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Narcissus
Narcissus is the proper name for the daffodil family. It is so called because its bulb houses a toxic substance – the Greek word ‘narcissus’ means ‘numbness’, so it is a reference to its narcotic nature. Description Narcissus is very distinctive, with its long, narrow tubular stem (hypanthium), its central crown (corona cup) and its…
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Paphiopedilum
From Paphia – the town of Paphos on Cyprus which was the main seat of worship for Aphrodite (Venus). Pedilon means slipper, hence its common names – slipper orchid or lady slipper orchid. It is pronounced PA-fee-oh-ped-ill-um. Description The leaves of Paphiopedilums tend to be either long and narrow, or short and rounded, depending on…
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Phlox
Phlox is a Greek word meaning ‘flame’ and was most likely named thusly due to its bright and vivid colours. Phlox originally came from North America and was available in England by the early 1800s. It quickly grew in popularity and today it is still found growing wild in gardens across the country. Description As…
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Phalaenopsis orchid
Introduced to the UK in the mid-1800s, Phalaenopsis orchids (pronounced fal-a-nop-sis) are now available in a variety of colours and are commonly known as Moth orchids, as their appearance is said to be similar to that of a flying moth. The name comes indeed from Greek phalaina meaning a moth and opsis meaning resemblance. Description Each…
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Peony
The peony is named after Paean, who was a student of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. Zeus turned Paean into the peony to save him from the anger of Asclepius, who had become jealous of his student’s healing abilities. Description Peonies bloom in a number of colours including pink, peach, white and maroon. There…
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Orchids
The word orchid comes from the Greek word for testicle – ‘orchis’ – and refers to the shape of the plant’s roots. Orchis is also a character from Greek mythology who was said to have brought about the creation of plants when he was turned into a flower by the gods. Description Orchid flowers are…
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Oncidium
Oncidium is a variety of orchid which gets its name from the Greek word ‘onkos’ which means ‘swelling’. This is in reference to the protruding lower petal that defines most species within the genus. Description When in flower, Oncidiums typically have yellow and brown colours as well as rich, bright-green leaves. The petals often have…
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Marguerites
Known by botanists as Chrysanthemum frutescens, Marguerites are sometimes referred to as the Paris daisy or marguerite daisy. Description Marguerites have green, woody stems and typically produce dainty white flowers, though pink and yellow varieties also exist. The plants are usually around 60cm tall, although they can grow up to a metre in height if…
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Moluccella
A member of the mint family, Molucella is a genus that contains only four species. The most popular species, the Moluccella laevis, is commonly referred to as Bell of Ireland on account of its green colour and bell-shaped leaf bracts, not because it is native to Ireland. Description The plant has a tall, woody stem…
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Muscari
Muscari is a genus of perennial plants that produces distinctive bell-shaped flowers that hang downwards and resemble upturned grape bunches during springtime, which is why it is also known as the Grape Hyacinth. Description Muscari plants usually produce a blue or purple flower that, in warmer climates, can be present all year. They grow up…
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