Allium
Ornamental Onion
Giant Allium
Scientific Name:
Allium giganteum Regel
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
right assertion
-
well-rounded personality
-
gentle
-
indomitable spirit
Description
Allium is a perennial bulbous plant in the onion family with about 700 wild species. Large varieties like Giganteum can reach 15cm flower diameter and 150cm height, while small varieties have flowers about 3cm across. In May-June, they form spherical or umbellate flower clusters with small flowers in purple, blue, white, or pink densely packed together. Flowers bloom gradually, making them long-lasting and popular for cut arrangements. The genus name comes from Latin meaning garlic or smell, as damaged leaves emit the characteristic onion-like scent.
Trivia
- Garlic and onions are also members of the Allium genus
- Individual flowers in clusters bloom from outside to center
- Large variety bulbs can exceed 10cm in diameter
- Makes excellent companion plant with roses
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bed planting
- Cut flower arrangements
- Dried flower crafts
Medicinal
- Some species used in traditional medicine
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Caution:
Ornamental varieties not recommended for medicinal use.
Culinary
- Bulbs (certain species only)
- Young leaves
Other
- Companion planting for pest deterrence
- Floral arrangements
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, leaves
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Avoid consuming ornamental varieties.
Agapanthus
African Lily
Lily of the Nile
Scientific Name:
Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns.
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
intellectual elegance
-
arrival of love
-
love letter
-
season of love
Description
Agapanthus is a perennial from South Africa in the amaryllis family, called 'love flower' from Greek agape (love) and anthos (flower). From late May to early August, it produces beautiful blue-purple to white flowers clustered in spherical heads. The firework-like shape gives a very cool impression, bringing refreshing feelings in hot summer. It's very hardy with minimal care requirements, excellent cold, heat, and shade tolerance. Varieties range from tall types over 1m high to dwarf varieties suitable for containers.
Trivia
- Previously classified in lily family, hence called 'African Lily'
- Flower color subtly changes with soil pH
- One flower head can contain over 100 individual flowers
- Globally popular cut flower with hundreds of millions traded annually
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bed planting
- Container cultivation
- Cut flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in South African traditional medicine
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Medicinal use requires expertise and is not generally recommended.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption.
Other
- Floral arrangements
- Dried flower crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
rhizome, leaves
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Rose
Garden Rose
Hybrid Tea Rose
Scientific Name:
Rosa × hybrida
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
love
-
I love you
-
passion
-
pure love blooming
-
purity and loveliness
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Roses are called the 'queen of flowers' and have been beloved worldwide as symbols of love and beauty since ancient times. About 40,000 varieties are currently recognized, with diversity in color, form, and fragrance surpassing other flowers. From the basic form with 5 petals and numerous stamens to luxurious double-flowered garden varieties. The blooming period extends from May to November, and with proper care can be enjoyed year-round. Red roses are especially important for expressing love, with buds symbolizing pure love. Existing for 30 million years, they are special flowers that have walked alongside human history.
Trivia
- 1 rose means 'love at first sight', 12 roses mean 'be my girlfriend'
- World's oldest rose fossil dates back 35 million years
- Damask rose is considered one of the most fragrant varieties
- Napoleon's wife Josephine collected 250 rose varieties
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden cultivation
- Cut flower arrangements
- Container growing
Medicinal
- Rose hips rich in vitamin C
- Petals believed to have beauty benefits
- Essential oil used in aromatherapy
Caution:
Garden varieties may not be suitable for food or medicine.
Culinary
- Petals (pesticide-free)
- Rose hips (fruits)
Other
- Perfume and cosmetic ingredients
- Rose water production
- Dried flower crafts
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Petals are generally non-toxic, but beware of physical injury from thorns.