Dianthus Flower Information And Planting Care

Dianthus flowers belong to the Dianthus genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. This genus alone has more than 300 species and countless introduced cultivars present in it.Commonly known as 'pink', Sweet William (miniature variety), and carnation (large double variety), this genus offers plenty of flowering plants for one's landscape; both indoors and outdoors. This pretty pink and white frilled flowers name has been derived from two Greek words dios and anthos meaning god and flower, respectively.

Dianthus Flower Information

Native mainly to Europe and Asia, dianthus flowers are now one of the most popular garden flowers grown. The large number of species that it offers, has plants that are annual, biennial and perennial. Low growing, dianthus plants are shrubby in nature with woody basal stems. The foliage is placed opposite, simple and liner in shape with grey-green to blue-green colored leaves found on stems. Flowers are borne on end of each stem; alone or in clusters. Single petaled flowers have five frills, and margin petals. Most flower colors come in all possible hues and shades of pink, red or white, either alone as a combination. A few varieties are being developed to include other colors such as yellow or orange too.

Planting Dianthus Flowers
Dianthus flowers bloom mid-to late spring, and depending upon the variety, this plant can be propagated through layering and clump division for perennials, or seeds for biennial or annuals. The best time for layering is midsummer. Choose a healthy parent plant and select a long strong shoot. Remove its lower leaves, look for a undeveloped leaf node, bending it lightly from that point, push it in the soil. Use a pin to hold the stem down. Continue watering, in a couple of weeks the buried node will sprout roots. Once you noticed a few new leaf sprouts, severe the shoot from the mother plant. Divide clumps and replant. For sowing seeds, simply fill a pot with moist sowing medium. Sprinkle seeds evenly and cover with a thin layer of sandy soil. Cover pot with plastic or newspaper. The trapped moisture will speed the seed germination process. Once the seedling reaches a six leaf stage, transplant to the intended location.

Dianthus Flower Care
Dianthus flowers should be grown in locations that are sunny for temperate places, and slightly shady for very hot areas. They can be grown in pots as well as flower beds. The soil should be loose, well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. The soil should be light and airy, hence avoid too much compost or fertilizing. Plant the dianthus about 10-12 inches apart, to give them enough space to spread. In pots, depending upon the size plant, no more than two at a time.

Water adequately, just enough to keep the soil moist. Dry spells will cause the plant to wither, whereas over-watering will turn their foliage yellow. To promote lateral branching and to make the plant bushy, pinch off main growth after it grows to eight inches. To encourage more blooms, pinch off deadheads regularly. Hold on to a few flowers if you want to collect seeds. Fertilize with a light fertilizer every forthright during the bloom period. For the perennial variety, divide dianthus clumps every 2 to 3 years, this will help them to produce more flowers.

So this is all about dianthus flowering and how to care for dianthus flower. Have lots of these sparkles around your landscape, to enjoy them to the extreme.

To Plant An Entire Garden Based On Begonia Flowers

Begonia flowers are chiefly found in Central and South America, although a few are native to other tropical and subtropical regions. They large group of succulent herbs, shrubs, and vines and will usually grow compact, dense foliage, and grow about 6-9 inches tall.

There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and the uncommon Perennials. The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous Begonias, Wax Begonias and Everblooming Begonias. Depending upon type, one can find red, white, pink, or yellow varieties.
The begonia flower is sometimes thought to represent fear, and when given to another person, some people believe that it is a warning to beware. On the other hand, it typically represents a person with a dreamy, almost innocent nature. As a gift, these are often presented to creative individuals and children because of their fanciful symbolism and their simple, unsullied beauty. These flowers can be given in the traditional bouquet, as a single flower, or within a hanging basket. However, for a more unique twist, you can easily create an origami begonia leaf and pin it to either a single flower, or place it at the center of a small bundle of blossoms.

The Begonia genus is very large and includes upwards of 1,500 species. It is a member of the Begonicaea family, and therefore is closely related to the other member of this genus Hillebrandia; this genus only includes one plant (Hillebrandia sandwicensis) and has the local Hawaiian name of Pua Maka Nui.

Begonia are herbaceous in nature and are native to South Asia, Africa, and Central and Southern America. They usually have large asymmetric leaves that may have markings and are often variegated with some species having many different colors. One of the interesting things about Begonia is that they are monoecious, and therefore have different male and female flowers on the same plant.

Begonia plant species are divided broadly into different categories, with each type having distinct root systems, stems, foliage and flowers.

Canes: This type has the most spectacular flower show and the maximum number of colors too. The variety in it can have very large leaves; up to 14 inches. The flowers are borne in large clusters and do quite well as both indoor and outdoor plants.

Shrubs: The multi-stemmed, shrub variety is grown for its ease of growing, beautifully shaped green leaves and quick growth. Some within this variety bear small white, pink or red flowers. The shrubs can be miniatures or nearly ten feet tall.

Scandent: This is a trailer variety, with some having the ability to climb upwards like a creeper. The trailers bear large flowers in smaller clusters. Their roots tend to hold on to trees, rocks and walls for support as they climb or trail.

Thick Stemmed: Not a very popular species among the begonia genus, these thick stemmed varieties don't branch much but shoot up new growth from the base. The leaves tend to shed, making this variety an unusual plant to have. New hybrids have stems that range in colors of green to a brown to even a cream.

Rex: Rex begonia are grown more for their foliage that comes in different shapes, sizes, patterns and vivid colors. It does bear flowers but they are quite inconsequential. The foliage needs lots of care as temperature and other environmental conditions can dampen their foliage show.

Tuberous: The tuberous variety is very popular as they can be started each season with ease and the availability too is not an issue. Some in this type are grown for their small to large flowers, while some for foliage. The tuberous variety can be of a trailing type or sturdy upright plants.

Semperfloren: A widely grown begonia, Semperfloren can be treated as annuals as well as perennial shrubs. The leaves come in colors of green bronze and in some variegated variety, white. The flowers too come in shades and hues of red and pink, and white.

Rhizomatous: Rhizomatous begonia offer an endless variety of leaf shape, color and texture, with a huge flower display that in some varieties bloom only in the spring, while some bloom all yearlong. Their rhizomes do not go deep in the ground, but spread along it.

If you are wondering how to care for begonia plants, just leaf through begonia care. With so many options it should not be difficult to plant an entire garden based on begonia plants.

Daffodils-March Birth Flower

The march birth flower is the jonquil, also known as daffodil or narcissus (Latin name) or paperwhites. The term paperwhites is generally used for tiny white flowers that grow in clusters and daffodil for single, trumpet-shaped flowers. The name Daffodils includes the white Narcissi and the cluster-flowered yellow Jounquils. There is literally no difference between Narcissus and Daffodils. The two words are synonymous. Narcissus is the botanical or Latin name for the commonly called daffodils. All members of the genus Narcissus is commonly called as Daffodil. The original name of the flower was ‘affodyll’, the ‘D’ is somewhat of a mystery.

Colors and Characteristics
The plant grows from a bulb and has a single, trumpet-shaped flower at the end of each stalk. The trumpet is often in a contrasting color from the background. The stalks are surrounded by five or six wide, blue-green leaves of varying lengths. Daffodils are most commonly yellow but you can also find them white, cream, orange and a pinkish tint either in a single or bi-color pattern. All narcissus varieties contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves therefore this march birth flower is poisonous and can be harmful or deadly if eaten. It is native to the meditteranean, but has been cultivated all over the world as a decorative plant.

Based on its several distinctive forms of the flower, daffodils may be separated into 13 major divisions. It consists of a central whorl of tepals (the corona) that is surrounded by a ring of petals. The center part ranges from a short flattened disc to a long tubular part. The daffodil bulb renews itself through its foliage each year.
They belong to the genus Narcissus. In the early spring, daffodils are one of the first flowers to make their appearance and they are one of the most colorful and vigorous flowers of spring. Natural daffodil has a color of golden yellow all over and the trumpet may appear in a contrasting color.

Daffodils are long lived flowers, the flowers come in many sizes, from 5-inch blooms on 2-foot stems tto half-inch flowers on 2-inch stems. Large bulbs will normally bloom better than smaller ones. Daffodils multiply in 2 ways: sexually (from seed) where new different flowers will result, and asexual cloning (bulb division) where the exact copies of the flower will result.

The earliest record mentioned about daffodils was around 200 – 300 years BC. Romans brought daffodils to Britain, they thought the sap from daffodils had healing powers. The sap actually contains crystals which can irritate the skin. Roman soldiers used to bring a satchel of daffodil bulbs into battle. When they were injured to the point of death, then they would eat those toxic bulbs to relieve pain and hasten death.

A Roman surgeon treated wounds with balm which contained juice of daffodil bulbs. Galenthine in daffodil bulbs is being used for Alzheimer’s disease (even today). The jonquil (N. Jonquilla) has several fragrant golden blossoms and the oil from which is used in perfumes. Daffodils are native mainly to the Meditterranean region, in particular to Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Meaning and Symbol
The daffodil is a perennial grown from a bulb and it can reach heights of two feet. These Wales' national flower are among the easiest of plants to grow, and many people enjoy making space for them in the garden. They often grow in large clusters, covering lawns and even entire hillsides with yellow. Daffodils have the flower meaning of rebirth, rejuvenation, respect, regard and unrequited love. When letting someone know that you feel the same way towards him as he does towards you, jonquil flowers symbolize affection that is returned. In China, this flower is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune. Since they bloom early in the year therefore it has also become a symbol of Chinese New Year. If your narcissus blooms on Chinese New Year, it is said to bring you extra wealth and good fortune throghout the year. On top of that, it has one of the sweetest fragrances of any flower .

Carnation Flower Meaning Literally Translates To 'Flowers Of The God'

Carnations adorn so many places. They're present at weddings and birthday parties; at funerals and festivals. They're used in all occasions or none at all. A simple long stemmed carnation evokes as much of a sigh as does a bouquet of carnations. And the colors! Oh the colors! The bright reds, yellows, pinks, peaches... now who wouldn't love to have a sight like that brighten up their day? But do you know the carnation flower meaning? Do you know what the carnation flower is all about? How it came to be and what it signifies? What is the meaning of carnation flowers? So if I have been able to tweak your curiosity a little bit, you'll be interested in knowing the carnation flower meaning. Shall we?

The carnation flower meaning literally translates to 'Flowers of the god' or 'Flowers of love'. The carnation flower, it is said, dates back 2000 years and more. The flower is characterized by the sweet clove like smell that it emanates and its ruffled appearance, along with having long -asting abilities.

The scientific name of the carnation flower is Dianthus caryophyllus. And it is a flower that is surrounded by mythology, symbolism and debate. Some suggest that the carnation flower meaning derived its name from the word 'corone' which means flower garland or from 'coronation' because it was used in Greek ceremonial crowns. While others say that it is derived from the Latin word 'carnis' meaning flesh, because of its pinkish tinge, or the word 'incarnacyon' meaning incarnation.

Flowers have been used to signify several things for over centuries. They have a very important place and position in our society, as I have mentioned earlier in the article. They are used as a medium to express several things. Similarly, the carnations are used to signify several emotions. Carnations are worn on occasions of Teacher's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Mother's Day. Carnations are the official flowers of the state of Ohio. Along with that they are the first wedding anniversary flower. They are also the January birth flower. Now that we know the significance and importance set with the carnation flower, let's look at some of the carnation flower meanings of its different colors.

While the carnation flower meaning in general signifies virtues and emotions like love, distinction and fascination, it is very interesting to note, that each of the several colors of the carnation flower signify a different meaning and association. Thus the carnation flower meaning holds a different and unique meaning for all its colors.

Red Carnation Flower
The red carnation flower meaning is a symbol of being associated with admiration and friendship. At the same time a very bright red carnation flower meaning suggests deep love and affection.

Pink Carnation Flower
The pink carnation is considered to be the most significant flower among all the carnation colors. This is because it is believed that the pink carnation first bloomed from the Virgin Mary's tears as she wept for Jesus carrying the cross of his crucifixion. Thus these flowers symbolize a mother's undying love. Over the years it has even come to be associated with a woman's love.

White Carnation Flower
White carnations are symbolic of feelings of pure love, innocence, faithfulness, ardent love and good luck. They also signify gratitude.

Purple Carnation Flower
These flowers mean capriciousness. Meaning the ability to change according to whim. But the occasions on which these flowers can be or are given is unclear.

Yellow Carnation Flower
A yellow carnation signifies emotions of rejection, disdain and disappointment in someone.

Striped Carnation Flower
This flower is used when one wants to convey their refusal to someone.

Of course you loved the carnations before you read this article, but now that you know about the carnation flower meaning and significance, doesn't it make you look at them differently? So the next time you take in the clove scented aroma, you will definitely be reminded of the emotions that the color you're holding signifies...Won't you?

Dahlia Flowers For A Variety Things

The dahlia flower – named after the 18th century botanist Anders Dahl – is from the genusasteraceae and has more than 30 species within its family. Dahlias are native mostly to Mexico, butactually grow best in cooler temperatures with regular moisture in the soil. These remarkableflowers can range in size, shape and color. The plants themselves can start out at a moderate 12inches tall, while other variations may grow several feet in height.

The flowers are quite thesame, beginning at a very petite 1 inch around, all the way to, roughly, the size of a dinnerplate. As for color, the dahlia flower has a vast array of hues that can range from bronze, towhite, to purple. However, many dahlias may also be bi colored, variegated, or separated intoclassifications of light or dark blends – the light blend being multiple shades of faint pastels,the dark blend being more muted.

Over time, people have attempted to use dahlia flowers for a variety things. For instance, in 1929a herbal script that was written in Latin, and was dated as far back as 1550 was discovered. Thisscript recommended the usage of the dahlia flower for the easing of symptoms of epilepsy. In Europein the 1880s, when disease had ravaged potato crops, an attempt was made to use the tubers of the
dahlia as a supplemental food supply. However, as time passed, it was found that,althoughperfectly edible, these plants were better used for decorative purposes. Today, dahlias are prizedsolely for their beauty. This is best noted in one of the many competitions and shows that can befound mostly within the United States and Canada. These are often held by dahlia growing societies,which advocate and encourage avid gardeners to grow these spectacular blossoms.

Symbolic Meaning: Elegance and dignity
The flower got its name in honor of the botanist Anders Dahl from Sweden, who lived and worked inthe 18th century. It represents the official flower of Seattle.Dahlia is considered to be the national flower of Mexico. It originated from the mountainous placesof Mexico and Guatemala. Today one can find about 30 species and 20 thousandcultivars of dahlia.

In the end of the 18th century a box full of dahlia roots were sent from Mexico to Holland. Howeverthe only one root has survived. It grew bearing a red-colored blossom with therolled back petals.

In no moment this amazing flower has gained an immense popularity; many breeders started tocultivate dahlias producing a lot of various varieties.
Nowadays dahlia can be met in a vast array of colors and shades. They are white, purple, yellow,lavender, orange, pink, bi-colored and variegated blossoms, bronze, flame and red.

As a symbol, the dahlia flower can offer a great deal of meaning. In general, they are thought tosymbolize dignity and elegance, but they are also thought to express an eternal bond between twopeople. Many people prefer to give dahlia flowers as anniversary gifts, as these flowers are alsoan emblem for the 14th year of marriage. They also make great gifts for high-profile weddings and
even engagement parties, as they not only represent dignity, but a wish that thecouple remainsstrong throughout their years together.