Baby’s Breath Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Best known as a filler bloom, the baby’s breath flower grows in abundance and is easily recognizable. Although most species are similar in appearance, baby’s breath – or soap wort, as it is known in the United Kingdom – boasts a family of over 100 species, all with their own small variations. For example, the “Perfecta” cultivar has slightly larger flowers than the “Paniculata” type; the gypsophila repens tends to creep up walls, while the gypsophila elegans sort tends to be an upright grower. These flowers, which are either a perennial plant or herbaceous annual, are native to areas of north Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. They come in fairly simple colors of white and dusky pink.

Despite the fact that they are considered a simple filler flower, baby’s breath have a wide variety of other uses. One of the most notable examples is their use in crafting. The baby’s breath flower is considered one of the best and easiest blossoms to dry, and is often placed alongside other dried or fresh flowers in an arrangement. They may also be used in wreaths, woven into wicker decorations, bound together to make Christmas tree ornaments, or pressed and placed into books or jewelry. Baby’s breath is also frequently used in weddings. Although they may often be seen alongside brightly colored, showy flowers, they are sometimes used on their own. You may occasionally see an entire bridal bouquet – or smaller bouquets for bridesmaids – made entirely of baby’s breath. They might be the traditional white, or may be dyed any number of colors – so as to match the wedding theme. In addition to bouquets, they are also placed into boutonnieres, corsages, decorations and centerpieces.

Given their common use in weddings, it is not surprising that the predominant symbol for the baby’s breath flower is everlasting love. In continuation of the theme, they are thought to represent happiness and a purity of the heart. These flowers are sometimes given as gifts to new or expectant mothers, as they often express the joy and innocence of a new baby, especially when they are placed alongside other flowers that symbolize motherhood. Because of their strong connection to love, baby’s breath is also sometimes mixed with other flowers or herbs and given as a love charm.

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.