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Carnation
Dianthus, its botanical name, means divine flower. Carnation was the flesh-pink colour Elizabethan portrait painters used as a background wash. Description The carnation is available as a standard carnation – one large flower per stem, or a spray carnation with lots of smaller flowers. It is available in a huge range of colours, particularly red, pink…
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Chincherinchee
Also known as ‘wonder-flower’ and ‘star-of-Bethlehem’, Chincherinchee’s genus name comes from the Greek phrase ‘bird’s milk’ – ornithos (bird) and gala (milk) – which was used to describe something outstanding. South Africans know this flower as ‘tjenkenrientjee’ which is where the strange-sounding English name, ‘chincherinchee’, originates from. Habitat Ornithogalum thyrsoides is native to South Africa…
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Chrysanthemum
The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek words meaning ‘gold flower’ and from the Chinese name for them – mums. Many people call chrysanthemums ‘pot mums’. Originating in China, they were taken to Japan round 1500 years ago and then entered Europe in the eighteenth century. Description Chrysanthemums are available in variety of shapes and…
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Craspedia
Craspedia comes from the genus of daisies and the family of asteraceae and is commonly known by a number of different names, including billy balls, billy buttons and woollyheads. Its versatility is its main attraction amongst florists – it can be incorporated into many styles and designs to accentuate a bright and lively theme. Description…
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Crocosmia
The Crocosmia is a vibrant and rather unusual looking genus in the iridaceae family. It is often referred to as ‘Lucifer’ because they can come in a bright, paprika-like shade of red. In America, they are also known as ‘falling stars’. Description Crocosmia are rich orange, tube shaped flowers arranged around a central axis –…
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Curcuma
Its name comes from ‘kurkum’, the Arabic word for yellow, which refers to the colour of the rhizomes or the flowers of Curcuma longa. Description Its inflorescence on the upper bract comes in pink, lilac or white. Its small flowers are found in the lower green bract and, interestingly, it has a sweet and spicy…
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Cyclamen
Cyclamen are generally winter and spring flowering plants that are available in a wide range of colours. It is a perennial plant that is versatile, as it can be used as an indoor plant or can form part of flowerbeds in the garden or containers. Description As part of a species with many varieties, the…
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Cymbidium
The Cymbidium, also known as the ‘boat’ orchid, gets its name from the Greek word for boat; ‘kymbe’. This refers to the form of the base of the lip, which curves into a hollow shape. The Cymbidium became popular during the Victorian era when it was discovered they could survive colder temperatures better than most…
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Dahlia
The Dahlia is a daisy-like flower that now has many hybrids around the world. It is related to the daisy as well as the sunflower and the chrysanthemum. Pronounced DAY-lee-a, Dahlias were first recorded by Westerners in 1615, when they were called by their Mexican name, acoctli. They disappeared from record until 1787 when a…
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Delphinium
The name of this flower actually derives from the Latin for ‘dolphin’ (delphis). Its buds appear to resemble the aquatic mammals, and it is one of the most popular summer garden flowers available. Description The flowers of the delphinium are often brightly coloured and stand out in any garden. They bloom in bright blues, purples…
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