Freesia
Freesia flowers are a genus of about 14-16 different species of flowering plants in the family of Iridaceae. They are native to Africa; 12 native to Cape Province, South Africa, and the remaining two to tropical Africa. The name freesia comes from a man named Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese; a German physician that studied African plants in the 19th century. Freesia’s are very popular garden plants and are most often grown because of their strong scent. They are the one of the most popular and widely grown flowers in the world. They are many times used in hand creams, shampoos, or other scented products; the white forms having the strongest scent. Their appealing shape makes them suitable for flower arrangements, especially coming in such a wide range of color. Freesia is the 7th wedding anniversary flower and are said to symbolize innocence and friendship.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus are a genus of flowering plants that come from the iris family. They are sometimes called the sword lily because of the shape that they grow in. The genus Gladiolus contains almost 260 different species, most of which are native to the sub-Saharan African and south Africa. They are also now widely grown in the United states as well as Europe. Ten species of the Gladiolus are native to Eurasia. Gladiolus flowers can be found in various different colors such as pink, red, light purple, and even white. The name gladiolus comes from the Latin word “gladius” meaning sword because of the shape of its leaves. It represents the roman gladiators, and is meant to symbolize strength of character. The gladiolus are generally thought of as a romantic flower and often times signifies remembrance. It can also express infatuation giving a message to the receiver that they have “pierced the heart.” Gladiolus are the August birth flower and the 40th wedding anniversary flower.
Heather
Heathers can be found throughout western Europe and in parts of northeastern North America and Siberia. Their scientific name is Calluna vulgaris which means to clean or brush. The twigs of heather flowers were originally used for making brooms and vulgaris. In Sweden they are traditionally used as an herbal medicine and remedy. It is also sometimes referred to as Long derived from the old Norse Lyng meaning fuel. The most common name it is used by comes from the Scottish origin, Haeddre. Heather flowers are native to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Russia, and North America. Many of the heather branches have also been used for baskets, rope, bedding, and even thatch roofs. It is believed to have protective powers.
Hyacinth
There is a deep legend behind the hyacinth. This highly fragrant, bell shaped flower can be traced back to a young Greed boy named Hyakinthos. The two gods, Apollo (the sun god) and Zephyr (god of the west wind) adored the boy and would compete frequently fro his attention. One day was Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos, Zephyr in jealousy ended up killing Hyakinthos. The flower that grew from the blood of Hyakinthos was then named the hyacinth. This flower is meant to symbolize sport and play and represents constancy. The blue hyacinth however symbolizes sincerity. Hyacinths are native to the eastern Mediterranean region just east of Iran and Turkmenistan. They are sometimes associated with rebirth and often times used in the Haftseen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration held during the Spring Equinox.