Snapdragons
· The snapdragon is also known as the Antirrhinum; it is a genus of plants more commonly known as the snapdragon because of the resemblance to the face of a dragon that opens its mouth when squeezed just right.
· Snapdragons are perennial plants that can be sold during the cold season as annual plants. They grow best in full or partial sun.
· The snapdragon name is derived from the Greek words “anti” and “rhin.” “Anti” means like, and “rhin” means nose. It is fitting because the flower is somewhat shaped like a snout.
· The original place of origin is not known but is believed that they were wild in Spain or Italy.
· Snapdragons are said to symbolize both deception and graciousness.
· The snapdragon is a low maintenance flower; in fact the only maintenance needed is to cut the plants back when watering deeply in the summer.
· They are said to be a favorite flower of children and grown ups. Care should be taken if children are playing around snapdragons as all parts of the plant including the seeds are toxic if ingested.
Statice
· The Statice is also known as the Sea Lavender. It is a genus of about 120 flowers in the Limonium group. They are also sometimes known as Marsh-rose mary.
· They have been seen in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The greatest diversity has been found in the Canary Islands and through the Mediterranean region to Central Asia.
· They grow as herbaceous perennial plants as woody shrubs.
· Several of the species are very popular in garden flowers and are generally known to gardeners as statices.
· They are known for both their colorful flowers and everlasting calyx.
· Its botanical name comes from the Greek word “limonium” meaning meadow. This refers to the plants natural habitat.
Stock
· The stock is reminiscent of many other beautiful, lavender colored flowers.
· It’s unique and delicate fragrance however sets it apart from other lavender flowers.
· It’s scent is said to communicate undying love and affection.
· The stock flower is native to Southwestern Greece and the Mediterranean.
· It is typically found in white, pink, red or lilac.
· Another name you might know the stock flowers by is gillyflower or Virginia stock.
Sunflower
· The sunflower is an annual plant coming from the Asteraceae family.
· It is native to the Americas being most noticed for its large flowering head. It’s stem can grow as tall as 3 meters.
· The term “sunflower” can also refer to all plants of the Helianthus genus which are known as perennial plants.
· Sunflowers were first found by Francisco Pizarro in Tahuantinsuyo, Peru where the native Incas worshipped the flower as a symbol of the sun god.
· At the beginning of the 16th century seeds were brought to Europe. Although it is native to the Americas, it is believed to have first domesticated in Mexico around 2600 BC, and then a second time in Mississippi Valley.
· Many of the American people have used the sunflower as a symbol of the sun deity.
· The sunflower became popular in Europe during the 18th century particularly with the Russian Orthodox Church.
· It is the state flower of Kansas and one of the city flowers of Kitakyushu, Japan.
· Images of sunflowers were found in temples of the Andes mountains and during the impressionist period many famous paintings had sunflowers in them.
· It is the 3rd wedding anniversary flower and conveys warmth, happiness, adoration, and longevity.