Spotted Bellflower
Campanula
Japanese Bellflower
Scientific Name:
Campanula punctata
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
Memory
-
Faithfulness
-
Justice
Description
Spotted Bellflower is a perennial herb native to East Asia that blooms large bell-shaped flowers from late May to July. Lanterns were sometimes called 'hotaru-bukuro (firefly bags),' and this plant gets its name from flowers resembling lanterns. There's also a theory that children used to put fireflies inside the bag-like flowers for play. Flower colors include blue, purple, white, and pink, characteristically featuring fine spots on the petals.
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 ancient poetry collections
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
Rose Campion
Mullein Pink
Dusty Miller
Lychnis coronaria
Scientific Name:
Lychnis coronaria
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Strong feelings
-
My love is unchanging
-
Good will
Description
Rose Campion is a plant native to Southern Europe, introduced to Japan in the late Edo period. The entire plant is covered with soft white hairs, resembling flannel (a soft, brushed fabric from Britain), hence its name. It produces white and pink flowers from spring to early summer, creating beautiful contrast with its silvery leaves. Officially called Suisenou (drunken sage) in Japanese.
Trivia
- Flannel is a soft, brushed fabric originally from Britain
- White-haired leaves are popular in silver leaf gardens
- Extremely drought-tolerant, adapted to Mediterranean climates
- The formal Japanese name Suisenou means 'drunken sage'
Uses
Ornamental
- Dry gardens
- Border gardens
- Silver leaf gardens
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- No significant medicinal uses
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Dried flowers
- Pressed flowers
- Silver colored foliage
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Cypress Vine
Cardinal Climber
Hummingbird Vine
Star Glory
Scientific Name:
Ipomoea quamoclit
Family:
Convolvulaceae
Flower Language
-
Caring
-
Always lovely
-
Delicate love
-
Vitality
Description
Cypress Vine is a climbing plant native to Mexico in the morning glory family, treated as an annual in Japan. The name 'ruko-so' (thread red grass) comes from its thread-like leaves and red flowers. In summer, it produces star-shaped flowers about 2cm in diameter in colors of red, white, and pink. The leaves are finely divided like ferns, with a very delicate and beautiful form. It grows vigorously by extending vines and entwining with other plants.
Trivia
- Flowers open early morning and wither by evening as day-bloomers
- Leaves are pinnately divided with very delicate and beautiful forms
- Vines can grow up to 3-4 meters with vigorous vitality
- The species name quamoclit derives from a term referring to leguminous vines
Uses
Ornamental
- Fence and arch decoration
- Green curtains
- Container gardening
- Garden decoration
Medicinal
- No significant medicinal uses
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Hummingbird nectar source
- Insect nectar source
- Educational plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Bougainvillea
Paper Flower
Great Bougainvillea
Scientific Name:
Bougainvillea spectabilis
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Flower Language
-
Full of charm
-
Passion
-
I only see you
Characteristics
Colors:
Pink
Description
Bougainvillea is an evergreen shrub native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The colorful parts that appear to be petals are actually bracts - modified leaves. Pink varieties are particularly popular, creating a tropical atmosphere with their vibrant colors. While caution is needed due to thorns, its beauty makes it beloved as an ornamental plant worldwide.
Trivia
- The colored petal-like parts are actually bracts - modified leaves
- Usually 3 or 6 bracts surround the flowers
- Named after 18th century French explorer Bougainville
- Sometimes called 'flower devil' in Hawaii
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden decoration
- Fence and arch decoration
- Container gardening
- Greenhouse cultivation
Medicinal
- Leaves contain pinitol said to be effective for diabetes, but no general medicinal uses
Caution:
Mainly for ornamental purposes, consult experts for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Hedging
- Ground cover
- Erosion control
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Risk of physical injury from thorns
Symptoms:
Caution needed for thorn injuries, but plant toxicity is considered low