Pelargonium
Lady Washington Geranium
Regal Geranium
Martha Washington Geranium
Scientific Name:
Pelargonium × domesticum
Family:
Geraniaceae
Flower Language
-
Elegant beauty
-
Happiness with you
-
Glamorous appearance
Description
A perennial from the Cape region of South Africa in the Geraniaceae family, first cultivated in Europe through Eastern trade. Related to geranium, it produces glamorous azalea-like flowers from April to June. Characterized by flowers with black or red blotches and stripe patterns in the center of the upper two or all five petals, distinguished from geranium by its seasonal blooming habit.
Trivia
- Same genus as geranium but distinguished by seasonal vs. continuous blooming
- Called 'Lady's Geranium' for beautiful petal markings
- Historical introduction to Europe through Eastern trade
- Current cultivars created through hybridization of multiple species
Uses
Ornamental
- Container gardening
- Spring garden bed planting
- Window decoration
Medicinal
- Aromatherapy fragrance use
Caution:
Medical evidence is limited; consult physician before use.
Other
- Fragrance ingredient
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
American Hibiscus
Rose Mallow
Swamp Hibiscus
Hardy Hibiscus
Scientific Name:
Hibiscus moscheutos
Family:
Malvaceae
Flower Language
-
Graceful lover
-
Delicate beauty
-
Daily beauty
Description
A perennial from North America in the Malvaceae family, related to the delicate-flowered Hibiscus but differs in being herbaceous rather than woody. Remarkably hardy, it produces large flowers over 20cm in diameter even in midsummer when many other flowers struggle. Each flower lasts only one day, but numerous flowers bloom in succession from July to September. The above-ground parts die back in winter, but new growth emerges from spring to early summer.
Trivia
- Also called Kusa-fuyo in Japanese
- Used as parent for breeding Titan Hibiscus varieties
- Garden varieties with flower diameter up to 30cm exist
- Called 'Swamp Hibiscus' due to natural wetland habitat
Uses
Ornamental
- Summer garden bed planting
- Waterside gardens
- Large container growing
Medicinal
- Used by Native Americans for skin problems in traditional medicine
Caution:
Folk medicine use only. Consult physician before use.
Other
- Wetland ecosystem protection
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Seed food for wild birds
Agapanthus
African Blue Lily
Lily of the Nile
Love Flower
Scientific Name:
Agapanthus africanus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
The arrival of love
-
Love letter
-
Intellectual elegance
Description
A perennial from South Africa in the Amaryllidaceae family, named from Greek 'agape' (love) and 'anthos' (flower). In early summer, it sends up flower stems from clumps of glossy, thick leaves, producing cool, firework-shaped flower clusters. Ranges from large varieties over 1m tall to compact types around 30cm, with diverse flower forms. Hardy and low-maintenance, suitable for naturalized plantings.
Trivia
- Scientific name Agapanthus means 'flower of love'
- Called 'Firework Flower' in English due to its shape
- Both evergreen and deciduous varieties exist
- 10-20 native species grow wild in South Africa
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Cut flower use
- Parks and street landscaping
Medicinal
- Used in South African traditional medicine for pregnancy and childbirth
Caution:
Medical evidence is limited; consult a physician before use.
Other
- Flower arrangements
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially bulbs
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
German Iris
Bearded Iris
Common Flag
Fleur-de-lis
Scientific Name:
Iris germanica
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
Burning love
-
Message of love
-
Good news
Description
A perennial in the Iris family from the Mediterranean region, developed in Germany and France in the early 1800s. This species doesn't exist in the wild; it's a garden variety created by hybridizing various Iris species. Characterized by brush-like hairs densely growing near the base of petals, it blooms in various colors from April to May, earning the name 'Rainbow Flower'. Has strong fragrance and is also known as 'Fragrant Iris'.
Trivia
- Scientific name Iris means 'rainbow' in Greek
- Said to be the model for French royal emblem Fleur-de-lis
- Characterized by petal hairs (beard), also called 'Bearded Iris'
- Thousands of garden varieties now exist
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring garden bed planting
- Cut flower use
- Garden border plantings
Medicinal
- Fragrance extraction from rhizomes
- Sometimes used in folk medicine for skin problems
Caution:
Rhizomes are toxic; avoid internal use. Consult physician even for external use.
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Heraldic and decorative motif
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Rhizomes, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested. Skin contact may cause dermatitis.