June 24

Birth Flower

Rose
Garden Rose Hybrid Tea Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa hybrida
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Love
  • Passion
  • I love you
  • Purity
  • Elegance

Characteristics

Colors: Red

Description

Known as the 'Queen of Flowers,' roses have been beloved worldwide as symbols of love and beauty since ancient times. The scientific name Rosa derives from the Celtic word for 'red,' and approximately 30,000 varieties have been created to date. Red roses especially symbolize love and are given on special occasions like proposals and anniversaries. Modern rose breeding developed dramatically when Napoleon I's empress Josephine encouraged variety collection at Malmaison Palace. With different meanings based on color and number, roses play an important role in expressing emotions.

Trivia

  • 12 roses called 'Dozen Roses' each have individual meanings
  • 99 roses symbolize 'eternal love'
  • World's oldest rose has been blooming at German cathedral for over 1000 years
  • Rose fragrance is strongest in the morning

Uses

Ornamental
  • Most popular cut flower
  • Garden ornamental
  • Bouquets and arrangements
  • Wedding decorations
Medicinal
  • Rose hips as vitamin C source
  • Rose water as cosmetic toner
  • Essential oil for aromatherapy

Caution: Caution for thorn injuries

Culinary
  • Petals (edible roses)
  • Rose hips (fruits)
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Cosmetic component
  • Rose oil
  • Dried flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Physical injury from thorns

Symptoms: Puncture wounds from thorns, rarely allergic reactions. Rose hips generally safe

Masterwort
Astrantia Great Masterwort

Scientific Name: Astrantia major
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Language

  • Thirst for love
  • Wish upon a star
  • Intelligence

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

Astrantia is a perennial that produces beautiful hemisphere-shaped flowers in early summer, with small flowers surrounded by star-shaped bracts. What appears to be petals are actually bracts, with numerous small flowers clustered in the center. Named after the Greek word 'Astra' meaning star, it features delicate, beautiful flower forms reminiscent of sparklers. Native to Europe, it prefers cool, moist conditions, making summer survival in Japan's hot, humid climate challenging for advanced gardeners.

Trivia

  • Extremely long-lasting cut flower, enjoyable for over 2 weeks
  • Retains beautiful color and form when dried
  • Frequently used at Chelsea Flower Show in Britain
  • Important nectar source for bees and butterflies

Uses

Ornamental
  • Natural garden plantings
  • Popular cut flower
  • Dried flowers
  • Shade garden plant
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used as medicinal herb in Europe

Caution: Medicinal use not recommended currently

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Flower arrangements
  • Pressed flowers
  • Craft materials

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity, but sensitive individuals should be cautious as it's in the Apiaceae family