Having flowers delivered to those we care about is steeped in symbolism and is regarded as a form of art in many cultures. The language of flowers has spread across the internet, informing people of the deep meanings and cultural heritage that many of these beautiful plants have accumulated over the years, and in some cases millennia, of their existence among us. There are so many different types of flowers in nature that it can be difficult to decide which one is the best choice when looking to have some flowers delivered to friends and family.
Do you go with the enigmatic azalea or the prolific orchid? Is the rose the best option, or should you go with the golden chrysanthemum? We look at some of the most popular flower species on the market and what distinguishes them from the plethora of other flowers available. Enter to discover their majesty and enchantment.
Chrysanthemums
The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek word for "golden flower," and it is native to Asia and parts of Europe. It is an apt name for a bright flower that appears to glow golden in the sunlight. The majority of the cultivars have a poofy, pompom-like exterior, similar to daisies. In parts of Asia, it is commonly used in tea. They have famously cultivated a variety of chrysanthemum bonsai tree in Japan, which is breathtaking to see. In many eastern cultures, the chrysanthemum is thought to symbolize adversity and can make an ideal gift for those going through difficult times, such as grieving the loss of a loved one.
Hibiscus Flowers
One of nature's most beautiful creations is the hibiscus flower. The hibiscus manages to incorporate multiple colors into itself, creating stunning color patterns that may leave you staring for hours, with a vast swath of colors ranging from deep reds to vivid purples. The hibiscus, a member of the mallow family, is native to most of the world. There are both annual and perennial varieties available. It is the flower of Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction, and thus plays a role in many eastern traditions.
Women in Hawaii wear the hibiscus flower behind their ear to indicate their marital status. It is also used in cooking, but it is best known around the world as a herbal tea, which is available in most stores. The ideal gift for a flower-obsessed partner, along with some freshly brewed tea.
Lilies
Lilies, with their large, leathery petals and diverse range of colors, are another lovely flower to send to friends and loved ones. The lily flower, a perennial species, is well-known in folklore and mythology throughout the world. The lily is associated with purity in Christian tradition and has become a symbol of the virgin Mary. The lily flower is used in funerals in some Asian traditions to purify the deceased person's spirit and send them off into the afterlife happily.
Azaleas
Despite having a smaller flower variety than others, the azalea is a lovely flower and a wonderful gift. It has tiny, delicate petals that cluster together, giving it a lovely, fluffy appearance. These flowers, which are part of the Ericaceae family, are perennial in nature and one of the most widely cultivated flowers in history. Interestingly, because this flower is highly toxic, it was given to specific bees to feed on in ancient times, resulting in an infused honey with hallucinogenic effects, usually leading to death.
It was even used to defeat an entire army in Roman times, according to legend. A variety of festivals celebrate the blooming of the azalea flower in parts of Korea, Hong Kong, and the United States. It comes in a variety of colors and can be a great addition to any home. Simply don't eat it.
Orchids
This flowering plant family, which is part of the Orchidaceae family, is native to many parts of the world. The orchid, along with their cousins Asteraceae, is one of nature's most prolific plant species, with nearly 30,000 different varieties. Yes, you read that correctly. The orchid family is enormous and continues to expand as humans cultivate more and more varieties. It is believed to be one of the oldest plant species still alive today.
One of the most commercially successful ingredients comes from one of orchids' cultivars, which distinguishes them from other flowers. If you guessed Vanilla, you are correct. Vanilla beans are used all over the world to flavor everything from ice cream to baked goods, and they are also popular in aromatherapy.
Roses
Of course, no list of flowers would be complete without mentioning the lovely rose. For centuries, the rose's subtle beauty has captivated the hearts and minds of musicians, poets, and lovers all over the world. Its vibrant, blood-red exterior has become a symbol of passion and romance, and it is the ideal gift to give to a lover. Although some varieties of the rose can be found in Europe, North America, and Africa, the rose is primarily native to Asia. Rose hips are actually quite popular in the culinary world, where they are used in jams, marmalades, and even soups. They are brewed in teas for their high vitamin C content. Rose water is used in many sweets in the Middle East and some parts of Asia.
Discover other varieties of flowers
With so much cultivation over the centuries, and nature constantly surprising us with new varieties, there are thousands more flowers to discover. When it comes to deciding which flowers to send to friends and family, you may never run out of options. Allow your imagination to run wild and collect a variety of flowers, mixing and matching to create wonderful new bouquet ideas and surprising your partner or friends with your thoughtfulness.
