Azalea Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Although the azalea flower was once classed in a separate genus, they are now considered a sub-genus of rhododendrons. To many, the distinction between the rhododendron and azalea may be very vague, but to experienced gardeners it is understood that azaleas are deciduous, while the rhododendron is evergreen. Azaleas are a flowering shrub that grow their best during damp portions of the spring season. These flowers are known for releasing a sweet scent, and having bright, cheerful colors. The white azaleas are frequently used by gardeners as a backdrop for other brilliantly hued blossoms; however, these flowers come in a variety of shades from orange and yellow, to pink and red. You may also see these flowers in solid colors, or with patterns that are described as margined (thin margins of two colors), sectored (each petal showing a different color), blotched or striped.

The azalea flower has a rich and varied cultural and historical significance. They are celebrated in festivals throughout the United States and Japan; they are the focus of many poems and stories, and are – in several cultures – a well loved first name for little girls. In Europe during the early to mid-1800s, the azalea was considered an aristocratic flower. The first variates of azaleas to originate in Europe were known at Speciosa and Puchra, and by 1833 Viscount de Schrijnmackers de Dormael began exhibiting his own hybrid, a white azalea that was named Violatia. The azalea flower has also come to be the symbol for many things. For instance, they are the symbol for the city of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and the flower most associated with the astrological sign of Sagittarius.

In China, the azalea flower is thought to be a strong symbol of womanhood. In other parts of the world they are thought to represent passion and fragility; however, these flowers are best known for their expression of “take care of yourself.” These flowers are frequently given as gifts to pass along the wish that the recipient be good to himself – especially during illness or trying times.

Aster Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The aster flower genus – which is a member of the asteraceae family – once carried over 600 species of blooms; however, after much research the genus was divided, and there are now only 180 species that reside in this genus. All the same, the aster flower remains a remarkably varied and flamboyant bloom, regardless of the species. Some of the more common types include Italian aster, which tends toward a light, almost pastel, purple; the Jenny aster, which comes in vivid reds, and the sky blue aster, which, as its name suggests, is a stunning shade of bright blue.

The name of the aster flower is culled from the ancient Greek word for “star.” This is largely due to the shape of the flower’s head; however, it is also because they grow in a spotted abundance and have an appearance similar to that of the stars in the sky. In mythology, asters were said to have grown from the tears of the goddess Asterea while she wept for the lack of stars on earth. Historically, aster flowers have had many uses. One of the best known is their use as a symbol when placed upon the graves of French soldiers; these flowers were meant to represent a reversal of the outcome of their battles. In ancient times these flowers were smoked, as it was thought that the smokey perfume would ward off wicked serpents. Asters may also be used for their strong medicinal properties. Some varieties of this flower are said to help with migraines, general headaches and colds, while others can aid in treating the pain of sciatica and muscle spasms.

In addition to having a wide array of colors to choose from, the aster flower also has a good deal of meaning to go alongside its good looks. In general, the aster is considered a symbol of patience, daintiness, and a love of variety. Others state that this flower is an emblem for refinement and elegance. As a gift, asters placed in a bouquet with complementing flowers can be representative of love and admiration. They are often given to those born in September, or those celebrating a 20th wedding anniversary. As a more unique gift, you might present a single fresh or dried flower to a lover or friend as a love charm, as asters were thought by some ancient Greeks to hold the mystic power of drawing forth affection.

Aspen Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Populus tremula – better known as the Aspen flower – is a species from the poplar genus, and is native to cool, mild areas of Asia and Europe. The Aspen flower blossoms from a deciduous tree which bears wide, rounded, toothy leaves and catkin flowers that are similar to those found on pussy willow trees. These plants are dioecious – having separate male and female variations. The male plant produces thick, grayish brown catkins that eventually turn yellow when they begin to shed pollen. The female types produce a slightly more colorful variation, with green catkins that develop reddish brown bracts and a gray fuzz that becomes white and wooly in the middle of May.

The Aspen flower is considered very valuable as a medicinal plant. Food grade flower essences are often created by plant extracts to help calm the nerves of those who are experiencing apprehension and anxiety. This essence – which is administered in small doses mixed with water – is often given to small children who are prone to nightmares. In addition to being taken internally, many people use this extract in acupuncture therapy – where it is commonly placed at the “equilibrium middle,” or on the crease just behind the knee. Scientific research has also been done to try to prove the use of populus tremula as an anti-inflammatory. In one such study, aspen flowers were combined with solidago virgaurea and fraxinus excelsior, and placed on the paws of rats with edema and arthritis. The herbal solution reduced the swelling and size of the rat’s paws, and the results were said to be comparable to those of a leading prescription drug. The use of Aspen flower essence also appears in aromatherapy. It is said that if a person with a feeling of fear or anxiousness inhales the scent of this flower while meditating, their psyche will then be calmed, and internal harmony will be restored.

Although the Aspen flower does not contain a good deal of direct symbolism, it is not hard to associate this blossom with calm, peace and protection. Despite the fact that these flowers are quite unusual in appearance, they would almost certainly make a great gift to express the desire to alleviate the stress that the recipient may be feeling at the time. They may also represent a desire to shield the recipient, or give them harmony in their daily lives. Though they may be given on their own, these strange looking blossoms are best presented alongside other, brighter flowers that further express these emotions.

Anthurium Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The anthurium flower is one of the largest groups in the araceae genus. These exotic flowers are native to areas such as Uruguay, Argentina and Mexico; however, they bloom in many tropical areas, and have even become symbols of certain locations like Hawaii. Despite their decidedly romantic homelands, they have become very popular in homes around Europe and the United States, as they are not only beautiful in appearance, but they also last a long time when clipped and placed into vases – sometimes up to six whole weeks. The anthurium flower – which is lovingly referred to by avid growers as the flamingo flower – blooms from a slender stalk, and develops around a rough, fleshy spadix. What is often thought to be the actual flower head of anthuriums is actually a spathe, which tends to be thick and waxy. The spathe can generally be seen in varying shades of red; however, you may sometimes see them in white, yellow or green hues.

It is understandable why the anthurium flower has become something of a Hawaiian emblem. These flowers were brought from London to Hawaii by S.M. Damon in 1889. With a good deal of care and breeding, these blooms became one of the top decorative flower exports in the state, sending a massive 2.5 million dozen-bouquets around the world by 1980.

In addition to its long-lasting nature, the anthurium flower generally does not require a special season to grow. Their frequent availability is one of the many reasons as to why they have become very popular as gifts. As a symbol, anthuriums are often given to represent a deep romantic attraction. This is due to their beautiful yet unusual appearance – the glossy red spathe, and the open, heart-shaped face. The openness of its blossom is also said to represent hospitality, and many people present these flowers as gifts to friends and relatives. Anthuriums can often be tricky to grow as indoor plants; however, for an experienced gardener, a mature anthurium can make a great and rewarding offering.

Annual Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Unlike perennial flowers, annual flowers grow continuously throughout early spring to late fall, die at the end of the last season and need to be replanted the following spring. Although this may sound daunting, annual flowers give you the chance to have an entirely new garden each and every year. Some of the most common annuals include Bachelor’s Buttons, Begonias and Pansies. These flowers are often planted in addition to perennial and biennial plants, as they can easily be changed out or rotated to fit the style of their more long-lasting counterparts.

The annual flower is frequently the highlight of many flower shows. One great example of this is the Cincinnati Horticultural Society’s yearly flower show. At this event, people from around the world come to see exhibits, go to events, and enter into a competition that judges not only the flowers, but how they are presented. The Horticultural Society is not the only institution in Ohio who judges annuals. During the yearly Harvest Home Fair, different divisions – from the junior horticulturalist all the way to the expert grower – are given very specific standards on how their annual flowers should be grown, how they should look and how they are presented. Annuals have appeared in many books and stories on mythology, medicine and cooking. For instance, marigolds can be used to make sweet buns, lobelia can be used to treat respiratory ailments, while in Greek mythology the cornflower was used to heal the wounds of Chiron.

Annual flowers, as gifts, can convey a large variety of sentiments. Many people prefer to give annuals as mixed bouquets that express a number of emotions. For instance, baby’s breath combined with California poppies can be given to a new or expectant mother. The bold appearance of zinnias combined with the more mellow-looking morning glory can be given to a dear friend to represent affection. Given the transitory nature of annuals, you might want to give them dried. Doing this ensures that they can be enjoyed for a long time to come. You may still choose to give dried annuals as a bouquet, or you may wish to create a wreath, basket or even a potpourri with whole flower heads. For a long lasting gift that is more natural-looking than dried flowers, you can also give pressed annuals. These can be presented in frames, or as part of home made jewelry or talismans.

Angelica Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The angelica flower, which is a genus consisting of about 60 species, is a member of the apiaceae family. Natively grown in both subarctic and more temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, angelica can shoot up to a tall 4 to 6 feet in height. Their stems are thick, fluted and hollow, and may be either green or purplish in appearance. Their foliage is bipinnate, bright green, and serrated. The flowers themselves are made up of large inflorescences that may be either light yellow, white and green or white and purple in hue. They tend to grow in abundance in well-shaded areas with moist, loamy soil.

The angelica flower is best known for its uses as a holistic medicine. These plants are known to be very effective in aiding the female reproductive system. One of the most frequently used types is angelica sinensis, which is commonly used to urge along delayed menstruation, ease cramps, and – in small quantities – help speed up labor. However, this species of angelica is considered very potent, and women are urged to avoid it during pregnancy. As well as easing female conditions, the angelica flower has long been used as a stimulant for weakness, to ease digestive troubles, and treat bronchitis and cystitis. Taken externally in the form of medicinal mouth rinses and poultices, these blossoms are also used to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers, broken bones and arthritis. The scent of angelica flowers has occasionally been likened to both juniper and musk, and is occasionally extracted and used for aromatherapy – which is said to bring about a feeling and calm, protection, and is thought to bring a sense of equilibrium to the spirit. As well as being very useful in medicine, the angelica flower is also said to be a great addition to many dishes. The seeds and stems of this plant are sometimes used to flavor liqueurs and gin; they are frequently candied and placed atop cakes and pastries, while fresh leaves are sometimes used in salads, spread with butter, or used as a unique side dish that is commonly eaten alongside fish. Herbals teas may also be made with these flowers – either for medicinal purposes, or simply for their strong, licorice-like taste.

The angelica flower is often said to represent inspiration and encouragement, and is often given as a gift to represent just those feelings. They may be given as a sort of muse to a person who is in a slump, or they may be presented to encourage that same person to get out of their slump. These blossoms are also said to be great stress relievers, so in place of the traditional bouquet or fresh cut flowers, you may prefer to present dried angelica in the form of a “dream pillow,” so as to encourage the recipient to be more restful.

Anemone Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Although closely related and frequently lumped together, the anemone flower is a separate genus from the hepatica and pasque genera. They are similar in appearance, and are all members of the ranunculaceae – or buttercup – family; however, anemones carry a much larger group of species – roughly 120 in number. Anemones grow wild throughout Japan, North America and Europe, and vary in their growth patterns. These flowers are divided into three distinct groups that tend to dictate their growing habits. These groups include the larger fall flowering varieties, which grow from early summer to late fall, and generally have fibrous roots; the spring flowering varieties, which bloom from either tubers or rhizomes; and the tuberous Mediterranean types, which blossom during spring and summer. The heads of these flowers tend to sprout between 4 to 27 sepals and come in colors of red, blue, white, purple and, infrequently, yellow.

The anemone flower is unquestionably one of the more delicate and beautiful blossoms grown today; however, they are also steeped in myth and touted for their uses. The origin of the anemone flower’s name is a perfect example of its place in mythological history. The red anemone flower is often associated with the death of Adonis, who was stabbed by the sharp tusks of a wild boar. Aphrodite – the beloved of Adonis – heard his cry and ran to him. She found that, as he died, the anemones around his body turned from a crisp white to a shocking red. She then named these blossoms the windflower – namely because the same wind that gently opens the flower will also blow away the faded petals, thus representing the transitory nature of her lover’s life. The anemone flower is also considered a medicinal plant. Although these flowers can be poisonous to both animals and humans, they are thought – in small doses – to aid in a variety of ailments. Most notably, a decoction of the flower and roots may be used for delayed menstruation and painful cramps. They may also be used to treat inflammation of the eyes, troubled skin or respiratory problems.

Anemones have a large assortment of symbolism tied to them. They are thought to represent anticipation and unfading love, good luck and protection against evil. As a gift, these flowers may be meaningful in a number of ways, from presenting them to someone stepping into a new stage of life, to telling the recipient that you will always love them.

Amaryllis Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The amaryllis flower – which is sometimes referred to as the naked lady or belladonna lily – is a monotypic genus, containing only one species, and is indigenous to South Africa. Amaryllis flowers grow from a leafless hollow stem, from the tip of which blooms two to five large, brightly hued heads. The flowers themselves contain three internal petals, and three external sepals, which may appear in a muted shade of white – with unusual red veins – as well as pink, yellow or purple. These bulbous plants are considered to be very easy to grow, and many people like to sprout them both indoors and out. They grow best in rich, well drained soil – so as to prevent rotting below the surface – under full sunlight.

Although it is not exactly known how the amaryllis flower was discovered, one popular story states that the flowers were discovered in 1828 in Chile. It is believed that a young German doctor by the name of Eduard Frederich Poepping was searching the land for new plants. When he discovered the large, trumpet-shaped blossoms, he was said to shout for joy. Later, they reached Europe and were subsequently hybridized – thus producing the far larger version that we see now. According to Greek mythology, a shepherdess by the name of Amaryllis fell madly in love with a rather vain shepherd. He told Amaryllis that he could not return her fervent affections unless she created a flower solely for him. To do as he bade, she pierced her own heart, and the bloom of blood that spread onto her chest became the rich, red amaryllis flower. As well as being fodder for a good deal of fantastic story telling, the amaryllis also has a few uses. For instance, these flowers are thought to have strong antibacterial properties. They are occasionally used in soaps for this purpose, and are well loved as house plants, as they are considered great defenders against environmental ills.

The amaryllis flower is a fantastic option for a variety of expressive gifts. These bold, beautiful blossoms are a symbol of intense beauty, timidity and determination. They are sometimes given to express how stunning the giver feels the recipient to be, or to tell them that they are dead-set on making their relationship strong and long lasting. These flowers are also representative of a hard-earned achievement after a long struggle, and so they make a fabulous present to someone who has persevered – a simple recognition of all that they have accomplished.

Allium Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Although it was once incorrectly grouped into the liliaceae family, it is now understood that the allium flower is a genus in the amaryllidaceae – or onion – clan. This genus is estimated to consist of roughly 860 species which mostly grow in milder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants, which are herbaceous perennials, can grow in either clustered or solitary blossoms from bulbs. Most plants produce between one and twelve leaves that may be flat, linear or basal blades – some of which will wither away either before or during the flower’s blooming period. The flower heads are made up of tepals which may either be pendent or erect. They have a single pistil and up to six stamens, and come in white, yellow, blue and purple hues.

Although many species of the allium flower have a distinctive onion or garlic scent, many others are thought to have a delicate floral aroma, and so they are often used in perfumes and cosmetics. But their uses do not stop there. The ancient Indians of Peru frequently used this plant for both religious ceremonies and as a folk medicine. This is still true today in many other parts of the world. For instance, allium sativum – better known as common garlic – is considered a potent antiviral and antibacterial agent, and is used around the world for things such as asthma, skin conditions and anemia – just to name a few. Culturally speaking, the use of allium sativum is commonly avoided by many devout Hindus during religious events, while those who follow Jainism avoid consuming this plant entirely, as it is thought to warm the body and bring about undesirable urges. The allium flower also has a place in mythology. In Hindu myth, these blossoms emerged when Sachi – the wife of Indra, king of the gods – tried to sip the nectar of immortality. She could not digest the nectar, and so expelled it to the earth. From this spilled nectar, the allium flower blossomed. In Christian myth it is said that alliums blossomed from the indentations of the devil’s footprints as he left the Garden of Eden.

Although most people will not give the edible varieties of allium flowers as gifts, many of the other species have taken their place as floral tokens of romance. As a symbol, these flowers generally represent unity, and are often traded between married couples or long-time loves. They are also given to express the idea that the giver finds the recipient flawless and elegant in both appearance and manners.

Agapanthus Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The agapanthus flower is a small genus of between 6 and 10 species which are separated into several different classifications, and is a member of the agapanthaceae family. These flowers – which are sometimes referred to as lily of the Nile – are summer blooming and native to South Africa. Although most of the naturally occurring agapanthus flowers come in shades of blue and white, many hybrids may be seen in a variety of hues, from a light pink to a rich, dark purple. The structure of the agapanthus flower consists of a large, globe-like head – occasionally called a cyme – that can carry up to 100 small, tubular florets. The blossoming cymes grow atop a long, erect scape, from which curved, lance-shaped basal leaves grow.

The agapanthus flower has long been prized as both a medicinal and magical plant. Both the Xhosa and Zulu tribes of South Africa often use this plant for childbearing purposes. The Xhosa women create medicine for prenatal care to ensure healthy children, while the Zulu women mix this flower with other herbs and plants – not only to aid in the healthy growth of their new child, but also to induce labor. In addition to aiding in healthy pregnancy, these flowers are also used to treat heart disease, respiratory ailments, paralysis, fevers and even sore feet. Despite their many strong medicinal properties, it is important to note that the sap of these flowers may cause oral ulcerations and haemolytic poisoning, so it is vital to be cautious when using them. The magical uses of the agapanthus flower mainly consist of the creation of charms. Going back to the Xhosa tribe, many people create earthy necklaces out of the dried root, using them as talismans to bring about strong, healthy babies. Charms are also created as emblems of love, and to protect the meek from vicious storms and thunder.

Given the fact that the name of this flower is made up of two Greek words – agape and anthes, which mean flower and love respectively – it is not surprising that these blossoms are frequently presented as a unique alternative to the usual romance flowers. They are also sometimes associated with fertility and childbirth, and are occasionally presented to new mothers. As well as giving these flowers in a traditional bouquet or arrangement, they may also be presented as beautiful pressed flowers, perhaps alongside a greeting card, love letter or poem.