June 20

Birth Flower

Bellflower
Dalmatian Bellflower Wall Bellflower

Scientific Name: Campanula portenschlagiana Schult.
Family: Campanulaceae

Flower Language

  • precious person
  • gratitude
  • sincerity
  • constancy

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Otome-gikyo is a perennial from Europe in the bellflower family, producing small beautiful bell-shaped flowers. With a low height of 10-15cm, it spreads horizontally to form cushion-like clumps. During the flowering period from April to May, it produces abundant blue-purple or white flowers covering the entire plant, creating a carpet-like beauty. The genus name Campanula comes from Latin meaning 'little bell', referring to the flower shape. It's popular as a garden plant suitable for ground cover, edging, and rock gardens.

Trivia

  • Species name 'portenschlagiana' honors Austrian naturalist Franz von Portenschlag
  • Prefers alkaline soil due to native habitat on limestone cliffs
  • Flowers have nectar guides (patterns) in the center
  • Often sold under the common name 'Bellflower'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Container cultivation
  • Ground cover
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for throat pain in Europe
  • Flower decoction used as folk medicine

Caution: Medicinal use requires expertise and ornamental varieties not recommended.

Culinary
  • Young leaves (small amounts)
  • Flowers (decorative)
Other
  • Greening stone walls and retaining walls
  • Small cut flower arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic, but avoid large quantities.

Calibrachoa
Million Bells Mini Petunia

Scientific Name: Calibrachoa × hybrida
Family: Solanaceae

Flower Language

  • peaceful heart
  • calm mind
  • being with you soothes my heart
  • natural heart

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Calibrachoa is a relatively new genus created in 1990 when separated from Petunia, a perennial from South America in the nightshade family. It produces abundant small flowers 2.5-3cm in diameter resembling miniature petunias from spring to late autumn. With a low height of 10-40cm, it's suitable for hanging baskets and mixed plantings. Flower colors include rich variations not found in petunias, including vibrant yellow, orange, and chocolate colors. Hardy and easy to grow, it's recommended for beginners.

Trivia

  • New genus classified separately from Petunia only since 1990
  • Spread worldwide under the trade name 'Million Bells'
  • One plant can produce hundreds to thousands of flowers
  • Easily propagated through cuttings

Uses

Ornamental
  • Hanging baskets
  • Container combinations
  • Ground cover
Medicinal

Caution: No recorded medicinal uses.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Balcony gardening
  • Container gardens

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: whole plant, especially leaves

Symptoms: As a nightshade family plant, large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.