Chrysanthemum Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The chrysanthemum flower is a genus of roughly 30 species, and is sometimes referred to as a mum or chrysanth. These flowers, which are members of the asteraceae family, are indigenous to northeastern portions of Europe, as well as regions of Asia. These herbaceous perennial flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors. The head, which is actually a cluster of many smaller flowers, may be seen in pompons, decorative, button or daisy shapes – depending upon their species. They can be seen in hues of yellow, red, white and pink. They are also classified into nine separate categories: reflexed, intermediate, pompon, late flowering, incurved, singles, charms, quills and cascades.

Today, the chrysanthemum flower has almost certainly become one of the most sought after garden blossoms around. However, these blooms have a long – and well traveled – history. Their cultivation was originally noted around 15th Century B.C. in China and, in fact, can be seen in early art. In Japan, this flower was introduced some time in the 18th Century A.D., when a 16-floret species called “Ichimonjiginu” was then adopted as a crest by the Emperor. In the Western world, chrysanthemum finally came to light during the 17th Century, when Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named the plant from the Greek words “chrysous” and “anthemon” meaning “golden flower.” Since then, these ornamental blossoms have become quite the hit, and can be seen anywhere from prom night corsages in the United States to large exhibitions in Japan. The chrysanthemum flower is more than just a pretty plant, though. These flowers are considered not only highly edible – with a faintly bitter, tangy flavor – but quite the curative as well. The leaves of these plants are often boiled or steamed so that they may be eaten in stir-fries or salads; the petals may be used to flavor snake meat soups or rice wines. However, they are most frequently dried and turned into sweetly flavored teas which are said to work wonders on a number of ailments. The yellow chrysanthemum flower is said to help break fevers, while the white variety can be used to sooth tired eyes. They are also thought to have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

As a gift, the chrysanthemum flower is often given on Mother’s Day, to those who are born in November, or those who are celebrating a 13th wedding anniversary – as this blossoms are representative of all three occasions. They are also given for many romantic events, as white chrysanthemums represent loyal love, and red varieties are simple tokens that say, “I love you!” In Japan, these flowers are also emblems of a long life, and may be given on any occasion to wish the recipient a good, healthy existence.

Chinese Lantern Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The herbaceous perennial plant physalis alkekengi – better known as Chinese lantern flowers – is related to physalis peruviana, or the cape gooseberry. Although similar in structure, Chinese lanterns are much larger, and their outer covering is bright orange or red in appearance. These perennial flowers are indigenous to southeastern Europe and Japan, and grow their best in full sunlight and rich soil. Throughout their period of growth, the Chinese lantern flower will begin as a delicate, five-lobed corolla which will eventually become a faintly green husk that houses a small berry. Over time, the flower will turn an orange or red hue, and will become papery in its texture.

Chinese lantern flowers are frequently grown for their novel appearance; however, these flowers are also grown for a vast array of more useful tasks. For instance, many people like to use the flowers for arts and crafts, as these unique blossoms last for long periods of time when dried. They are often woven into wreaths or dried bouquets; they may be pressed into scrap books, jewelry or bookmarks; the intricate dried veins of the husk may also be gently dipped into glue or shellac to harden them, then they may be painted. The fruit of Chinese lanterns is – in small quantities – quite edible. The flavor of the fruit is considered refreshing and mild, and can be turned into sweet, exotic jellies, or simply eaten whole – some even like to eat them dipped in chocolate. Although the leaves and unripened berries of this plant are considered poisonous, many people still believe that in small doses they may have potent medicinal properties. These flowers are sometimes used to treat such things as facial paralysis, respiratory ailments, bed-wetting, fevers and even delayed labor.

Although Chinese lantern flowers may not have an especially large amount of symbolism attached to them, what they do have has made them into an endearing and joyful emblem of warmth. Given that these flowers enfold and defend the small, delicate fruit buried within their husks, they may be the perfect symbol for protection. Their fiery orange red hue denotes a passion for life, amiability, endurance and vitality. As a gift, these flowers are more commonly given dried or in silk forms. They are sometimes used in wedding bouquets or to decorate ceremonies as an alternative to the more common blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Native to Japan, Korea and China, the cherry blossom flower has become a celebrated symbol of both life and death. This is due to the fact that they burst forth in early spring, then fall to the ground within a week. The cherry blossom tree is from the genus prunus, which holds a moderate 400 species. Although the most popular cherry blossoms – the Somei Yoshino – come in a milky white shade that is tinged with a vibrant pink, many cherry blossoms – such as the yaezakura and shidarezakura – can be seen in delicate shades of an almost violet-hued pink.

The cherry blossom flower, unofficially speaking, is considered the national blossom for Japan. This is not surprising, as these blossoms have long been considered some of the most exotic, delicate and entrancing flowers in the world. Festivals and viewings have become cultural staples not only in Japan, but in Canada, the United States and Germany. They have also become a prominent figure in a number of artistic mediums. Many people use this figure in tattoos; sewn into kimonos and silk screened onto t-shirts; painted onto canvas or walls; dried and used as decorative pieces, or simply used as inspiration for music and poetry. The cherry blossom flower has also become a very popular theme for weddings. This is due largely to its romantic and unique beauty; however, it is also used as means to represent hanging on to one another despite the ephemeral nature of existence.

The cherry blossom flower makes for an unusual, elegant and deeply meaningful gift. Despite the overall idea that cherry blossoms are an emblem for the transience of life, they tend to have a different meaning depending upon location. For example, in China they are thought to be the ultimate symbol for feminine beauty, sensuality and strength. The Japanese blossom, however, is meant to represent the Buddhist teachings of the nobility of strength in acceptance of all phases of life. Although many people present these flowers in their more artistic formats, you can very easily give them as single flowers, as a dried branch, or in their more edible, pickled form.

Chenille Plant - Pictures & Meanings

The chenille plant is a flowering shrub which belongs to the acalypha genus, and is a member of the euphorbiaceae family and acalyphoideae subfamily. This tropical plant is native to the Pacific islands, and grows its best with minimal moisture, in light soil and full sunlight. It is not uncommon for these bushy shrubs to reach heights of 12 feet; however, there are also dwarf varieties available that will grow – at their largest – to heights of 18 inches. In appearance, these dioecious plants are made up of either arching or upright heart-shaped leaves and unique flowers. In some plants, these flowers may bear a similar color to the leaves; however, the female plants generally carry long, drooping catkins which contain small clusters of pistillate blossoms. These flowers are best known for their vibrant red shade, but they may also be seen in lovely purple or white hues.

Although the chenille plant – much like its cousin, the poinsettia – is considered mildly toxic, they have a surprising folk history in herbal medicine. In Malaya the whole plant is turned into a decoction which is used as both a diuretic and a laxative; in Africa the leaf is used as a treatment for leprosy and the bark to treat lung ailments; while in Indonesia chenilles are used to help cure hemoptysis. In addition to being fantastically useful, these shrubs have also found their place in the artistic realm. Although most pieces are of a photographic nature – such as “Chenille Plant,” by Terra ‘Sunshine’ Fox – other mediums are occasionally used to highlight this shrub’s unusual beauty. For instance, the 1917 painting entitled, “Heliotrope and Acalypha,” which was done by Tanigami Konan, and was featured in the Seiyo Soka Zufu – or A Picture Album of Western Plants and Flowers – series.

Even though the chenille plant does not have any particular symbolism associated with it, it is not hard to see these shrubs as an emblem for luxury – if for nothing other than the soft, silky appearance of their blossoms. As a gift, they are often given as an alternative to the more common house plants. When kept indoors, chenilles sometimes require more care than other plants; however, when placed in containers or hanging baskets, they can make for extraordinary presents.

Celosia Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The celosia flower, which is more commonly referred to as the cockscomb, is an unusual looking genus of roughly 60 species. Celosias – which are members of the amaranthaceae family and amaranthoideae subfamily – are said to have originated on the dry slopes of Africa, though this story is heavily debated, as they are also occasionally placed in regions of India, and rocky areas of both North and South America. These silky flowers vary slightly in appearance. Some species blossom as velvet-like, rippled cockscomb shapes, while other types appear as feathery plumes or dense spikes. They all come in striking, vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, as well as gold, wine and sometimes even pink.

As well as being stunning in appearance, the hardy celosia flower is also considered to be a very useful plant. Like its cousin, the amaranth flower, it is said to have many uses in the culinary realm. The leaves of several celosia species are frequently consumed as a protein-rich leafy vegetable. They are also turned into cereals, stewed and placed into soups, or fried with peppers, lime juice and garlic. In addition to being used as a fantastic food staple, these plants are sometimes applied to arts and crafts. They are thought to be one of the everlasting varieties of blossoms, and are commonly dried. They are often placed in arrangements with other dry flowers, but they may also make fantastic centerpieces, as well as unusual clothing accessories and wreaths – which are frequently created for All Saint’s Day. Given that “celosia” is derived from the Greek word “kelos,” or “burned,” it is not surprising to find that these plants are sometimes used in a poultice to heal burned skin. They are also thought to be very useful in healing other skin conditions and irritations, as well as eye problems, dysuria and even gastrointestinal ailments. Scientific studies of the celosia argentea have also yielded promising results that show that these plants may act as an anti-diabetic.

To some, the celosia flower represents a certain foolishness; to others, they represent a joyous, uncomplicated affection. These fantastic blossoms make wonderful floral gifts, as they are not only unique in appearance, but they can also be expressive of strong feelings of attachment. Given their bold hues, it would be hard to ignore the symbolism of each of the common colors, and how they may correspond to what you are trying to express. To some, the bright scarlet blossoms can symbolize courage, passion and vitality; orange is sometimes associated with creativity and boldness of spirit; while yellow can mean cheerfulness, happiness and peace.

Carnation Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Carnations – lovingly referred to as “Pinks” – have been extensively cultivated for over 2,000 years, and are thought to be a native plant of the Mediterranean. It is not surprising that the carnation flower has been around such a long time, as it is well loved for its large, bright blossoms, ease of growth and thick stems that survive long after being cut.

The carnation flower has a lot history and symbolism that has grown up around it in the past 2,000 years. These flowers are frequently worn on special occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day (due largely to the fact that pink carnations are a symbol of a mother’s undying love), first anniversaries and weddings. The carnation flower has also found its way into literature, art and religion. Oscar Wilde was known for wearing a green carnation at all times; Rembrandt used a single carnation in his portrait, “Woman with a Pink,” to express the feeling of passionate ardor that these flowers represented; “Madonna of the Carnation” by Albrecht Durer, and “Madonna of the Pinks” both depict the Virgin Mary presenting a carnation flower to the baby Jesus to represent a mother’s love and purity. These two portraits were also illustrative symbols expressing the belief that carnations were a flesh made from God. Carnations are sometimes even used to tell the fortune of young girls in Korea. Three of the bright blooms are placed in the girl’s hair – if the bottom flower wilts first, her life will be generally difficult. If the top or bottom wilts, either her early or late life will be troublesome.

Despite a few rather dour symbols, carnations are generally thought to be a cheerful and loving emblem that make fantastic gifts. There are many ways to present this flower. For example, you can give them as a potted plant (most people choose the miniature carnation flower for this style), in a bouquet, as a boutonniere, or corsage. A slightly more unique idea would be to create a wreath of these flowers. One of the great things about carnations is that they can easily be dyed, so your wreath can have a whole rainbow of color that is either deeply meaningful or simply stunning to see.

Candytuft Flower - Pictures & Meanings

The candytuft flower is one of several species in the Iberis genus – which consists of about 50 different species – and is a member of the brassicaceae family. These blossoms may be either perennial or annual, and are indigenous to regions of the Mediterranean. Candytufts range in height from 12 to 16 inches and can vary greatly in their growth habits. For example, iberis amara is an upright, erect grower, while iberis umbellata tends to spread out and form mounds. These fragrant blossoms are generally quite compact, and come in shades of deep purple and faint lilac, red and maroon, pink and white.

The candytuft flower name is derived from the Olde English name for the island of Crete – where the plant may have originated – Candie. This name stuck over the ages, as these fluffy blossoms do resemble small puffs of cotton candy. Though edible, these plants are not at all as sweet as the name would imply. They are, however, quite useful. Before and during the colonial period, every part of these plants were used to cure everything from lung problems to gastrointestinal upsets and even arthritis. More recent studies have shown that these plants truly are effective in treating stomach ailments; so much so that it is not uncommon for a patient in Germany to receive a bitter digestive tonic made of the stalks and leaves of this plant. Modern American herbalists also create teas and tinctures of the candytuft flower to help cardiac hypertrophy, gout, asthma and nervousness. It has been established that although small doses can effectively help combat nervous attacks, large quantities – especially of the seeds – may actually cause the opposite reaction – or giddiness. The whimsical appearance of the candytuft flower has brought it into the focus of many fantasy artists. One of the best known examples of this is Cicely Mary Barker’s, “Candytuft Fairy.” This short story – which describes an exciting day in the life of the fairy herself – is accompanied by an illustration of a dainty, winged creature sitting upon pink and white iberis umbellatas.

In the language of flowers, candytufts are said to represent indifference. As a gift, these plants are much too fanciful in appearance to symbolize anything but joy. They are often given on happy occasions like anniversaries, weddings and birthdays. These plants are long-lasting, and are frequently presented within arrangements or bouquets. However, the potted variety can also make for a great gift with an interesting touch – the upright plants remaining erect and regal, while the globe type will cascade along the edges of the pot.