Beauty Bush - Pictures & Meanings

Kolkwitzia amabilis – which is better known as the beauty bush – is a large-growing deciduous shrub that belongs to the caprifoliaceae family. Although they are indigenous to China, these plants can now be seen growing throughout Europe and the United States – being particularly popular in eastern portions of America. These large plants generally grow between 6 and 10 feet, and are almost always as wide as they are tall. The bark is a light ashy brown and tends to flake over time. The long, arching branches bear dark green, smooth, ovate leaves that turn into bright shades of red or yellow in autumn. They also bear brilliant sprays of flowers. The blossoms are a tubular shape which flare slightly at the opening. They appear in deep, reddish pink or a more common pink that fades into a yellow hue.

The beauty bush was initially discovered growing in the Shensi province of China by an Italian missionary named Giraldi. Although the missionary sent seeds west, the plant was not grown until it was rediscovered by the well known collector, Ernest Henry Wilson. During one of his many travels, he found the plant blooming in the Hubei province and sent his seeds to the Vietch & Sons nursery in Exeter. When it finally began to grow in 1910, Wilson christened the plant Kolkwitzia after the German botanist and professor, Richard Kolkwitz. The beauty bush crept its way into the United States around the early 1920’s, and became a very popular shrub around the 1930’s. This was due not only to the spectacular splash of color that it added to a fine garden, but also because it was quite simple to care for – being mostly free of pests and diseases.

Because of its common name, it is not hard to associate the beauty bush with the symbols of attractiveness and refinement. Because of its appearance, you might also feel that this plant represents grace and dignity. As a gift, beauty bushes can be presented in a number of ways. If the recipient is an avid gardener, you may want to give them a packet of seeds or a small, young shrub that will later require transplantation. You might also consider picking the flowers and leaves to create a small bouquet that can easily represent the fascination you hold for the recipient.
Beauty

Balloon Flower - Pictures & Meanings

The balloon flower – which is also sometimes referred to as the Chinese bellflower – belongs to the single species genus platycodon, and is a member of the extensive campanulaceae family. These perennial plants are native to areas of East Asia, and were given their name because of their distinctively billowy buds which eventually blossom out into large bells. In general, these plants grow as tall as 3 feet; however, there are several dwarf varieties that only reach heights of 6 inches. Balloon flowers generally grow in large clumps from tidy mounds. Their leaves are toothy, narrow and leathery, and develop in stunning shades of gray or blue-green. The flower heads contain around five pointed petals that surround a star-like pistil. Balloon flowers are most commonly seen in rich blue hues, but – depending on the region – may also be seen in colors of white and pink.

Although the balloon flower is best known as an easy to grow garden plant, it is also widely used in traditional Chinese herbology. Better known in the herbalist circle as Jie-Geng, the balloon flower is best known as a powerful treatment for respiratory ailments, such as pleurisy, bronchitis and laryngitis. The use of this plant in a tea is said to assist in draining phlegm and other pollutants from the lungs and airways, and is also thought to relieve irritation of the bronchial passages and throat. Culturally, balloon flowers have certainly made their mark. Not only do they appear in literature, anime and manga, and traditional music, but they also appear in religion. In Japan, the Bureau of Taoist Geomancy has long used the balloon flower as its symbol. Better known as Kikyo – or pentagram – the five petals of this blossom are connected with the five Taoist elements – wood, water, fire, metal and earth. In Korea, this flower has become a well loved ingredient to many dishes. For instance, they may be either pickled for a savory flavor, or preserved in sugar as a sort of candy; the roots may also be stewed and placed in hot soups, while the young leaves may be picked, cleaned and eaten fresh in green salads.

In the old language of flowers, these blossoms were frequently attributed to the reuniting of old friends. In more modern times, this still holds true. As a gift, balloon flowers are commonly traded amongst friends, not only because of their symbolism, but because they are fun, fanciful and brightly colored blooms that can add a bit of cheer to anyone’s day.