Daffodil Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Belonging to the genus Narcissus, the daffodil flower has at least 50 species in its family, and around 13,000 hybrid varieties. Despite the large amount of variation, all daffodils have a corona (also referred to as a “trumpet”), and a ring of petals surrounding it – often called the perianth. Daffodils are mainly yellow with a contrasting color within the corona; however, there is a plethora of hues that range from yellow and white, to pink, to an unusual lime green-like color. The daffodil flower is mostly native to Western European regions, and thrives best in moist, slightly alkaline soil under full sun or very light shade.

The daffodil flower is the country emblem for Gloucestershire, and the national flower of Wales. In the United States, the Florida Daffodil Society has dedicated themselves to identifying, planting and preserving rare and historical breeds of this flower all around the state and within southern Georgia. The passion for these small, beautiful flowers is not relegated to modern times, however. For a long period these flowers were left to grow wild and were essentially forgotten. In 1629, though, Englishmen recognized their value and began digging them up, and planting them back into their own gardens. Further back, however, daffodils were a part of a less cheerful Greek myth. This story tells of the god Narcissus who was self-centered and uninterested in his devoted nymph, Echo. Later in the story he stopped to watch his reflection in a stream; he then fell in and drowned. In remembrance of him, the gods placed Narcissus flowers upon the riverbank. On a lighter side, daffodils also appeared in the story of Persephone being swept off to Hades. When she was later resurrected, she brought with her all of the joys of spring – one of which being the daffodil flower.

As a gift, daffodil flowers can have a duel meaning. Like the god Narcissus, these flowers can be an emblem for vanity, and may give a strong message that the recipient requires a change in their demeanor. Conversely, they are seen as a symbol of rebirth. You may want to present daffodils when the recipient is in the midst of a new beginning, or even to represent the rekindling of an old love

Croton Plant - Pictures & Meanings

Codiaeum variegatum – or the croton plant – is a single species within the small codiaeum genus, and belongs to the euphorbiaceae family. This species, which is sometimes known as the garden croton, is sometimes confused with large croton genus that belongs to the same clan. Native to areas of Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, these colorful evergreen shrubs grow their best in shifting sunlight and rich, acidic soil. This plant is best known for the variety of colors and shapes of its foliage, which can range from deep green and broad to a light, slender-shaped red. They may also appear in a golden yellow, orange, or dark purple; however, some varieties may be variegated or even change hue over time. These plants also contain long, dioecious racemes of inflorescences – the female blossoms being yellow and without petals, while the males have five petals, several stamens and are a bright white color.

Because of its general hardiness and ease of care, the croton plant has become one of the most well loved houseplants available. This plant is so loved, in fact, that a non-profit organization called The Croton Society holds a number of seminars, meetings and even field trips. These well-planned events are done in the hopes of educating the public about this shrub, and helping fellow gardeners grow, breed and improve upon the species. Aside from being a uniquely colorful houseplant, crotons are also thought to have some potent medicinal qualities. Although these plants are considered toxic, if ingested in small quantities while under the supervision of a qualified professional, they are said to contain a host of promising actions – from anti-fungal to purgative, antioxidant to sedative. Some studies have suggested that the croton may also be useful as an anti-amoebic, and may also help in fending off the flu virus. Traditional folk medicine in the Philippines states that the freeze-dried foliage of the croton plant can make for an excellent curative for stomach upsets; while in Vanuatu, fresh leaves are often chewed to help treat amenorrhea.

Although the croton plant in and of itself does not contain any specific symbolism, it is not hard to associate it with strength and a unique, ever-changing beauty. As a gift, these plants are frequently given to new home owners – usually as a welcome present. However, they may also be presented to someone with something of a black thumb, as these shrubs are not only lovely, but very easy to care for.

Crocus Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The crocus flower is a genus of roughly 80 species – about 30 of which are cultivars – in the family iridaceae. These flowers are native to Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, as well as southern and Central Europe, and blossom in both spring and fall. Crocuses, which are mostly hardy perennial plants, can grow from 2 to 6 inches in height from corms, which can produce between 1 to 5 separate blossoms. The foliage of this plant is grassy in appearance, and forms a thin white stripe along the axis. The flowers themselves are formed in a distinctive cup-shape that tapers into a tube at the stem. They come in shades of purple and lavender, yellow and white.

The first noted cultivation of the crocus flower was said to have occurred in regions of the Mediterranean, mostly in the area of Crete. But the Greek affinity for the crocus flower likely started well before its commercial harvesting began, as these plants appear in many pieces of myth. In one story, the mortal Krokus began an affair with a beautiful nymph named Smilax. Krokus became bored of his nymph and began to wander. To punish him for his infidelity, the gods turned Krokus into the immobile crocus flower. An alternative version of this story tells of Krokus becoming so enamored with Smilax that the gods granted them both immortality by turning them into two crocus flowers growing in the same field. Yet another myth states that on one spring day the god Zeus made love to Hera on a river bank. It is said that the heat of their passion caused the earth to shake, thus causing the bank to burst forth with stunning purple and white crocus flowers. In addition to being the focus of several Greek myths, crocuses have also become the inspiration to a number of artists. These blossoms have found their way into the paintings of many modern artists – from the striking realism of Glen Loates’ “Crocus,” to the unusual, colorful work of Nancy Nuce’s “Spring Crocuses.”

Symbolically, the crocus flower tends to represent gladness and cheerfulness, as well as a sense of youthful, innocent joy. As a gift, these flowers are often given to represent that same joy – to express a passion for life. They are also given as thank you gifts, or tokens of friends – as if to say, “I am glad that you are in my life.”

Cosmo Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The cosmo flower is a genus of roughly 20 species in the asteraceae family. These flowers – which can be either perennially or annually blooming – are native to Mexico and nearby areas of the United States, as well as Central and Southern America. These flowers, though simple in appearance, come in a surprising amount of variety. Their leaves may be bipinnate or pinnate, the flowers may be either solid, striped or bi-colored. The colors themselves come in the usual white, yellow, orange, pink and red; however, the cosmos atrosanguineus is a deep brownish burgundy that is well loved, not only because of its unique, romantic coloring, but because of its unusual chocolate-like scent.

Unlike many other blossoms, the cosmo flower does not have a particularly long history; however, what history it does have is various and unique. The cosmo flower was said to have been named by Spanish priests who grew them in their mission gardens. The priests felt that because of their symmetrically aligned petals these flowers should be named after the Greek word for “ordered universe.” Much later in history, during the 1999 World Kindness Movement conference in Tokyo, the cosmos bipinnatus was adopted as the emblem for the organization. Cosmos are also the focus of small tourist attractions. One great example of this is the Cosmo Hanatsumi at Harvest Hill, which runs between late September and early October. At this event a person can amble around a 4,000 square meter farm, and – for a small fee – pick some flowers to take home with them.

The cosmo flower is mostly thought to be the symbol of order, peace and modesty. When given as a gift to a romantic partner, these flowers are commonly meant to represent the notion of walking together hand in hand, or to express the joys that love and life can bring. Along with their harmonious symbolism, cosmos are also representative of October births and 2nd wedding anniversaries, and are frequently given as simple tokens of affection on these particular events.

Coneflower - Pictures & Meanings

The coneflower is a title that encompasses roughly four genera – ratibida, rudbeckia, dracopis and echinacea – which contain about 36 different species, and belong to the asteraceae family. The two best known plants among these genera are the echinacea and rudbeckia flower, which are mostly herbaceous perennial plants; the ratibida flower is also perennial, while the dracopis blossom is annual. All four genera have striking similarities. However, there are some minor differences to be noted. For instance, the dracopis and ratibida contain long central receptacles, while the echinacea is much shorter and smaller, and the rudbeckia contains a petite, button-like disk. The coneflower’s distribution ranges from North America, Canada, and Mexico. They are most commonly seen in yellow and purple, but may also appear in shades of white, red or orange.

Although the purple coneflower – or echinacea – is considered one of the most useful in this group of genera, they all have their own particular applications. For example, both the ratibida pinnata and columnifera are said to ease a toothache, reduce a fever, and make for particularly tasty teas; rudbeckia occidentalis has found its way into spirituality, and is frequently used to connect with the “shadow side” of one’s nature; while dracopis is favored as an easy to grow garden and ornamental bloom. In addition to the plethora of known medicinal uses, the echinacea coneflower is also frequently used in witchcraft.
It is believed that carrying this blossom with you will keep your spirit strong during turbulent times; they are sometimes presented as spiritual offerings, and are thought to enhance the power of any spell that is cast.

In general, coneflowers are a symbol of strength and – depending upon the genus – healing. These bright, beautiful blossoms are great to give as gifts as they are versatile, unique and long lasting – surviving nearly two weeks after cutting. In addition to giving these blossoms in the traditional bouquet, they may also be presented in a potted form or given within dried wreaths. If the recipient is an inexperienced but enthusiastic gardener, you might also like to present them with a gift basket filled with all the necessities, plus a packet or two of the seeds – maybe even one from each genus.

Columbine Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Although this blossom is frequently grown in gardens, the columbine flower is a highly celebrated wild bloom which grows in abundance all throughout wooded areas and meadows of the Northern Hemisphere. These flowers are a genus of around 65 to 70 species, all of which are well loved for their unique and otherworldly appearance. The head of the flower is bell-shaped with sharp, blade-like modified petal and spurs. Their colors range from the usual white, yellow, red, blue, pink and purple hues, but they may also be bi-colored. Columbines are very tolerant to drought, and grow exceedingly well in warmer climates; however, they prefer at least partial shade and moist, but well drained soil.

The columbine flower has frequently been linked to birds. Although they are mostly a food plant to insect lifeforms, their general appearance has inspired the images of stately eagles and groups of doves. Its scientific name, aquilegia, is taken from the Latin word for eagle, which is namely due to the showy spurs, which some feel look similar to an eagle’s sharp, pointed talons. On the other hand, the name columbine is derived from the Latin word columba, which is a reference to doves. This name came about because some feel that the petals resemble five doves nestled close together. Historically, these plants were frequently consumed for their medicinal properties. Some people felt that the flowers, when crushed, made fantastic astringents as well as an effective soother of sore mouths and throats. They were also said to help sweep away kidney stones and cure liver obstructions. Today, however, people avoid the consumption of this plant, as it is now known that although the flowers themselves may be moderately harmless – and even mildly sweet to the taste – the roots and seeds are extremely poisonous, and can cause heart palpitations and severe stomach upsets. The columbine flower also has a small place in myth. This flower is said to be the symbol of Aphrodite, and is also used as a dedication to the Nordic goddess of the heavens.

The symbolism of the columbine flower is varied, and often quite confusing. It was once believed that this flower was a symbol for cuckoldry and foolishness, at the same time, however, it was considered a symbol of fidelity and holiness. Today, though, these flowers are given as gifts to represent its more modern meanings of seduction, anxious excitement and a strong will to win. These flowers make very uncommon but beautiful and meaningful gifts, and are sometimes given as potted plants or simple, single-cut flowers.

Cleome Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The cleome flower is a genus of annual flowering plants with 170 species in the cleomaceae family. Cleomes are considered subcosmopolitan and may be seen growing in nearly any warm, mild or tropical area throughout the world; however, these plants are thought to originate in regions of South Africa. Because of their sharp, unique flower clusters, these blossoms got the nickname “spider flower.” The aromatic foliage of this plant is rather prickly, and the strong stems can grow up to six feet in height. The flower heads themselves consist of delicate pink, purple or white racemes which contain long stamens. These blossoms are also considered very easy to grow, as they are generally free of pests, and are considered drought tolerant. Despite that fact, however, they grow their best in moist but well drained soil and full sunlight.

The cleome flower has some interesting associations. Now being considered an heirloom plant, they were once a special favorite of Thomas Jefferson, who included them in his Monticello gardens. Despite this fact, though, the cleome flower took awhile to find its actual place. Now a member of the cleomaceae clan, these blossoms were once considered to be a part of the capparaceae family. After extensive DNA research, though, it was discovered that the cleomaceae genera had a closer association with the brassicaceae family. In the broadest sense, the cleomaceae family has 275 species; however, some genera were later taken from this group, as DNA testing weeded out many species which were later discovered to belong to separate plant families – thus leaving a smaller total of 170 true cleome genera. Certain species of the cleome flower, such as cleome gynandra, are considered culinary delicacies, and are also being tested as medicinal plants. Being a surprisingly nutritional green – consisting of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C – these plants are commonly mixed with other, more flavorful greens, as they are known to have a faintly bitter taste by themselves. In several areas of Africa, these plants are boiled to create relishes, side dishes and stews; while the dried leaves are ground, and the fresh leaves are mashed and given to weaning children. In medicine, aqueous extracts of both vernonia amygdalina and cleome gynandra are being extensively tested for their uses in reproductive health – both of which are showing promise.

Although most flowers have a multitude of symbolism, the cleome flower only has the one. These flowers have stuck with their old-fashioned expression that asks the recipient to elope, or run away with the giver. Although these flowers can be presented as a proposition between new lovers, they are also a unique gift that can be traded between long married couples – asking each other if they would leave the world behind and get married once again.