What's Blooming
Sunflower
Sunflower or Heleanthus are native to the Americas and were first cultivated in Mexico. They are named for their propensity to turn its head toward the sun and are produced for their big showy flowers, tasty seeds and oil that are used in soap, paint and cosmetics. Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus or Prairie Gentian are from the wilds of much of the Americas. Their beautiful blooms are about 2in in diameter and they grow about 2ft tall. The new wine and copper colored lisianthus are especially versatile. Lisianthus represent gratitude, appreciation and charisma.
Dahlia
Dahlia are native to Central America and are the national flower of Mexico. The tubers were consumed as a food crop by the Aztecs. They range in size from two to 12 inches in diameter. Once cut and placed in a vase, dahlias thrive in plenty of water and cooler temperatures. Dahlias symbolize elegance, inner strength, creativity, change, dignity, and sacred values.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are native to the rocky areas of the United States, North Africa and Europe. The face of the floret resembles a dragon opening and closing its mouth when laterally squeezed. The leaves and flowers have been used as anti-inflammatory poultices. Snapdragons signify grace and strength.
Eucalyptus
Native to Australia, eucalyptus is known for its leaves, seeds and striking flowers. Every year they grow a new layer of bark and the outer layer dies and peels off. Sacred to Aboriginals, it represents the division of the underworld between earth and heaven. They consume the sapp called Manna, for medicine, for bowls, canoes, spears, shields, art, music, etc. Tags: Sun Shower, May Flowers, Flower Therapy
Amaranthus
Amaranthus or as it became known in victorian England Love Lies Bleeding is a group of plants containing 75 species in its genus that are native to every continent. The flowers resemble tassels and look terrific in cascading bouquets. Amaranthus is used in Chinese medicine and the Amaranth seed is highly nutritious and especially valued for its amino acids. Amaranthus signifies immortality.
Chocolate Lace
Daucus carota is native to Europe and southwest Asia and is named after both Queen Anne of Britain and her great grandmother Anne of Denmark. Queen Anne's Lace are edible when young and tender but be careful because they resemble poison Hemlock and mistaking the two could prove fatal. Those fluent in the language of flowers associate Queen Ann's lace with sanctuary. TAGS: May Flowers
Dahlia pink
Dahlia are native to Central America and are the national flower of Mexico. The tubers were consumed as a food crop by the Aztecs. They range in size from two to 12 inches in diameter. Once cut and placed in a vase, dahlias thrive in plenty of water and cooler temperatures. Dahlias symbolize elegance, inner strength, creativity, change, dignity and sacred values. Tags: Flower Therapy, Bloomtastic, Big Bloom Energy
Campanula
With their happy nodding heads, Campanula, or bellflower plants, are cheery perennial flowers. The plant is native to many regions where cool nights and moderate temperatures prevail, creating ideal conditions for growing bellflowers. It is also found as a symbol of affection, constancy, and everlasting love
Scabiosa
Scabiosa pods or Pincushion flowers are in the same family as Honeysuckle and are native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The name comes from the Latin word scabies meaning to itch and the fact that Scabiosa is used in folk medicine to treat scabies, an illness that causes major itchiness. Scabiosa signifies love, purity, and peace.
Nigella
Bells of Ireland, moluccella laevis or shell flower, is a summer flowering annual, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. A member of the mint family, the blooming stems can be cut and used in fresh or dried flower arrangements. It is cultivated for its spikes of flowers. In the language of flowers, it represents luck.
Veronica
Veronica is a robust genus of flowering plants that includes more than 500 species, several dozen of which are cultivated as landscape flowers. Of these, one of the most popular is Veronica spicata, often known as spiked speedwell, which is often called just speedwell. Speedwell is a clump-forming plant with flowers that grow on stalks of medium height. Like other species in the Veronica genus, it belongs to the plantain family. It is grown for its showy spikes of long-lasting flowers that begin blooming in late spring or early summer. The meaning and symbolism of Veronica is loyalty.
Dianthus
Dianthus or Carnation is native to Europe and Asia. They have a spicy, clove-like scent. In many cultures, Dianthus is the official flower of Mother's Day. The name dianthus comes from the Greek "dios" (god) and "anthos" (flower) and is considered by many to be the flower of the gods. Dianthus signifies admiration, capriciousness, affection, passion, and gratitude.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea are native to Korea, China, Japan, and the Americas and the word is derived from Greek meaning water vessel. In most species the flowers are white, but in some species can be blue, red, pink, and purple. In Japan, hydrangea leaves are made into Ama-cha tea and used in a Buddha bathing ceremony. Hydrangea signifies unity.
Chocolate Cosmos
Cosmos atrosanguineus, the chocolate cosmos, is a species of Cosmos, native to Mexico. Velvety textured, chocolate-scented, deep maroon flowers with darker brown center on divided dark green leaves. Sorry to disappoint all of you chocolate lovers out there, this flower is named Chocolate Cosmos for its chocolate-like fragrance but it is not edible! The chocolate cosmos is meant to communicate your feelings of intense love. This flower is said to symbolize passion, desire, and sensuality.
Sweet William
Sweet William is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It has become a popular ornamental garden plant. It is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant. Each flower is 2–3 cm diameter with five petals displaying serrated edges. Wild plants produce red flowers with a white base, but colors in cultivars range from white, pink, red, and purple to variegated patterns. Sweet William symbolizes admiration, passion, love, and gratitude
Godetia
Godetia is native to western North America. It can be found between California and British Columbia. It is an attractive and very showy annual flower that blooms, as the name suggests, in late spring. Its blooms are similar to those of an azalea, and they usually come in shades of pink and white. Godetia symbolizes charm and enthusiasm.
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea is in the family Fabaceae (legumes) and they are native to Sicily, southern Italy, and the Aegean Islands. Scottish nurseryman Henry Eckford cross-bred and developed the sweet pea, turning it from a rather insignificant if sweetly scented flower into a floral sensation of the late Victorian era. They are grown for private enjoyment, exhibition, and for the floristry trade. Sweet peas have a range of beautiful colors (usually in pastel shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, including bi-colors) and also possess a subtle and unique fragrance.
Rosemary
First mentioned on Mesopotamian stone tablets 5,000 years ago, rosemary derives from the Latin rosmarinos meaning dew of the sea. It hails from Europe and Asia. It is used in floral decor, landscaping, and to flavor food. It was considered sacred to the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks who used it in folk medicine. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, love, happiness, and loyalty.
Foxglove
Foxglove or Digitalis, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa is an example of how a plant formerly used by folklorists was then adopted by 'modern medicine' in the treatment of certain heart conditions. Never ingest Foxglove. The significance of Foxglove is both negative in terms of its toxicity and really good in terms of its medicinal benefits. Legend has it that picking digitalis has been known to really piss off fairies.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria is originally from South America and can grow up to five feet tall. They can have a vase life of two weeks and are associated with our willingness to help one another through the ups and downs we face in our lives. They symbolize fidelity, friendship, robustness, and love.
Statice
Statice or Limonium is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. They grow up to 7ft tall and have a long shelf life. Statice is used in dried flower arrangements because they retain color well and are hardy. Statice symbolizes remembrance.
Dusty Miller
Dusty miller or Senecio cineraria is a grey foliage native to the Mediterranean and often used as an accent because it has a natural chemistry with many shades including dirty pink. Dusty Miller symbolizes protection.
Aster
Part of the Chinese aster series, the Matsumoto Aster is native to Eastern Asia and is a very admired and sought-after flower. They are categorized under the genus Callistephus, which comes from the Greek word that means “beautiful crown”. This is most likely because of their crown-like appearance. The Matsumoto aster shows off its always yellow inner florets by encircling them with white, pink.
Snow on the Mountain
Grown as much for its foliage as for its flowers, snow-on-the-mountain’s small but showy leaves may be light green, variegated, or entirely white. They clasp erect, many-branched stems which grow 1-3 ft. tall. Tiny flowers, each with whitish, petal-like bracts, are borne in clusters atop the stems.
Parvifolia
Parvifolia has small, delicate, and fragrant foliage that can be oval or elongated. It gives alluring texture and fragrance to arrangements and can be used for wedding work, garlands, wreaths, and bouquets. Eucalyptus foliage can also be preserved and painted for use in dried arrangements. Parvifolia is derived from the Latin words Parvus meaning "small" and folium meaning "leaf", referring to the small leaves of this species.
Matsumoto Aster
Part of the Chinese aster series, the Matsumoto Aster is native to Eastern Asia and is a very admired and sought-after flower. They are categorized under the genus Callistephus, which comes from the Greek word that means “beautiful crown”. This is most likely because of their crown-like appearance. The Matsumoto aster shows off its always yellow inner florets by encircling them with white, pink. The aster flower carries a variety of meanings, but in general, the flower mainly represents love, wisdom, and faith.
Yarrow
Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, is named for the mythological Greek god Achilles, who is said to have used some of this plant’s more than 100 species for medicinal purposes. Today, yarrow’s blooms populate garden walks and floral designs alike, while herbalists continue to use the plant for its fever-reducing, skin-cleansing, and wound-healing properties. Yarrow's symbolic meaning is traditionally associated with healing which originates from Ancient Greek mythology.
Calendula
Calendula are native to southwestern Asia, the name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock". In historic times calendula was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. Calendula flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities since early times. Calendula has been a symbol of sunshine and fire for many centuries.
Bunny Tail Grass
Bunny Tail Grass is a genus of Old World plants in the grass family, native to the Mediterranean Basin and nearby regions, from the Azores and the Canary Islands to Crimea and Saudi Arabia. It has spiky inflorescences reminiscent of the furry cotton tails of rabbits.
Marigold
Marigolds or Tagetes are from Mexico and are used in many Mexican festivities including The Day of the Dead. When planted, marigolds deter pests from invading neighboring plants such as tomatoes. Marigolds represent a remembrance and celebration of the dead, sacred offerings to the gods, the beauty and warmth of the rising sun and courage.
Safflower
Safflower is native to Asia and Africa and is one of our first crops dating back 2,500 years to Mesopotamia. It is cultivated for its flowers, oil, seeds (livestock feed), color (textile colorant). The Spaniards use it as a substitute for Saffron. Safflower is a symbol of welcoming and marriage.
Strawflower
Strawflower blossoms will bring vivid colors to your landscape and craft projects alike. Strawflowers resemble daisies in form, but unlike daisies, the petals are stiff and papery. In fact, they aren’t true petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts. Strawflowers symbolize agreements.
Olive
Olives (relatives of lilacs, jasmines, and forsythia) are native to the Mediterranean and are cultivated for their healthy oil and cured fruit. The word oil derives from the name of this tree which fossil evidence dates back about thirty million years. Olive is one of the first plants to be mentioned in the Quran and the bible’s Old Testament. They signify peace, cleansing, healing, and reconciliation.
Echinops
Echinops can be an amazing addition to your perennial or cutting garden. The different species give an array of different heights and colors, ranging from frosty white to bright blue. Commonly called globe thistle, this plant adds a sharp texture to an arrangement in its leaves, upright stature, and spiky golf-ball-sized flower heads. Echinops means independence and nobility.
Tweedia
Tweedia, also known as Oxypetalum Coeruleum, is a species of flowering plant, native to South America from southern Brazil to Uruguay. It is grown for its clear pale blue, white, and pink star-shaped flowers, which are long-lasting and cut well.
Sedum
Sedum from the Latin word sedeo, meaning "to sit", comes from the northern hemisphere; although some originate in Africa and South America. Some sedums are used as an edible crop. The Ford Building in Dearborn, MI has a living roof covered with 454k square feet of sedum. Sedum signifies peace and tranquility.
Celosia
Celosia is a close cousin to the Coxcomb and is native to Africa. They are used in floral decorating and food. Celosia is somewhat of a miracle crop of the future as it thrives almost everywhere without much care, diseases, or insect problems, reseeding itself abundantly. Celosia symbolizes immortality, affection, and most importantly humor.
Sage
Sage or Salvia is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Sage has been used since ancient times for warding off evil, snakebites, and increasing women’s fertility. The Romans referred to sage as the “holy herb”, and employed it in their religious rituals. Native Americans have burned sage as a part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom. TAGS: Bloom Babies
Gladiolus
Gladiolus: a beautiful, proud, tall drink of water. We commonly recognize them by their strikingly tall stalks and large, abundant blooms that grow in all sorts of vibrant colors. As the month of August’s prized flower, these blooms have a lot more to offer than just their beauty. The Gladiolus is full of heroism. The name comes from the Latin word 'gladius', which means sword and symbolizes strength, victory, and pride. Tags: Bloom Babies
Roses
Most of the 300 species of roses are native to Asia and are used for floral design, landscaping, and perfumes. There are about 35k rose hybrids and cultivars. Rose hips are produced as a supplement for their high vitamin C content. Roses are associated with the goddess Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary. They eventually led to the creation of the rosary and signify intrigue.
Solidago
Solidago or Goldenrod is native to the Americas and is used in floral designs while their leaves are processed into herbal teas. Thomas Edison experimented with it because they contain rubber. Henry Ford famously gave him a Model T with tires produced by Solidago. Considered a sign of good luck or good fortune, they are often given to those who have lost loved ones.
Coxcomb
Coxcomb is native to Africa and is widespread across Mexico, South America, the West Indies, and Asia. The dramatic flower gets its name from its bright color and shape that resembles the crest of a rooster. In Nigeria, it is known as “soko yokoto”, meaning "make my husband fat and happy". Coxcomb symbolizes immortality, affection, and most importantly humor.
Gypsy Dianthus
Dianthus or Carnation are native to Europe and Asia. They have a spicy, clove-like scent. In many cultures, Dianthus is the official flower of Mother's Day. The name dianthus comes from the Greek dios (god) and anthos (flower) and is considered by many to be the flower of the gods. Dianthus signifies admiration, capriciousness, affection, passion, and gratitude.
Aster
Most Asters originate from North America and Southern Europe their name comes from the Greek word for "star" referencing their star-shaped flowers. In times past, the burning of Aster leaves was used to ward off vicious snakes and this may explain why people have loved to plant them in their gardens. Asters are considered an amulet for love and to possess mystic powers.
Gomphrena
Gomphrena is native to Central America including Guatemala and Panama. In Hawaii, they are used for leis. Trinidadians use Gomphrena in tea to treat baby gripe, cough, and diabetes while Caribbeans have used them to treat reproductive problems. The spiritual significance of Gomphrena relates to the immortality of an organized and conscious vital being.
Eriostemon
Eriostemon or also called Philotheca Myoporoides ‘Flower Girl’ or Long-leaf Waxflower is a beautiful Australian Native plant. Beautiful white star-shaped flowers emerge from distinctive buds of apple-blossom pink. Being from the Rutaceae family, like lemons or boronias, Eriostemon foliage has glands that release a sweet citrusy scent when touched - making it a particularly appealing cut flower.
Rice Flower
An Australia native, rice flower is a woody shrub prized for its uncommon beauty. Its most notable feature lies in its blossoms, whose dense, the spherical shape resembles the grains of rice commonly used in international cuisines (or thrown over by newlywed couples in weddings). Since the times of ancient Greece, the plant has been cherished for its “everlasting beauty,” which is likely in reference to its lengthy vase life, especially when dried. This is why rice flower is often called “immortelle” (everlasting) by the Greeks.
Tritoma
Tritoma, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to South Africa. They have large, narrow, grass-like leaves and dense spikes of small, tubular flowers that bloom from early spring to autumn. Buds and emerging flowers are red but mature to yellow, giving each spike a lovely two-toned appearance. When in bloom, the flowers produce an abundance of nectar, which attracts bees and butterflies. Tritomas symbolize good fortune. Tags: Flower Trip, Hy-Bloom
Kale
Kale or leaf cabbage are a part of the Brassica family grown for their edible leaves and some are used as ornamentals for flower arranging. Kale originated in the eastern Mediterranean and in Scotland, kale provided such a base for a traditional diet that the word in some Scots dialects is synonymous with food. To be “off one’s kail” is to feel too ill to eat. Long ago, kale was also a slang term for “money”, as in, “Hand over the kale, sweetheart, and nobody gets hurt.” TAG: Flower Trip
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae, and are native to warm subtropical and tropical regions around the world. It is the ultimate tropical bloom! In Victorian times, the gift of a hibiscus bloom meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty. TAGS: Flower Trip
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susans were originally found in the meadows and the woodlands of North America and were named after Olof Rudbeck who discovered the lymphatic system and founded Sweden's first botanical garden. Rudbeckia is considered to be a sign of encouragement and motivation. She is known as the lover of Dianthus who blooms alongside her all summer long. TAGS: Hy-Bloom, Bloom Service
Sunflower Cherokee
Sunflower or Heleanthus are native to the Americas and were first cultivated in Mexico. They are named for their propensity to turn their head toward the sun and are produced for their big showy flowers, tasty seeds, and oil that are used in soap, paint, and cosmetics. Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity.
Passion Vine
Passion Vine is an unusual flower that is widely distributed in the Southeast, especially from Florida to Texas. The plants were given the name Passionflower or Passion vine because the floral parts were once said to represent aspects of the Christian crucifixion story, sometimes referred to as the Passion. The 10 petal-like parts represent the disciples of Jesus, excluding Peter and Judas; the 5 stamens the wounds Jesus received; the knob-like stigmas the nails; the fringe the crown of thorns.