The flower of December: The Poisonous Narcissus

The Poisonous Narcissus

While most Narcissus’s, like the Daffodil, bloom in the spring, there are several that bloom in the fall and winter. The Narcissus is mostly native to the Mediterranean region but there are a few found in Asia and China. Because of modifications there are new species being created in nurseries almost every year.

The name Narcissus is from the narcissistic youth of Greek mythology called Narkissos. Narcissus are often called jonquils in North America, but in reality that name belongs only to the rush-leaved Narcissus jonquilla and cultivars derived from it.

The Narcissus has a trumpet shaped corona that is surrounded by a ring of petals. They are also poisonous and can be fatal if eaten so no parts of the flower should be ingested.

When comparing the Daffodil, Jonquil, and the “Narcissus”, it is important to remember that both the Daffodil and Jonquil are a part of the Narcissus genus. However while the names “Daffodil” and “Narcissus” can be used interchangeably, a Jonquil is a completely different plant down to the shape of the petals and leaves.

Flower of the month of November: The Chrysanthemum

November Flower: the Chrysanthemum

The Chrysanthemum, which is closely related to the daisy is often referred to by cultivators and gardeners as “mums”. It currently includes about 30 species of perineal flowering plants which are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. At one point there were more species of the Chrysanthemum but the species was split.

The Chrysanthemum can grow between 50-150cm tall, has deep leaves and large flower heads with dozens of petals. It is most commonly found in shades of white, pink, red orange and yellow.

In parts of Asia the Chrysanthemum petals are boiled in order to make a sweet drink known as Chrysanthemum tea. It is believed that this tea has many medicinal uses including curing influenza.

We love the chrysanthemums in the fall, they can brighten up the outdoors up until november, they are bittersweet as they introduce us to our next winter every year!

Flower of the month of October: Calendula

Calendula

The Calendula, also referred to as the “Marigold”, includes 12-20 species of annual plants in the Daisy family that are native from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran.

Calendula means the first day of the month, as they usually bloom at the beginning of the month throughout most months of the year.

I love how the Calendula’s oval petals are perfectly layered, and can grow to be 3-7cm across. The colors range through various shades of yellow and orange. If the flower head is dying, it is suggested that you remove it in order to help maintain even blossom production.

Calendula has good medical properties: as a herb, the ointment from Calendula’s is used to cure many skin problems from burns to acne because of its properties that reduce inflammation, soothes irritated tissue, and controls bleeding. It can be used internally or topically for minor wounds as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.

Fun and interesting fact: In Old World Biblical terms the marigold actually refers to the Virgin Mary.

Flower of the month of September: Aster

Aster the "Star"of September

The Flower of the month is the Aster. Aster means “star” in Greek, and I was happily surprised during my research to find out that the Aster includes 600 species!! Asters are showy flowers, mostly found in gardens. The Aster is unique for its delicate purple color often associated with the core aspects of the Self. Purple is usually an expression of our spiritual level.
The Aster can also be found in a variety of other colors including blue and white.

The Aster is known for its well defined physical structure and strong integrative features. Because of this it is thought that the Aster has qualities of strength, immunity and integration. Depending on the exact species, Asters begin growing in the summer and continue growing through the fall.

For those of you who want to plant Asters:
In order to multiply and continue to grow well, Asters should be transplanted and divided at the room every other year. It is best to do this in early spring, keeping the root wet the day before and after dividing it. Doing this will rejuvenate the plant, help with size control and also give you more of them to add to the garden. Aster’s grow best in rich wet soil, and can be grown either in direct sunlight or in the shade.

Fun and interesting facts:
Legend has it that burning the Aster leaves will keep away snakes. In French tradition it is said that placing the flowers on the grave of a dead soldier is a tribute to his bravery.

Flower of the Month of August

August's Flower: Gladiola

Each month has its flower. Oui! Oui! Just like birthstones. And August’s flower is the Gladiola.
The Gladiola is native to South America but can be found growing in the United States and Europe. Can you believe that there are about 260 separate species! They are also referred to by many as Gladiolus, gladiola, “glads”, and “Sword Lily” because of their long sword shaped leaves. However, the Gladiolas is not part of the Lily family. As a flower, the Gladiolas are one of the most popular flowers you will find planted in gardens because of their beauty, fragrance and the easiness of growing.

Gladiolas should be planted in the spring, and will grow and bloom in August. They can be found in several colors and bicolors, including pink to reddish or light purple with white, contrasting markings, or white to cream or orange to red, and blue. The blossoms open from the bottom first, but with harvesting will also open at the top either indoors or outdoors. They like rich, soft soil, plenty of water, and plenty of shade. Make sure the sun hits your Gladiolas during the day, but that your flowers are not drenched in sunlight all day, drying out the soil. Gladiolas can grow to 3 or 4 feet tall.

Gladiolas do not grow from a bulb as most flowers do, but they originate in a corm. The main difference being that a bulb produces new bulbs under the main bulb and the corm produces new corm’s above the main corm. This makes it easy to dig up the corm, separate, wash and store the baby corm’s till the next season when it is time to plant.

Fun and interesting fact: The Gladiola was adopted by actress Dame Edna Everage and was often seen in pictures and publicity shots for her. Morrissey has done the same since he was with the band The Smith’s back in the 1980’s.

July’s Flower: Larkspur

Larkspur Flower, also called Delphinium

People usually know that every month has a birthstone. Well, do you know that ever month has also a flower or two associated with it? I will present to you at the beginning of each month the flower that represents it.

For July, it is the Larkspur ( also called Delphinium ) . This flower varies in size, from 10cm to 2 m! Can you imagine? Taller than me! The Larkspur blooms end of spring until end of summer, and even though we usually know it as the blue or purple flower, it actually comes in shades of yellow, red and even white.

Butterflies and bees love it! You will see them dancing around it all summer.

Even though this flower looks all delicate, and beautiful, you should beware! It is poisonous and very dangerous. Eating a lot of it can cause death! I don’t want to turn this post into drama, but I though I would mention it, just in case you fall in love, and decide to put it in your salad! However as poisonous as they might be in huge amounts, they are used in small doses in medication. It is believed that drinking the seed could help the sting from a scorpion, and that putting it in your hair can help kill lice and nits.

A fun fact: Mixing the juice from the Larkspur seed with alum can create a blue ink. Because of the blue color it used to be used in Transylvania on the stables to ward away witches.