Red Spider Lily
Hurricane Lily
Naked Lady
Manjusaka
Scientific Name:
Lycoris radiata
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
devotion to you
-
sad memories
-
passion
-
reunion
-
reincarnation
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Red Spider Lily is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to China and introduced to Japan in ancient times. Around the autumn equinox, it produces 30-50cm tall flower stems topped with 5-7 fiery red flowers arranged in a radial pattern. The petals are narrow with wavy edges, curving backward with long protruding stamens creating a distinctive spider-like appearance. Its most unique characteristic is that leaves emerge only after flowers have finished blooming, so flowers and leaves are never seen simultaneously. Due to its toxicity throughout the plant, it has been traditionally planted along rice field edges and in cemeteries to deter moles and rodents.
Trivia
- Called 'leaves unseen, flowers unseen' as they never appear together
- Only male plants exist in Japan, reproducing solely through bulb division
- Has over 1000 alternative names, mostly related to death and poison
- In Korea, passed down as flower of tragic love where couples cannot reunite
Uses
Ornamental
- Autumn garden decoration
- Cut flowers
- Landscape formation in colonies
- Japanese garden accent
Medicinal
- Used as analgesic in China as stone garlic
- Bulbs used in folk medicine for treating swellings
- Used as expectorant in traditional medicine
Caution:
Entire plant is toxic; never use without medical supervision
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Mole and rodent deterrent
- Soil stabilization
- Nectar source for insects (some butterflies)
- Dye source (red pigment from flowers)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially bulbs
Symptoms:
Lycorine poisoning may cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and cardiac paralysis
Rose
Garden Rose
Hybrid Tea Rose
Scientific Name:
Rosa hybrida
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
innocence
-
fascination
-
trust
-
bond
-
healthy
Characteristics
Colors:
orange
Description
Orange roses are relatively new varieties created about 100 years ago by crossing red and yellow roses. They possess sun-like brightness and warmth, evoking very positive images of joy, encouragement, freedom, and health. Characterized by glimpses of inner strength within warm colors, these vibrant vitamin-colored flowers are popular not only in summer but also in autumn, evoking images of harvest and autumn foliage. Flower forms vary by variety, with many featuring cup-shaped or high-centered blooms, and fragrances also vary by cultivar.
Trivia
- Orange roses were first created about 100 years ago, relatively new color
- 'Pat Austin' is one of the famous orange rose varieties
- Orange color is said to combine positive images of both red and yellow
- Rapidly gaining popularity for autumn decorations
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets and arrangements
- Garden planting
- Container gardening
- Arch and trellis decoration
Medicinal
- Rose hips used as vitamin C source
- Petals used in folk medicine for beauty treatments
- Aromatherapy for relaxation effects
Caution:
Beware of thorn injuries; those with allergies should check before use
Culinary
- Petals
- Rose hips (fruits)
Other
- Perfume and cosmetic ingredients
- Rose oil production
- Soap fragrance
- Potpourri materials
Lobelia
Edging Lobelia
Garden Lobelia
Trailing Lobelia
Scientific Name:
Lobelia erinus
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
modesty
-
malice
-
always lovely
-
chastity
-
excellence
Characteristics
Colors:
blue
Description
Lobelia is an annual plant of the Campanulaceae family, genus Lobelia, native to southern Africa. It grows 8-15cm tall with oval leaves 10mm long and 4-8mm wide with serrated edges on the lower stems. Its main characteristic is producing 1-2cm small flowers that cover the entire plant, appearing as a mass of color from a distance. The butterfly-like flower shape gives it Japanese names like 'ruri-mizokakushi' (lapis lazuli ditch-hider) and 'ruri-chousou' (lapis lazuli butterfly grass). Blooming from April to June, it prefers cool conditions and is sensitive to summer heat.
Trivia
- About 400 species distributed from tropical to temperate regions worldwide
- Many horticultural varieties like Fountain and Regatta series exist
- Azuro Compact is heat-tolerant improved variety
- Some species known as 'Indian tobacco' in North America
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed edging
- Mixed plantings
- Hanging baskets
- Container gardening
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used by Native Americans for respiratory ailments
- Traditional medicine uses as expectorant
- Used in homeopathy for bronchial treatment
Caution:
Contains lobeline alkaloid; never use without medical supervision
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxic compounds
Other
- Nectar source for insects
- Seed food for small birds
- Educational plant (toxicity learning)
- Ground cover
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially roots
Symptoms:
Lobeline poisoning may cause vomiting, dizziness, and breathing difficulties