Lisianthus flowers
· The Lisianthus flower is pronounced “lizzie-ann-thus” and is sometimes called Eustoma, Prairie Gentain or the Texan bluebell.
· It is native to the prairies of Texas and Mexico but can also be found in other warm regions of the Southern United States like the Caribbean and northern South America.
· It is popular as a cut flower, in horticulture, as an ornament, or as a potted plant as well.
· Single forms of the Lisianthus flower are known as Tulips or poppies, while double forms are known as Roses or Peonies.
· The Lisanthus or Texas bluebell (which it is more commonly known as) symbolizes an outgoing nature.
· It’s color can range from pink to white, to lavender and other bicolors.
· Some also say that the Lisianthus as symbolizes appreciation.
Orchids
· The Orchid is the largest family of flowering plants.
· There are nearly 22,000 accepted species of the Orchid but the exact number is not known. There are about 800 new accepted species each year.
· They are well known for their structural variations.
· Some orchids have single flowers and some have much more than that.
· The orchid is one of the most highly coveted ornamental plants in the world. It is delicate, exotic, and represents love, beauty, and strength.
· In ancient Greece the orchid flower was symbolic of virility. Greek women believed that if the fathers of unborn children ate orchid tubers the baby would be a boy; and vice versa.
· The Orchid is the 14th wedding anniversary flower.
· Orchids have been discovered growing on every continent except for Antarctica.
· Many orchids give off a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as birds, bees, and flies.
· Orchids are used to make the popular flavoring of vanilla extract which is used in many recipes for added flavor.
Peonies
· The Peony is the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, western North America, and southern Europe.
· The Peony is among the longest used flowers in ornamental culture.
· It is the national emblem of China as well as a traditional symbol of riches and honor. It is also used symbolically in much of the Chinese art.
· In Japan the Peony root was used as a treatment for convulsions and was also cultivated as a garden plant. It is called “The King of Flowers.”
· It is the state flower of Indiana and the 12th wedding anniversary flower.
· Peonies also embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and happy marriage.
Poinsettias
· The Poinsettia is native to Mexico alone and is sometimes referred to as the Christmas star, or the Christmas flower. The winter flower’s association has come from an old Mexican legend of a child with no means for a grander gift, gathered some weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. The weeds miraculously turned into brilliant red and green flowers.
· Poinsettias are part f the Euphorbiaceae family and will sometimes ooze sap.
· They will sometimes grow to about ten feet tall.
· Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett. They are now commercially grown in all 50 states.
· December 12th is National Poinsettia Day.
· Over eighty percent of all poinsettias grown in the United States are done at the Paul Ecke Ranch in California.
· The Poinsettia is also known as the Mexican Flame Leaf, the Winter Rose, and in Turkey, the Atakurk’s Flower.
· It is believed to be symbolic of purity.
· It is the December birth flower and can also symbolize good cheer and success.