Salvia
Scarlet sage
Scientific Name:
Salvia splendens
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Burning feelings
-
Respect
-
Wisdom
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
An annual herb of the mint family native to Brazil that colors flower beds from early summer to autumn. While Salvia was associated with red, the large red-flowered species is called Salvia splendens and originates from Brazil. The flower language 'burning feelings' comes from its flame-like appearance. It is popular as a garden plant due to its heat tolerance and long blooming period.
Trivia
- Etymology of Salvia comes from Latin 'salvare' meaning 'to save'
- Spread from French royal court to European countries in the 16th century
- Popular with pollinators like butterflies and bees
- Heat-tolerant and blooms until frost
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Planters
- Cut flowers
- Mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Some species used as medicinal herbs
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Nectar source plant
- Companion plants
Common mallow
High mallow
Blue mallow
Scientific Name:
Malva sylvestris
Family:
Malvaceae
Flower Language
-
Gentle heart
-
Peaceful
-
Mild
Description
A perennial herb of the malvaceae family native to Europe, introduced to Japan as an ornamental plant during the Edo period. Tea made from the vibrant blue-purple flowers that bloom in summer has a mild floral taste. The leaves contain various vitamins, and young leaves and buds can be picked for salads or cooked. When flowers are steeped in hot water, they make beautiful blue tea that magically turns pink when lemon is added.
Trivia
- Also known as 'Usubeniaoi' (light red hollyhock) in Japanese
- Flower tea is popular as 'magic tea' that changes from blue to pink
- Was used as medicinal herb in ancient Egypt
- Called 'cheese leaves' in Europe, sometimes used to wrap cheese for storage
Uses
Ornamental
- Herb gardens
- Garden border plants
- Wild-style gardens
Medicinal
- Sore throat relief
- Digestive system improvement
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Culinary
- Flowers
- Young leaves
- Buds
Other
- Natural dye
- Ornamental dried flowers
Chinese lantern
Winter cherry
Ground cherry
Bladder cherry
Scientific Name:
Physalis alkekengi
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
Deception
-
Falsehood
-
Tempt me
Description
A perennial herb of the solanaceae family native to Southeast Asia that blooms small cream-colored flowers from June to August, with fruits coloring from July to September. The flower language 'falsehood' and 'deception' comes from the fact that the inside is hollow and the seeds are small relative to the fruit size. There is a custom of decorating altars during Obon, likening them to lanterns that guide the spirits of the dead, and they are beloved as a summer tradition in Japan. The fruits are edible, but leaves and stems are toxic.
Trivia
- Seeds rattle inside the fruit, making them popular as children's toys
- Sold at Asakusa's hozuki market since the Edo period
- The kanji '鬼灯' means 'demon's lantern'
- Believed that displaying them during Obon helps ancestral spirits find their way home
Uses
Ornamental
- Obon decorations
- Autumn decorations
- Dried flowers
- Cut branches
Medicinal
- Fruits used in traditional Chinese medicine
- Believed to have fever-reducing properties
Caution:
Caution required as leaves and stems are toxic
Culinary
- Fruits (only fully ripe ones)
Other
- Traditional craft materials
- Children's toys (for making sounds)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits
Symptoms:
Ingestion of leaves or stems may cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms
Globe amaranth
Gomphrena
Scientific Name:
Gomphrena globosa
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Flower Language
-
Unchanging love
-
Immortality
-
Unfading love
Description
An annual herb native to tropical America and tropical Asia. The flower language 'unfading love' and 'immortality' derives from the long flowering period of globe amaranth and its ability to maintain beautiful flower colors even when dried. The visible flower parts are actually bracts (modified leaves), with the true flowers blooming inconspicuously as 1mm sized structures on the bracts. The name 'thousand day red' comes from the meaning of blooming for a thousand days.
Trivia
- Named 'thousand day red' meaning it blooms for a thousand days
- The visible parts are actually bracts (modified leaves), not flowers
- Characterized by resistance to color fading when dried
- A staple material for dried flowers beloved worldwide
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Dried flowers
- Cut flowers
- Planters
Medicinal
- Used as folk medicine in some regions
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Craft materials
- Wreath making
- Natural dye