August 19

Birth Flower

Gerbera
Transvaal daisy Barberton daisy

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Mystery
  • Hope
  • Progress
  • Compassion
  • Gratitude
  • Noble beauty
  • Mystery
  • Pure heart
  • Friendship
  • Mysterious love

Characteristics

Colors: Pink

Description

A perennial herb of the asteraceae family, genus Gerbera, native to South Africa. Discovered in South Africa in late 19th century, named in honor of German physician and botanist Gerber. With straight stems and wide-open form, it gives positive, bright impressions. About 2,000 varieties exist, with flowers over 10cm diameter classified as large, 8cm and under as medium to small. Flowering periods are March-May and September-November, with peak seasons in spring and autumn. A year-round staple flower available in various bright colors centered on pink, orange, and yellow.

Trivia

  • Gerbera name derives from German botanist Gerber
  • Japanese name Hanaguruma from wheel-like flower shape
  • About 2,000 garden varieties exist
  • Netherlands is world's largest producer

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Bouquets
  • Arrangements
  • Potted plants
Medicinal

Caution: No known medicinal effects

Culinary

Other
  • Flower arrangement materials
  • Horticultural therapy

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Chilean bellflower
Nolana Blue bell vine

Scientific Name: Nolana paradoxa
Family: Solanaceae

Flower Language

  • Wavering heart
  • Hope
  • Change

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb (treated as annual in Japan) of the solanaceae family, genus Nolana, native to arid regions of Chile and Peru. Has thick leaves and stems that spread horizontally in creeping manner. Blooms funnel-shaped, bell-like small flowers in spring (March-May), mostly vivid blue-purple but also light blue, pink, and white varieties. Center is characteristically white regardless of flower color. Prefers sunny locations and well-draining soil. Originally perennial but lacks cold tolerance, dying before winter in Japan, so treated as annual.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Nolana derives from Latin meaning 'little bell'
  • Excellent drought tolerance, grows well in poor soil
  • Center is white regardless of flower color
  • Native to coastal areas of Chile and Peru

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover
  • Hanging baskets
Medicinal
  • Used in South American traditional medicine

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary

Other
  • Arid land revegetation
  • Horticultural therapy

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: As solanaceae plant, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Flannel flower
Actinotus

Scientific Name: Actinotus helianthi
Family: Araliaceae

Flower Language

  • Integrity
  • Sincerity
  • Always love
  • Simple beauty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the araliaceae family, genus Actinotus, native to sandstone heathlands, shrublands, and dry sclerophyll forests along coasts of eastern Australia (New South Wales and Queensland). Growing 30-100cm tall, all parts including flowers, leaves, and stems are covered with fine, soft white hairs, feeling like flannel fabric which gives the plant its name. Blooms white or cream flowers from April-June and September-November with characteristically long flowering periods. The greenish-white 'petals' are actually modified leaves surrounding the flowers, with true flowers being small granular parts clustered in center.

Trivia

  • Genus name Actinotus means 'radiate' in Greek
  • Species name helianthi means 'sunflower-like'
  • Also called Sydney Flannel Flower
  • Has been featured on Australian postage stamps

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
  • Flower arrangements
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • Used in Australian indigenous traditional medicine

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary

Other
  • Wedding decorations
  • Modern floral design

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Chinese trumpet vine
Trumpet creeper Campsis

Scientific Name: Campsis grandiflora
Family: Bignoniaceae

Flower Language

  • Fame
  • Honor
  • Glory
  • Splendid life

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A climbing deciduous tree of the bignoniaceae family, genus Campsis, native to China. Introduced to Japan around 9th century (Heian period), believed to have been cultivated before 900s. Named from Chinese 'lingxiao' meaning 'ascending to sky' as vines climb extremely high by clinging to trees. Grows 3-10m tall, producing roots from branches and trunks to climb walls and trees. Blooms trumpet-shaped flowers in July-August in orange, yellow, and red colors. Characteristically drips abundant nectar containing 'lapachol,' a mildly toxic component.

Trivia

  • Genus name Campsis means 'curved' in Greek
  • English name Trumpet vine from trumpet-like flower shape
  • Chinese name 'lingxiao' means 'surpassing the sky'
  • Very vigorous growth sometimes leads to 'don't plant at home' warnings

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Fences
  • Pergola decoration
  • Wall greening
Medicinal
  • Used in traditional Chinese medicine

Caution: Nectar is toxic, ingestion prohibited, careful handling required

Culinary

Other
  • Nectar source plant
  • Shade creation

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Flower nectar, Tree sap

Symptoms: Lapachol in nectar may cause dermatitis and gastrointestinal upset

Rose campion
Dusty miller Mullein pink

Scientific Name: Lychnis coronaria
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • Humor
  • Wit
  • Intelligence
  • Heart flutter of love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the caryophyllaceae family, genus Lychnis, native to southern Europe. Characterized by dense white woolly covering throughout, with leaves and stems having velvet-like texture. Blooms 5-petaled flowers at branch tips in summer (June-July), mostly red with some white varieties. Named Suisen-no (drunk immortal) because single red flower at stem tip resembles drunk immortal's face. Also called Flannel grass from flannel fabric suggested by white woolly covering. Currently reclassified under genus Silene (Silene coronaria).

Trivia

  • Name derives from red flower resembling drunk immortal's face
  • Alternative name Flannel grass from white woolly covering
  • Currently classified under genus Silene
  • Popular as silver foliage plant

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Rock gardens
  • Dry gardens
  • Silver foliage plants
Medicinal
  • Used in European traditional medicine

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary

Other
  • Dried flowers
  • Silver gardens

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: As caryophyllaceae plant, large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset