouquets
  • Use as dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Roots sometimes used as soap in folk medicine

Caution: Expert guidance needed for medicinal use

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Staple in flower arrangements
  • Wedding decorations
  • Use in commemorative flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Rose
Garden rose

Scientific Name: Rosa × hybrida
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Elegance

Characteristics

Colors: Pink

Description

Roses are known as plants that are easy to grow even in pots due to their excellent cold and heat resistance. Flowers have 5 petals and numerous stamens, though most garden varieties have double flowers. Blooming period is May to November, with abundant flower colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, green, brown, and multicolored varieties.

Trivia

  • Roses have different flower meanings by color and number given
  • Popular as cut flowers with production levels comparable to chrysanthemums and carnations in Japan
  • Supplied to markets year-round through greenhouse cultivation, one of the world's most beloved flowers
  • Most garden varieties have double flowers, with 5 petals and numerous stamens

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Container gardening
Medicinal
  • Rose hips used as vitamin C source
  • Petals used for herbal tea
  • Essential oil used in aromatherapy

Caution: Garden varieties may not be suitable for consumption

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Rose hips (fruit)
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Cosmetic ingredient
  • Bath additive

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported (though garden varieties may not be suitable for consumption)