Gerbera Flower

Gerbera is a genus of the family of sunflowers, Daisies and Asters - Asteraceae, with a wide distribution from Africa to Madagascar, tropical Asia and South America. Through hybridization, Gerberas are available in a massive array of colors.

The meanings of gerbera flowers stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings include innocence and purity. Daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty however, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.

Some Interesting Facts About Gerberas

• Having a long vase life, Gerbera flowers are widely used in the Cut Flower Industry. Gerberas are great flowers for adding color to any room or garden.
• Gerberas are also referred to as Gerbera Daisies, daisy being a general name for all species in the family Asteraceae, to which Gerberas belong.
• Gerbera flowers often measure 7 inches (17.8 cm) across.
• Gerberas come in a wide range of colors - from light to dark yellow, orange, pink, brilliant scarlet, deep red, and many more.
• Gerberas can be used in landscapes as bedding plants for borders and flower beds or as Cut Flowers for table arrangements.
• Gerberas are native to Transvaal, South Africa.
• Hybrid Gerbera varieties cloned through tissue culture are uniform, and have long-lasting flowers with thick peduncles that are not light sensitive; hence, flowers remain open in the dark, lending themselves to indoor use in flower arrangements.

About Gerbera Flower

Gerberas are perennial flowering plants featuring a large capitulum with striking, 2-lipped ray florets. The capitulum on the Gerberas has the appearance of a single flower, but is actually a cluster of hundreds of individual flowers. The morphology of the flowers varies depending on their position in the capitulum of the Gerberas.

Various Forms of Gerbera Flowers

Gerberas come in various forms. Broadly, they can be put into four groups-

·         Single Flowers - These Gerberas have a row of non-overlapping petals (ray florets) with a green center (disc florets). These are the most common gerberas available in the market.

·         Double or duplex - These Gerberas have a double row of overlapping petals with a green, black, or dark red eye.

·         Crested doubles - These doubles contain two rows of overlapping petals with one or more inner rows of shorter petals with a green, black, or dark red eye.

·         Full crested doubles - These have solid overlapping rows of petals with an inner row diminishing in size, covering the eye entirely.

Source: http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/gerberas

Iris Flower

The tall, beautiful iris, named after the Greek goddess who rode rainbows, comes in many magical colors.

Every gardener wants this perennial. Despite its divine origins, it is hardy, reliable, and easy to grow. Irises also attract butterflies and hummingbirds and make lovely cut flowers.

There are some 300 species in the genus Iris. The most familiar irises are the tall (at least 28 inches) bearded irises (Iris germanica).

The distinctive flowers have three large outer petals called "falls" and three inner upright petals called "standards." The falls may have beards or crests. Bearded iris are so-called because they have soft hairs along the center of the falls. In crested iris, the hairs form a comb or ridge.Most irises flower in early summer. Some, mostly bearded hybrids, are remontant, flowering again later in the summer.

Planting

• Irises need at least half a day of sun and well-drained soil. Without enough sun, they won't bloom.
• They prefer fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. If your soil is very acidic, sweeten it with a bit of lime, and forbear summer watering, which can lead to rot.
• Bearded irises must not be shaded by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.
• Soil drainage is very important. Loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.
• Plant iris in mid- to late summer.
• Bearded irises have rhizomes (fleshy roots) that should be partially exposed, or thinly covered with soil in hot climates.
• Plant rhizomes singly or in groups of three with the fans outermost, 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on the size.
• Dig a shallow hole 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. Make a ridge of soil down the middle and place the rhizome on the ridge, spreading roots down both sides. Fill the hole with soil and firm it gently.
• Water thoroughly.
• When planting, top-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, and again in early spring.

Care

• Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers to the surface or carelessly mulching with organic matter, which may encourage rhizome rot.
• Keep rhizomes exposed. Unlike bulbs, which thrive deep underground, iris rhizomes need a bit of sun and air to dry them out. If they're covered with soil or crowded by other plants, they'll rot. Irises may benefit from shallow mulching in the spring.
• Don't trim iris leaves. Leaves carry on photosynthesis for next year's growth. Cut off brown tips—and cut the flowering stalk down to the rhizome to discourage rot.
• If iris foliage is hit with heavy frost, remove and destroy it to eliminate borer eggs.
• After 2 to 5 years, when clumps become congested or lose vitality, divide and replant sound rhizomes in fresh soil. The best time to replant irises is soon after bloom. Transplant them to places where they will have "wet feet but dry knees." 

Source: http://www.almanac.com/plant/irises

Kangaroo Paw Flower

Facts About Kangaroo Paw Flower:

• Mangle's Kangaroo Paw is the floral emblem of Western Australia, where it is endemic.

• Other common species include the Green Kangaroo Paw, which ranges in color from lemon yellow to emerald green, and the Catspaw, which has smaller red, orange and gold flowers.

• Different species of the unusually shaped Kangaroo Paw usually deposit pollen on different areas of the birds' head. Thus, pollen from one species is unlikely to deposit in the flowers of another species.

• The red and green Kangaroo Paw is easily distinguished by its large red and green paw-shaped flowers.

• The Mangle's Kangaroo Paw has traditionally been used in Aboriginal medicines.

• Kangaroo Paws are also pollinated by honey eaters or wattlebirds.

• A major disease of Kangaroo paws is a fungus, which causes Ink disease, where large black blotches appear on the leaves.

• The genus name, Anigozanthos is derived from the Greek word 'anises', meaning unequal or oblique, and 'anthos', meaning flower, an allusion to the division of the Kangaroo Paw flower into six unequal parts.

Source: http://www.theflowerexpert.com/

Ginger Flower

The number of ginger plant species available for avid collectors (if you aren’t one yet, you may be at risk of becoming one) is staggering. And why would you want to stop at a few plants? There is so much variation between species: where one flower looks like an otherworldly pinecone, another resembles a mutant orchid, and yet another looks like a tropical insect dreamed up by a cartoonist.

Common Names

Flowering ginger plants aren’t known by any other common names, although some individual species bear such uninteresting names as “red ginger” or “yellow ginger.” Collectors should choose plants based on the Latin name rather than any common name to avoid mislabeled plants and muddled taxonomy issues. Gardeners just looking for an attractive container plant can look for a plant in bloom that they admire, as all tropical gingers thrive under similar growing conditions.

Description

Ginger plants spread and emerge from rhizomes, the thick fleshy roots you are accustomed to seeing in the market for seasoning food. The leaves are usually lance-shaped or oblong, deep green, and glossy. Flowers vary greatly from one genus to another, and may be borne throughout the growing season in tropical climates.

Native Country

Ginger is an adaptable tropical plant, and grows throughout much of Southeast Asia. Although some people associate flowering gingers with the state of Hawaii, many of the species were introduced to the island as ornamentals, and some, like the red button ginger, are considered invasive plants.

Size:

Many of the flowering gingers sold as garden plants reach an average height between four and five feet tall. Gardeners should consult the care tag of the individual species to choose a proper location or container size.

Source: http://flowers.about.com/od/Exotic-Flowers/p/Flowering-Ginger-Plants.htm

Wax Flower

Waxflower is also known as Chamelaucium which is a shrub genus mostly seen at (endemic) South Western part of Western Australia. It is said that they belong to myrtle family of Myrtaceae and possess leaves similar to tea-trees. Among the flowers Geraldton Wax which is cultivated because of their appeal of large attractive flowers.

It was found by the French botanist Rene Louiche Desfontaines in the year of 1819. Though the reason for their name is unclear it is speculated since their petals give a feeling of wax.

There are 14 species that are recognized within the genus. It provides to a number of related genera which are close to that known as Chamelaucium alliance that include largely present members of Verticordia, Calytrix, Darwinia, Micromytus, Thryptomene and Baeckea.

They have oil glands and aroma which give pleasant aroma when crushed. Their well known flower Geraldton Wax is widely cultivated. During cultivation they require dryer climates provided with excellent drainage and bright sun light.

Source: http://www.altiusdirectory.com

Aloe Vera Flower

Aloe Vera has been used as a medical plant since the times of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. This succulent plant grows naturally in Africa and the countries around the Mediterranean. In warm climates the Aloe Vera will produce narrow tubular yellow flowers.

In colder climates this plant can be planted in containers. The Aloe Vera is a wonderful plant to keep in your home.

It does need a sunny place and well drained soil. It does not do well in temperatures under 10 ° C

Benefits

Aloe has a strong ability to heal burns. The gel is used as a protective coat on the wounded area and it speeds up the healing process. The gel has a soothing effect on burns.  It has antibacterial and antifungal qualities.  Aloe is the perfect first aid plant to keep in your home.

Aloe Vera is also great to use on poison ivy burns. Many people keep the plant in their home for this purpose only. When treating minor burns use only the clear gel from the plant.

Fresh aloe gel needs to be used straight away as it will lose its strength after being exposed to oxygen for a while.

Aloe Vera gel will help relieve eczema. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and does itch quite a bit.

Treating the red and itching area of the skin with Aloe Vera will reduce the itching and speed up the recovery.

Aloe Vera in shampoo will make your hair very shiny. It has become a quite common ingredient in many commercial produced shampoos.

Aloe Vera gel is good to use on dry skin. Aloe Vera will help reduce wrinkles and the gel is often used for removing dead skin cells.

Aloe contains acemannan, glucomannes, enzymes, vitamins A, B, C, and E, amino acids, minerals, saponins, sterols and salicylic acid.

Source: http://usesofherbs.com/aloe-vera

Orchid Flower

The orchid family, Orchidaceae, is the most numerous in the plant kingdom. There are about 25,000 to 30,000 known species of orchids around the world. Orchids are found in all continents except Antarctica, from hot tropical jungles to the cold climate in North America. However, some orchids are found only in certain region of the world and nowhere else, for example, the Vanda genus colonizes only South East Asia.

There are two types of orchids: terrestrial orchids and epiphytes. Terrestrial orchids, such as Cymbidium, grow on the ground, while epiphytes establish themselves on trees. Each type of orchids can grow in two different ways:

• Sympodial orchids: the new shoots emerge alongside of the old plants, causing lateral spread. Cattleya is sympodial-epiphytes. Most epiphytic- sympodial orchids have storage stems, pseudobulbs or bulbs, to help them survive the dry season.
• Monopodial orchids: new growth is added to the apex, increasing the plant's height. The leaves are arranged alternately around the stem. Examples of monopodial orchids are Vanda, Phalaenopsis etc...

Most popular orchids grown today are hybrid species, creating by plant breeders in their hundreds of thousands. These "new" species may be the result of crossing two related species, or from three to four different genera like Mokara orchid.

Orchids are the most beautiful, the most sensual, the most exotic, and the most costly flowers. But you can enjoy them free at this site. Most orchid pictures in these pages were taken from the annual Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri.

Source: http://www.flowerpictures.net

Camellia Flower

If there’s a reason for a gardener to move to the south, it’s the camellia. You might say that this flowering shrub, which has been in cultivation for more than 1000 years, is the southerner’s answer to the peony. Similarities between peonies and camellias include lushly petaled blooms, and a tendency to live for more than a century.

Latin Name:

Genus Camellia, FamilyTheaceae

Common ornamental cultivars include:

• C. japonica
• C. reticulata
• C. sasanqua
• C. saluenensis

Common Names:

Camellia

Zone:

Camellias are reliably hardy in zones 7-9, although the fall blooming ‘Winter’ series and spring blooming ‘April’ series of camellias are hardy in zone 6.

Size:

Dwarf camellias top out at 2 feet in height, but many camellias grow to a mature height between 6 and 12 feet. Camellias are slow growing, and specimens can exceed 20 feet after many decades if they have excellent growing conditions.

Exposure:

Camellia plants enjoy light or dappled shade, but they do not like to compete for water and nutrients with trees in close proximity. Camellia sasanqua cultivars can take more sun than japonica types.

Bloom Period:

Planting a mix of camellia varieties can provide the gardener with a succession of blossoms from September through May.

Description:

Camellias are evergreen shrubs with dark, glossy leaves. Flowers may be white, pink, red, or streaked, and blooms can be single or double. Camellia sinensis yields flowers that produce tea, but is not as ornamental as the other cultivars.

Camellias stand for faithfulness and longevity in the language of flowers, and make a lush addition towinter wedding flower arrangements.

Planting:

• Know the mature size of your camellia, and plan accordingly if planting close to a window or home foundation.
• Plant camellias anytime except in the hottest summer months.
• Camellias require well-drained soil.
• An ideal soil pH for camellias is within the 6.0-6.5 range.
• If planting multiple camellia shrubs, space them at least 5 feet apart.
• It isn’t necessary to amend the backfill soil at planting time. Rather, lightly cultivate the top few inches of the soil, raking in compost or well-rotted manure.

Maintenance:

1. Proper fertilization is important for a large flower count. Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer in September to facilitate petal development. Apply a slow release nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to keep foliage dark green and lush.
2. Prune camellias after flowering to keep the interior of the shrubs free of dead and non-blooming branches. Remove any branches that droop on the ground.
3. Water camellias so that they are consistently moist. Dry periods that occur during bud development result in fewer flowers with a lower petal count. Drought stressed plants also open the door to spider mite infestation.
4. Control scale pests with horticultural oil during non-blooming times.
5. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to moderate soil temperatures, retain soil moisture, and stifle weeds.

Design Tips:

• In large gardens, place camellias as anchor points along the garden path.
• Use the camellia as an espalier specimen.
• Pair camellias with azaleas for continuous blooms from winter through late spring.
• Plant a blooming blanket of pansies under camellias.
• Coordinate camellia blooms with complementary or contrasting spring bulbs, such as crocus or Virginia bluebells.

Varieties:

• April Dawn: Hardy in zone 6; white flowers streaked with pink
• Elfin Rose: Pale pink blooms appear in October and November
• Fragrant Pink: Warm winter days bring out the sweet fragrance of small pink flower clusters
• Francis Eugene Phillips: Highly sought after for ornamental fringed foliage; ruffled pink flowers
• Rebel Yell: White flower with red blotches and prominent stamens
• Sea Foam: A perfect looking white flower with a crisp form
• Yuletide: Red blooms on a compact, four-foot tall shrub

Sources: flowerpictures.net

http://flowers.about.com

Lavender Flower

Many people appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavandula officinalis) for its fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender may have earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit.

However, this herb has also been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Research has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters (about 24 inches). Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with upright, rod like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

The oil in lavender's small, blue violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 - 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

Sources: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?PID=127

Anemone Flower

Anemone gets its name from “anemos”, the greek word for wind. It is sometimes called the windflower and the botanical name is pronounced a-NEM-o-nee.

Description

These perennial flowers have long stems and petals that flower in a variety of colours. The petals are small and round and most flower heads have about five or six petals. 

Habitat

Anemones grow wild in countries as diverse as Israel, Japan and Britain, and the flowers will grow well in any loamy soil, particularly when slightly acidic and enriched with compost.

Availability

Planting in October will typically provide flowers in May and June of the following year. Anemones are grown commercially all over the world and can be grown cheaply from bulb or seed.

Species

Anemone species are members of the Ranunculaceae family. Estimations vary on the exact number of known species, but it is certainly in excess of 150, with popular varieties including Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris), Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis) and Greek anemone (Anemone blanda).

Care Tips

When growing anemones from bulbs, always soak them overnight in a small bowl of water to prepare them for growth. If growing in outdoor beds, give your anemones direct sun for anything from half to a full day, and plant in 1-2 inch holes. Anemones can also grow successfully in tubs, barrels and urns if placed in good quality soil with adequate drainage holes.

Did You Know?

• Legend has it that the Greek goddess Aphrodite’s tears gave life to anemones as she wept in mourning for the death of the god Adonis. Anemones are linked with anticipation, and are thought to close their petals as a signal that rain is coming.
• Some myths claim that magic fairies make their beds under the petals of anemones after sunset.

Source: http://www.flowers.org.uk

Vanda Flower

The name Vanda comes from the Urdu name for one of the species, Vanda tessellatta, which has now been adopted as a common name for the whole genus.

Description

Orchids in the Vanda genus usually display five-petal flowers. Flowers can vary in colour and often come in bright shades such as purple, pink and yellow and many have spots adorning the petals. Size can vary from species to species, from small and compact up to many metres. The flowers are prized for lasting a long time – up to six weeks – and can bloom every few months.

Habitat

The Vanda genus originates from southern and eastern Asia. Species originate from China to the north as far south as Australia and everywhere in between, including India, Vietnam and the Philippines. They originally come from tropical climates and therefore like to be kept warm, but also appreciate cool air and plenty of humidity.

Availability

Propagation is difficult and usually reserved for experienced growers. Although it can be achieved by growing seeds, the other option is by cutting the top part of the plant and potting.

Species

The Vanda genus is one of 880 genera of the orchid family, known as Orchidaceae. Of the 50 or so species of Vanda, as well as many hybrid species, the Vanda sanderiana and the Vandopsis lissochiloides are most popular amongst growers.

Care Tips

Vanda have aerial roots which need space and to be left alone. The plant does not like to be disrupted and this may cause the flowers not to bloom. Vanda orchids enjoy regular misting and cool air, although they prefer warm rooms and cannot stand cold winters. The orchids are sensitive to ethylene gas, so it’s wise to avoid storing dying flowers, fruit or vegetables near to them. To encourage new growth, it’s best to snip off the old flower heads.

Source: http://www.flowers.org.uk

Stock Flower

Some varieties of Stock Flowers are biennials and others are annuals. The annual variety is sown in March but a bit earlier in colder regions. The annual variety is also known as “East Lothian” which grows in Scotland.

Description

• Stock grows as a single or a double flower having a diameter of about one inch.
• These flowers have a pleasing spicy and sweet scent which resembles that of cloves.
• The flowers come in colors like pink, burgundy, cream, peach, yellow, lavender and purple.

Growing Conditions

• Stock flowers grow best in humid and cool coastal areas.
• There are however some varieties of stock which can tolerate hotter climates.
• These flowers can resist light frost and so is capable of blooming in the winter too.
• Stocks need plenty of sunshine in the main growing period.

 

Facts about Stock Flowers

• Stock flowers belong to the mustard family and are native to the Mediterranean region.
• These flowers are popular for lining flower beds where they can be planted in rows.
• They are popular as for indoor flower arrangements and have a vase life of about 8 days.

Source: http://www.altiusdirectory.com