July 10

Birth Flower

Rose Moss
Eleven o'clock Moss-rose purslane Portulaca

Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora
Family: Portulacaceae

Flower Language

  • Innocent
  • Innocence
  • Endurance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Rose moss is an annual plant native to South America, with succulent needle-like leaves resembling pine needles and flowers resembling peonies. It is extremely tolerant of summer heat and drought, producing vibrant flowers in red, pink, yellow, white, and orange. While individual flowers are short-lived, they bloom continuously throughout the season. The flowers open in the morning and close before noon, earning it the English name 'Eleven o'clock.'

Trivia

  • Called 'eleven o'clock flower' because blooms open in morning and close before noon
  • Individual flowers last only about one day but continuous blooming provides long-lasting display
  • Seeds are very tiny and the plant readily self-seeds
  • Extremely heat and drought tolerant, requiring minimal watering

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Container gardening
  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover
Medicinal
  • No significant medicinal uses

Caution: Not recommended for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Educational gardening in schools
  • Dried flower arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Bergamot
Bee Balm Monarda Wild Bergamot

Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Gentle heart
  • Burning passion
  • Peace

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Bergamot (Monarda) is a perennial herb native to North America, known for its aromatic foliage. It produces striking red, pink, or white flowers from July to September, making it perfect for natural gardens. The leaves have antimicrobial properties and are used to make herbal tea, believed to help with digestive issues and insomnia. It's named for its similarity in fragrance to bergamot orange, though they are completely different plants.

Trivia

  • The name 'Torch Flower' comes from its flame-like red flower color
  • Popular nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
  • Completely different from bergamot orange used in Earl Grey tea flavoring
  • Called 'Liberty Tea' during the American Revolutionary War period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Herb gardens
  • Naturalized gardens
  • Butterfly gardens
  • Perennial borders
Medicinal
  • Digestive aid
  • Sleep improvement
  • Antimicrobial properties
  • Cold symptom relief

Caution: Consult healthcare provider during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Culinary
  • Young leaves
  • Flowers
Other
  • Potpourri
  • Dried flower arrangements
  • Natural dye

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic when used in moderation

Lisianthus
Eustoma Turkish Bellflower Prairie Gentian

Scientific Name: Eustoma grandiflorum
Family: Gentianaceae

Flower Language

  • Elegance
  • Gratitude
  • Refreshing beauty

Characteristics

Colors: Pink

Description

Lisianthus is a gentian family plant native to North America, despite its name suggesting Turkish origin. The name comes from the flower buds resembling Turkish turbans and the blooming style similar to bellflowers. Pink varieties are particularly popular, featuring rose-like elegant flower forms and beautiful coloring, making them widely used as cut flowers. With excellent vase life, they are frequently used in bridal bouquets.

Trivia

  • Commercial cultivation in Japan began in earnest in the 1980s
  • Some varieties produce multiple flowers per stem
  • Excellent vase life, lasting over a week as cut flowers
  • Breeding programs have created varieties in diverse colors and forms

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Bridal bouquets
  • Floral arrangements
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • No medicinal uses

Caution: For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Pressed flowers
  • Dried flower arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Spotted Bellflower
Long-flowered Harebell Japanese Bellflower

Scientific Name: Campanula punctata
Family: Campanulaceae

Flower Language

  • Faithfulness
  • Justice
  • Chastity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Spotted bellflower is a perennial native to East Asia, blooming large bell-shaped flowers from late May to July. Flower colors include blue, purple, white, and pink, characteristically featuring fine spots on the petals. The name comes from children putting fireflies inside the bag-like flowers to play. It's very hardy and easy to grow, thriving even in partial shade and growing wild in mountainous areas.

Trivia

  • When fireflies are actually placed inside the flowers, they create a mystical glowing effect
  • Spreads by underground rhizomes, appearing in the same location year after year
  • Also called 'lantern flower' due to its lantern-like shape
  • A flower beloved since ancient times, even mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry collection

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden borders
  • Rock gardens
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Shade gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory purposes in folk medicine, but rarely used medicinally today

Caution: Medicinal use is not recommended today

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Nature observation
  • Environmental education
  • Pressed flower crafts

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Whole plant contains trace amounts of alkaloids

Symptoms: Generally harmless unless consumed in large quantities, but avoid eating