Peonies are a symbol of shame, also joy, red petals represent pleasure, yellow peonies represent success and wealth. In China, the peony is the “King of Flowers” a symbol of wealth. In Japan, the peony is a symbol of honor and courage. In Thailand, peony flowers have a double symbolism, the bouquet is a wish for a happy marriage, but also for shame. ¹⁾

Tulips are a symbol of spring, hope, trust, dreams, abundance, and wealth and are seen as a symbol of new opportunities and change. They come in many colors, each with different symbolism. ²⁾

Connoisseurs describe the aroma of saffron as reminiscent of a combination of honey and grass or hay. In Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine saffron is used as a spice for rice and sweets. Unfortunately due to its high price it is tough to buy saffron without admixtures of turmeric, paprika, or dried and powdered red beets. ³⁾

Stylidiaceae is a family of plants belonging to the order Astrovaceae. Most species are found in Australia. A notable characteristic of these plants is the response of their floral organs to tactile stimuli to facilitate pollination, often performed by specific pollinators. The movement of the stamens in the flower of Stylidium species is so rapid that the plant is customarily called “cow kick” in Australia. ⁴⁾

Cantua buxifolia is a species of plant in the polychaete family. It is native to Peru and Bolivia. It is known under the common name cantuta, which is derived from the Quechua language. The national flower of Peru is referred to as the “sacred flower of the Incas.” Due to the colors of its flowers, reminiscent of the Bolivian flag, it was chosen as the national flower of Bolivia. ⁵⁾

Chrysanthemums are a symbol of autumn, sadness, grave flowers, they also symbolize happiness, fidelity, honesty, friendship. They have different symbolic meanings depending on the country and the culture. ⁶⁾

Crocuses are triploids; they have three chromosomes and thus are unable to reproduce sexually. They are all propagated artificially by planting. The plant has been propagated this way since the late Bronze Age. There are other wild species of crocus that are not cultivated for their spice, saffron. ⁷⁾

Tacca chantrieri is popularly known as the bat flower. It owes its comparison to the nocturnal mammal to its flowers of spectacular form and dark color. It comes from Asia and is an exotic, thermophilic plant. ⁸⁾

Crocuses were brought to Europe from Asia. The first records of the flower can be found in Crete, where frescos using crocuses have been preserved. They first appeared in continental Europe in the 16th century. There are about 30 species of crocus in cultivation today. ⁹⁾

White lilies symbolize a long-term relationship, virginity, modesty, optimism, peace, happiness, orange lilies symbolize passion, yellow lilies symbolize joy. White lilies in wreaths and funeral bouquets are a religious symbol. In China, bouquets of lilies are given to newlyweds and symbolize the birth of a child. They are also a gift for any occasion. ¹⁰⁾

It has unusual, very large inflorescences, up to 11 - 19 inches in diameter. Every single flower has an over 11 inches long, filamentous, ribbon-like after-flower leaf. Above the inflorescence, there are two large inflorescences that look like the outstretched wings of a bat. The flowers can last for 6 weeks, giving off a delicate, pleasant fragrance. ¹¹⁾

From the crocus perianth, after drying, you can make a tea, which has a relaxing and anti-stress effect. ¹²⁾

Anturium, beautiful red flowers in the shape of a heart. According to legend, in ancient Greece, they were Cupid's arrows for lovers. They are also the flower of “celebration”, a symbol of sincere affection, and friendship. ¹³⁾

The human eye cannot perceive the different shades of the petals. Under strong UV light, crocuses sparkle with a wealth of patterns designed to attract insects for pollination. ¹⁴⁾

The carnation is the national flower of Spain. In Poland, carnations are often associated with the communist era. In France and other Francophone countries, they are considered a symbol of misfortune. From Latin, carnation means “Flower of the Gods.” ¹⁵⁾

This enchanting flower will add beauty to even the most common ponds. It's hard to deny that the sight of a floating white or pink wonder of nature brings peace and harmony to our senses. The lotus has delicate, multilayered petals, spreading outward. Both its flowers and leaves float on the surface of the water. This flower symbolizes spiritual balance, happiness, and purity. In Asian cultures (such as China and Japan), the lotus can perform certain functions during religious rituals. ¹⁶⁾

Royal Strelitzia, also known as the bird of paradise, is one of the most exotic-looking flowers we can grow in our garden or on our balcony. The inflorescence actually resembles the head of an exotic bird, and this is all due to its color and shape. Composed of blue and orange petals, the flower “shoots” from a green-pink oblong leaf sheath resembling a boat or hummingbird's beak. The homeland of strelitzia is South Africa, where these wonderful flowers grow along the riverbanks of one of the country's eastern provinces. The plant owes its name to a Mecklenburg princess named Strelitz, wife of the English king, George III. ¹⁷⁾