Month: April 2021

Categories
Flower

Azalea

azalea


Azalea belongs to the genus Rhododendron and comes in different species and varieties. They are always evergreen shrubs with small leaves.
The botanical name is Rhododendron simsii, but this plant is also known by the names indoor azalea, potted azalea and alpine rose.

azalea pink

The appearance of an azalea is very colorful. The plant has a very large flowering. This consists of very many flowers, which shine in full color for many weeks. The colors of the flowers can be white, salmon pink, pink, red, lilac, purple or even bicolor. The flowering period is between September and March and can vary depending on the species.
The potted azalea originates from an Asian mountainous region, in most cases from China, Taiwan and Japan, so it is important to meet the requirements of climatic conditions.

In the best case, the azalea is placed in a bright location, which is in partial shade. The plant should not receive direct sunlight. The optimal temperature is between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius. Also, a location next to the heater should be avoided, because the dry heat does not support the azalea in your growth.

azalea white

If the optimal location is chosen, the flowering period can last up to two months. Since the leaves of azalea are very poisonous, care should be taken not to place the plant within the reach of children or pets. Experience has shown that a temperature of 18 degrees Celcius and a bright staircase as a location is suitable as an optimal place for this plant.

azalea-rhododendron

While the plant is in bloom, fertilization is not necessary. Fertilization can be used from March to September. If you want to repot the azalea, you must make sure that rhododendron soil is used. This soil has the optimal pH for the growth of the plant. From the month of May, you can put the plant on the balcony or in the garden. Here, too, it should be noted that it is a shady place. In September you should bring the azalea back indoors. The azalea always needs moist roots. In the best case you put your azalea in a planter, this will allow the excess water to run off and the plant will not stand in water. The humid climate is very good for the azalea. Azaleas prefer low-lime water or even rainwater. To ensure that the roots are sufficiently soaked, you can dip your azalea once a week. This involves dipping the plant in a bucket of water, once the water stops bubbling you can remove the plant from the water and let it drain. This way you can make sure that the plant gets the optimal water supply.

In Nepal, the azalea is revered as the national flower and is used as a symbol of good luck on special occasions. In Japan, the gift of an azalea is said to bring good luck. In our circles, too, the plants are often given as gifts for birthdays or special occasions. In the language of flowers, it is used to express trust and deep love.

Categories
Flower

Primrose

flower primrose

Origin of the name of the primrose is the Latin name Primula verisbotan, which can be translated as ‘true cowslip’. At the same time, the name stands for the term ‘little first in the spring’. The literal meaning of primrose comes from the fact that it is one of the first flowers in spring, which heralds the coming season. “The first”, which is mainly at home in the German forests, unfolds the flowers already in January. Also known as the primrose is “cowslip”.

primrose

The primrose is classified in the genus of primrose plants. This includes a total of about 500 species. Many of them are well-known balcony and bedding plants, which occur in different colors. In general, the primrose bears the red, purple, yellow and white inflorescences in individual umbels. These are enclosed by a cup-like calyx. The leaves have a roundish shape. The whole flower is hairy and reaches a size of 10 to 30 centimeters.
Primroses come in different colors and varieties. These spring flowers enjoy great popularity for this reason. Because they are also among the first plants of the year, these usually bloom from February.

Depending on the type of primrose, primroses bloom at different times. On the one hand, there is a wide range for those of the flowering period. In the months of December to April, the radially symmetrical and hermaphroditic flowers, which have five teeth, can be present. These frilly or double flowers are rarely found singly. Mostly 2 to 25 strands of flowers stand together as whorls or umbels and shine in the most different colors. Rather rarely, however, red, yellow or white flowers are found. Primroses bloom perennially, and gardeners should pay attention to some aspects of care to enjoy them for a long time. This also concerns planting.

primrose white

Brown capsule-like fruits, which are cylindrical to round, form from the fertilized inflorescences by summer. The fruit contains about 100 seeds, which germinate in the light.
Primrose usually survives the winter without leaves. In some varieties, the foliage remains during the winter months.
Different primrose species contain certain amounts of active substances such as saponins, which are used in medicine. However, in sensitive people, touching the individual parts of the plant may cause skin irritation, vomiting and nausea. In the hybrid cultivars such ingredients are present only in small quantities than in the other varieties.

Primrose is native to the mountain ranges of Eastern and Central Europe. In the Alps it is found from as far as Schneeberg in Vienna. Thus, altitudes from 1500 to 3000 meters are optimal. Occurrences are also the Giant Mountains the Carpathians, the Tatras, the Balkans and the mountains in Bulgaria.

primula

Primroses are offered in pots in our latitudes especially at the beginning of the year. Therefore, they are often an eye-catcher in the colorful arrangements in the living room at home. In the window box and also in the cold frame primroses should be planted in groups. Together with daffodils or tulips, the early bloomers awaken real spring feelings in the viewer. In a beautiful place primroses can also be combined with ivy and grasses, and here they are also stylish attractions. Primroses are generally striking appearance plants, because the flowers sit on stems about ten centimeters high.

Since most primrose species originate from the alpine region, they are generally very frost-resistant in the bed. Especially the cushion primrose, which is one of the best-selling plants in spring, is a winter-hardy plant, which generally likes it better in the garden bed than in a flower pot. Only in the case of very severe night frost, the flowers of the plant should be covered. Primroses in flower pots overwinter best in a cool and bright place.
Quite strong primrose plants are particularly resistant to various diseases. If the plant is too wet, then most often appear gray mold or rot on the roots. The latter is manifested by a pale color or withered leaves. In this case, only transplanting will help. Completely moldy plants must be disposed of. A direct infestation with pests occurs rather rarely with primroses.

Categories
Flower

Marigold

marigold


Marigold or Calendula officinalis belongs to the family of composite plants. Marigolds grow between 60 and 70 centimeters high. Their stems are slightly hairy, and the flower heads are roundish red and orange in color. The diameter of these heads is about four centimeters. The flowering period is between June and October and per flower head it lasts four or sometimes five days.

marigold yellow and orange

The fruit of the marigold is not always visually the same. Between ring-like, broad and elongated everything is possible. The ring-like version is seen most often and that is why the plant bears this name.
It is not known exactly where the marigold really comes from. It can be found all over Europe. However, one guess at its origin goes back to the Mediterranean region.

Marigold is also really interesting for gardeners. It is a natural attraction for beneficial insects and besides it is a natural defense for pests. The perfect planting time for this is between April and May. Marigolds are considered annual flowers and they are absolutely harmless to humans and animals.
They can be planted in herb gardens, raised beds or even normal flower gardens. The soil should contain as many nutrients as possible and be nice and loose. Marigolds are hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees. They do protect other plants from pests, but are not completely safe from them themselves. Their biggest enemy is powdery mildew, which forms when the summer is too warm and humid. To prevent this from the beginning, or at least reduce it, be sure to plant them with plenty of space, and it is best to put other varieties of plants between the marigolds as well.

marigold field

However, marigolds are not only pretty to look at, but also find their application in many areas. Starting from seasoning salt for salads and other dishes, but also as a medicinal herb for wound healing, pain of the joints, dry skin or even eczema. For use on the skin, calendula is often used to make an oil, which is further processed together with other ingredients to make a cream. In addition, calendula has an anti-inflammatory effect.
The oil is mixed with cocoa butter and beeswax to make a wonderful ointment that can be used in many different places.

flower marigold

Marigolds are absolutely versatile and can also be used as a tea, for example. This is especially healthy for bile,liver and kidney. Even as a facial tonic or masks you can use them,because for the skin appearance this mild plant is absolutely recommended.

As you can see, calendula is a real secret weapon and everyone who has the opportunity should plant and process it. On the Internet you can find really very easy recipes to turn them in all areas.

For many centuries, the plant is known almost everywhere and was used by a superstition of young girls before going to sleep as an ointment, because they could thereby allegedly dream of their future husbands.

Categories
Flower

Fuchsia

fuchsia-wind-chime

The fuchsia, scientifically also called Fuchsia, belongs to a species-rich genus of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae). This genus currently includes about 107 different species and about 12,000 different varieties. The fuchsia is named after the German physician and botanist Leonhart Fuchs.

fuchsia

Depending on the type of fuchsia, its appearance varies greatly. On the one hand, the genus of the plant includes low-growing species (for example, Fuchsia procumbens), which grows only a few centimeters high. However, Fuchsia excorticata also belongs to the said genus, which grows into whole trees and reaches a considerable height of growth of almost ten meters. Most often, however, the fuchsia is found as a shrub, with different species distinguished by different densities of branching. Fuchsias are characterized by a bulbous root. Their foliage leaves are mostly elliptical, have a weakly to moderately toothed leaf margin, and are long-stalked.

fuchsia red white

The fuchsia has a four-petaled flower located at the end of a flower stalk that is two to eight inches long. The color of the flower stalk varies greatly from one species of fuchsia to another and can be either red or green in color. The underside ovary, which consists of twelve chambers, can also take on the same coloration. The sepals and corollas of the fuchsia are variously colored in many species. The color spectrum ranges from red and purple to pink to white. The pistil of the flower usually extends far out of the corolla and is surrounded by eight stamens, which are often shorter than the pistil, but also protrude from the corolla.

Depending on the species, the formation of the fuchsia fruit differs greatly. Fuchsias form peppercorn- to cherry-sized fruits, which usually have a purple or black coloration.

Fuchsias are quite common all over the world, as they have a wide range of distribution. They are especially common in America from northern Mexico down to Tierra del Fuego.

fuchsia red purple

Numerous products such as liqueurs, jams, baked goods or candied fruits can be made from the sweet neutral tasting ripe fruits, which can be recognized by their soft flesh. However, care must be taken that only some species of fuchsia are edible. So if you want to use them in your own products, you should know them well! Mostly it is therefore only used as an ornamental plant and is therefore often found in gardens.

In Europe fuchsias are known only since the early 18th century. It was used especially from the 19th century, when it became a desirable ornamental plant. To this day, the fuchsia is often found in Central Europe as a decoration in potted plants, balcony plants or in garden perennials. Regions that are climatically favorable for the fuchsia, it is used worldwide as an ornamental plant. In this regard, it has a considerable breeding history.

Categories
Flower

Petunia

petunia

The petunia, scientifically also called Petunia, is a genus of plants within the Solanaceae, the nightshade family. The petunia unites in about 16 different species, with the garden petunia being one of the most important ornamental plants. The genus of petunia was established by Antoine-Laurent de Jussieu in 1803. The genus name of petunia is derived from the word petun, which comes from the Brazilian word of the indigenous people of Brazil for tobacco.

petunia various colours

Petunia species are subordinated to herbaceous plants. Thus, the above-ground part of the plant is characterized by simple, often sticky hairy trichomes. the leaves of petunias are arranged in pairs or alternate and can be stalked or stalkless. Also typical of the named plant genus are the simple and entire margined leaf blades.

The flower of petunia is characterized by a solitary, single-branched and cymose inflorescence. It is accompanied by a pair of almost congruent bracts. The hermaphrodite, five-petaled flowers are equipped with a double perianth, which are almost radially symmetrical. The petunia flower emits a more or intense fragrance, depending on the species. The knob cover of petunia is roof tile-like, also called imbricate. In addition, they five sepals, which are only short fused. The petunia’s corolla is often strikingly colored and is characterized by a funnel or cup shape.

garden-petunia

The capsule fruits of the petunia spring open septum-cleft and have a large number of seeds. These themselves are usually round or angled. The testa, that is, the seed coat is of reticulate shape, which is due to the vertical position of the corrugated walls of the seed surface.

Most Petunia species are found in temperate or subtropical climates of South America. However, they are particularly widespread in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay or even Bolivia. Petunia axillaris is most commonly found in these regions.

Due to the fact that petunias are distinguished by their large, open flowers, it is considered a particularly popular ornamental plant and is therefore often found as a decoration.
The first cultivated plant is said to have been Petunia axillaris, which was recognized from an article published in 1825 in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. The garden petunia available today is a hybrid of two different petunia species.

petunia purple

In 2007, the Finnish Food Safety Authority detected a genetic modification in an orange-flowered petunia variety. Cultivation of this variety is banned in Europe and the USA. The evidence from the Finnish investigation was also confirmed by the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety. The genetic modification is said to originate from a transgene of a genetically modified petunia, to which a gene from a corn plant was inserted in 1986 to produce an orange flower coloration. The ban on cultivation in the USA and Europe is intended to prevent unintentional spread, as the genetic modification of the plant is not always recognizable from the orange flower.

Categories
Flower

Vetch

vetch arizona

Vetch (botanical name Vicia) is a genus of plants. It belongs to the legume family and the subfamily of the papilionaceous plants.

Vetches have thin and branched stems that are independently erect or drooping, depending on the species. However, many species develop coiled tendrils and can thus climb up other plants, for example.
The leaves of the vetch are alternate, i.e. alternately right and left, arranged on the stems. They are divided into petiole and leaf blade. The blades are pinnate in pairs in most species, with Vicia subvillosa being an exception.

fabaceae

The flowers grow either singly or in small groups in the leaf axils or in lateral, so-called racemose inflorescences. They are hermaphroditic, mirror-symmetrical, bell-shaped fused, often hairy, and consist of five sepals. Vetches have small bracts, which, however, often fall off early. In contrast, bracts are basically absent.
The color of the flowers varies greatly depending on the species. There are species with white or yellow flowers as well as red-flowered ones. Also various shades of blue to purple variants occur.
Each flower has ten stamens, but only one carpel, which in turn contains two to eight ovules. The pistils are pencil-shaped and hairy.

vetch

Vetches form legumes that are elongated and, depending on the species, tend to be flat and thin to knobbly. They are reminiscent of those of sugar snap peas or soybeans, for example. Each pod contains two to eight spherical to slightly elongated seeds.

There are about 160 different species of vetches worldwide. These are divided into two subgenera and a total of 26 sections.
The main distribution areas are the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, including Central Europe. Nevertheless, vetches can also be found in warmer regions of the northern hemisphere as well as in the global south. Examples include Hawaii, the South American Andes, and tropical Africa.

vicia cracca

Some species of vetch are cultivated and used by humans. Probably the best known among them is the field bean. Its seeds and shoots are used as fodder on the one hand, but also as food. As a rule, however, only the seeds are used for this purpose. The protein-rich, kidney-shaped beans are particularly prized in Mediterranean cuisine and in the Arab world.
But the field bean is also cultivated and used in Germany. Other vetch species that play a role in agriculture in this country are lentil vetch, forage vetch and shaggy vetch. Unlike the field bean, however, these species are not used for human nutrition. Their main use is as animal feed. However, they are sometimes also used as a so-called green manure plant. In this case, the ripe fruits are not harvested, but plowed under together with the entire plant. This serves to improve soil quality and protect against soil erosion.

The first scientific naming of the vetch was in 1753 by the Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné in his work “Species Plantarum” (Latin for “plant species”).
The bird’s vetch is said to have developed into a so-called cultural companion as early as the Neolithic period.
According to a tale dating back to ancient times, vetches are said to thrive best when sown between the 25th and 30th day in the lunar cycle.
Although often referred to as “garden vetch” or “fragrant vetch,” fragrant vetch is not a member of the vetch family, but rather of the chickling pea genus.
An asteroid discovered in 1928 by German astronomer Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth was named after the vetch’s Latin name, Vicia.
In the language of flowers, vetch can stand for tenderness and familiarity on the one hand, but also for farewell on the other.

Categories
Flower

Dahlia

flower dahlia

Dahlia belongs to the family of composite plants (Asteraceae). Most species of dahlia (Latin) or georgines, as dahlias are also called, are used primarily as ornamental plants.

Hardly any other flower delights with so many different colors, flower shapes and sizes as the dahlia. This plant initially appears tuberous and is sometimes woody at the base of the stem. The round inflorescence is basket-shaped and hangs from long, narrow flower stalks.

dahlias

The dahlia’s height of growth ranges from 40 cm to 180 cm, depending on the variety. It forms root tubers, has dark green oval leaves, and its flowers can be up to 25 cm in diameter, depending on the cultivar. Due to the different cultivars, there is a wide variety of colors and flower shapes. Over the years, more than 35,000 different cultivated forms and varieties of the dahlia have emerged from the original 30 or so different colors.

The first drawings of the plant date back to 1552 and can be found in an Aztec herbal book. Thus, the dahlia is suitable not only for the plant pot or the home garden, but also for the salad. The tuber and petals are edible and also make a great decoration when preparing food. The taste of the tuber is reminiscent of kohlrabi or celery. The untreated flowers can be made into salad. Each variety tastes a little different, so it can also be made into a syrup that can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time. With only 180 to 200 kcal per 100 g, the tubers of the dahlia have few calories and are thus suitable for a low-calorie diet. Likewise, the tuber of the plant is very rich in fiber with a relatively low protein content.

dahlia yellow

The dahlia originates from the mountainous regions of Mexico as well as Central America and has only been found in the gardens of Europe for about 200 years. Although Alexander von Humboldt sent dahlia seeds from Mexico to the botanical garden in Berlin in 1804, the dahlia was brought to Europe as a food and medicinal plant by trade routes as early as 1789.
This plant is so popular mainly because of its decorative flowers, which usually appear from May and can be seen until late autumn. Dahlias love sunny, at most semi-shady places, where there is a well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil. However, the subsoil should not be too firm, so that the roots can penetrate the soil well. The soil should always be moist, too much wetness dahlias, in turn, can not tolerate, because then the plants can quickly rot. How deep to plant them depends on the size of the tuber. As a rule, it is sufficient to plant them sparsely deep into the soil and then cover them with a few centimeters of soil.
Most varieties of dahlias bloom from late summer until well into the fall, until the first frost. From then on, the tubers must be removed from the bed – or you can protect the plants from the cold temperatures with pots.

dahlia white

Dahlias have long been known as a medicinal plant. Their flowers serve as a source of antioxidants and pigments, which is why it is considered to have significant properties for the eyes and skin. Dahlia is used for coughs, but also for diseases of the stomach or intestinal problems.
The hollow stems and the tuber store a lot of water and so already the Spaniards used the dahlias moreover as a source of drinking water.
Herbal studies also showed that dahlias have positive effects in the treatment of diabetes and consumed as a tea can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. Likewise, it reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
As a food and herbal remedy to combat external skin, eye and ear infections, the tuber was consumed. In Spain and also in France, the dahlia was consumed for many years before it was replaced by the potato, among others, as a food.
The Aztecs already used dahlias as a stimulant and remedy. To this day, it is considered the national flower of Mexico.

Categories
Flower

Carnation

carnation

Scientific name: Dianthus

The green stems are round or angular and erect to ascending. Growth occurs in a branching mode called sympodium. This means that further growth of the shoot axis is continued by the lateral axes rather than the main axis.

The leaves are kept simple. The area of the leaf, also called the leaf blade, is 3 to 8 times as long as it is wide. At the same time, the widest part is the middle. This is called lanceolate.
This results in an oval shape of the leaf blade.

carnations

On the main axis, the carnation forms a single or several terminal inflorescence. The entire flower usually consists of five individual leaves with a double perianth. This provides protection for the fertile organs in the bud stage.

The five so-called sepals are tubularly fused at their base. At the outer end they are toothed, notched or slit.
The carnation comes in a wide variety of colors. Among others, red, yellow, pink, white or even green.
From the end of May or June and throughout the summer, the flower can be admired.

The carnation has a capsule fruit. This is ovoid to cylindrical and stands upright in the calyx. The fruit contains dark brown, almost black 40 to over 100 seeds.

carnation red

Mainly the clove is found in the northern hemisphere. Most often in Europe and Asia. It also grows on difficult sites unsuitable for many other plants. These include dry sandy soils or moist to wet edges of water bodies.

Carnation enjoys extreme popularity and can be planted in your own garden, on the terrace or balcony in pots, boxes or other planters.
If you plant carnations in your garden, feel free to put them in sunny places, where they bloom best. It requires little water, which is why the soil should be dry to slightly moist.

In addition, it can also be used as a cut flower or bouquet in a vase.
Where red carnations represent love, white carnations represent a symbolic promise of eternal fidelity and thus marriage. Whereas yellow flowers symbolize a clear dislike.

carnation white

It tastes sweeter than its namesake, the clove. You should remove the petal heels beforehand, otherwise you will spoil the sweet taste of the flowers.
It can be eaten plain, candied or coated in chocolate.

In total, there are an estimated 27,000 different varieties worldwide.
Already in ancient times, country and garden carnations were cultivated as ornamental plants, as they quickly gained popularity due to their beautiful flowers and fragrance.

Due to the spread of the Romans to northern regions, it became more and more famous and became a symbol of many groupings. It also became a mark of love, where it acquired a strong meaning.
The scientific name Dianthus translated from ancient Greek means Zeus flower or God flower.
Many flowers are subject to superstitions, even the carnation is said to have a few. The red flowers are said to have sprouted from the blood of Christi’s nail wounds.

And if you pick these carnations, it causes nosebleeds. However, if you put petals of three carnations in your nose, the bleeding stops.
If red Carthusian carnations are picked, they attract a thunderstorm.
However, these superstitions originate from an ancient time and have fortunately not come true over the years so that the beautiful flowers can be picked without hesitation.

Categories
Flower

Snowdrop

snowdrop

The snowdrop, also called Galanthus, exists in 20 species. The species differ in terms of the flowering months in the natural habitat and in some characteristic external features, such as the shape of the leaf shoots, the shape and position of the green markings of the inner petals and the shape and length of the leaves and whether they are shiny or dull.

spring bell

Trivial names include Spring Bells, Pretty February Girl, as well as Candlemas Bells and March Bells, as well as March Violets and Lady Candles. Some also refer to these flowers as milk flowers, others as snow piercers or as snow tulips or as white maidens or white bells.

Snowdrops are considered herbaceous plants and have two, but sometimes three, parallel-veined foliage leaves.

In snowdrops, the inflorescence is sprouted over a long flowering stem and with only one flower. Initially, the flower is surrounded by a bracts, which protects the flower from severe weather. Later, the flower breaks through the sheath, with the stem bending to one side, as it is only weakly built. The flower is a fragrant, hermaphroditic and radially symmetrical flower, consisting of three-petaled circles. Three petals enclose the flower proper, which has pointed cone-shaped stamens that are close together and three carpels that are fused to form an undershot ovary. The flower has a white pistil and has a cephalic stigma.

snowdrops

The fruit is a capsule fruit. These contain 18 to 36 seeds. These seeds are light brown and have a diameter of 3.5 millimeters. A large fleshy nutritive body is attached to the fruit.

The 20 or so species of snowdrops are found in Central and Southern Europe, as well as in the Near East and the Caucasus. Only the lesser snowdrop is native to Central Europe. Occasionally other species occur wild. Most of the snowdrop species are found in the countries bordering the Black Sea. All 12 of the known species occur in Turkey. In the south of Russia and in Georgia there are 7 species. Meanwhile, 5 species are native to Greece. In North America, snowdrops are found only in feral species and as neophytes.

Snowdrops grow in forest meadows and deciduous forests, in floodplains and prefer shady and moist places. Snowdrops are also very common and feel at home in public green spaces such as parks.

schneegloegglein

Snowdrops have an excellent reputation in natural medicine. The plant parts all contain poisonous alkaloids, especially in the bulb, where mainly the amaryllidaceous alkaloid is present. In the other parts of the plant they are tazettine, galantamine and the lycorine. However, all alkaloids are not present in any critical dose. In naturopathy, these are used in dementia and to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Snowdrops are usually considered the first harbingers of spring. However, the blooming period of the wild species ranges from October to the end of spring. Some of the cultivated species bloom until April.

Since 1973, all wild species have been protected under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The cultivation of snowdrops began from 1856, after the end of the Crimean War. English soldiers brought from the Crimean peninsula bulbs of the species native there and planted them in gardens after crossing them with the Turkish species Galanthus elwesii. Overgrown snowdrop species already existed at that time. These probably originated from monastery gardens. Their occurrence was proven as early as 1770.

The reason why the sight of snowdrops is so fascinating is that despite low ambient temperatures, the plants burst out of the ground and begin to bloom even when the meadow or ground is still covered with snow. This is called thermogenesis, but it is not proven. Instead, it is assumed that the melting of the snow is caused by the absorption of solar radiation.

Categories
Flower

Delphinium

plant Delphinium

Delphinium is a plant with style – so it is worth knowing more about it. To facilitate the search for facts, this article has collected the most important information about this unique flower.

With 300 to 350 different species, delphiniums can be classified as countless representatives, all of which are real eye-catchers. Their technical name is Delphinium and they belong to the buttercup family, correctly called Ranunculaceae. In 2015, delphinium even made it to the rank of poisonous plant of the year!

flowers Delphinium

Usually, this flower has the appearance of a tall, herbaceous plant that quickly overgrows its surroundings if not cared for. The leaves grow spread over the entire length of the stem, are usually three-parted and lobed to strongly dissected. One plant lives about one to two years.

Usually the flowers are not solitary, but in racemes with many others. The flowers themselves are cup-shaped and contain a lot of nectar inside, as well as a clearly visible stigma for fertilization. The ovules are also located there. The common colors are blue, white and purple.

The seeds of delphinium are narrowly shaped and have small wings. When they are ripe and the flower has reached a wilted state, they simply fall out and are dispersed by the wind.

white Delphinium

The home of delphiniums can be found in numerous different countries around the globe. The main places of distribution are the temperate zones of North America and Eurasia, in the mountains of Central Africa and in China.

Nowadays, this plant is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens. Who has smaller children, however, should absolutely do without it. In the past, very effective poisons were also extracted from it, which are now used in the production of homeopathic remedies. Larkspur is also used as a medicinal plant.

blue Delphinium

Since all plant parts of delphinium are very poisonous due to ingredients such as delphisin and elatin, one should be very careful when handling it. The poisons can cause symptoms such as stomach irritation, diarrhea, movement disorders and nervousness. They also attack the heart muscles and cause skin irritation. To counteract this, it is recommended to wash after contact and take activated charcoal tablets if symptoms of poisoning occur.

Larkspur can also be seen on several sets of stamps issued by the German Federal Post Office.
The ancient Egyptians used this flower as a burial gift for their dead and the Greeks relied on its effect in combating lice and scabies.
Even in the Middle Ages, it was indispensable in symbolism. There he stood for the departure into the unknown and traveling. It also represented chivalrous virtues and loyalty between two people.
To this day, it is considered a promise to “serve the recipient in the most beautiful sense”.