8 Seasonal Flowers for August
Summer is here! It's August and the heat is intense .
This is the season when flowers with a tropical feel and flowers that last a long time are popular in stores.
Wildflowers native to countries in the Southern Hemisphere such as Australia and South Africa also begin to appear.
This month we'll be introducing flowers that can withstand the intense heat and last a long time!
pincushion
Japanese name : pincushion
Family name : Proteaceae
Genus name : Leucospermum
A wildflower with a unique appearance.
It was named pincushion because it resembles a sewing pincushion.
The many needle-like parts are actually stamens.
When you touch it, it feels solid, almost like plastic.
The vivid color combination of red, orange, and yellow is perfect for summer arrangements!
The stems are hard, so the flowers
When arranging the flowers, it is recommended to split the cut end in half vertically.
Another great thing about them is that they can be dried and enjoyed for a long time!
It's easy to make by just hanging it in a well-ventilated place.
Even when dried, the color changes little and it still has a strong presence, and it looks stylish when combined with other wildflowers to make a swag.
King Protea
Japanese name : King Protea
Family name : Proteaceae
Genus name : Protea
Wildflowers have an overwhelming presence.
It is also the national flower of South Africa, and among the unique proteas, the "King" is a particularly large variety.
It's a look worthy of the name!
What looks like a large petal is actually a sepal .
It is called a head inflorescence and consists of many small flowers that look like one big flower .
Even when dried, the flowers retain their presence, and just displaying one will create a stylish space!
This is a rare flower that can cost several thousand yen in stores .
If you see it, be sure to experience its size.
Seruria
Japanese name : Cerulia
Family name : Proteaceae
Genus name : Serurus
Among wildflowers that tend to have a powerful image, cerulea has a gentle impression.
Its English name is "Blushing Bright " and it was apparently used in the bridal bouquet of the late Princess Diana.
The parts that look like petals are called bracts , which are modified leaves .
It is dyed in a pale pink color, giving off a gentle atmosphere.
The charm of Cerulia is its pale color and soft texture.
It can be combined with other wildflowers, but it also looks great when combined with summer flowers to create a rustic bouquet.
Although this wildflower has long-lasting flowers, it is prone to water loss.
When arranging, split the cut end of the stem in half lengthwise.
If you want to dry them, hang them in a well-ventilated place while they are still fresh to make them look beautiful.
Balloonweed
Japanese name : Balloon cotton
Family name : Apocynaceae
Genus name : Balloonwort
Balloon plant has a rather scary appearance.
As the name suggests, the balloon-like part is the fruit.
Surprisingly, the thorns on the surface are not painful at all and are soft.
When this fruit ripens, it bursts open and releases a fluffy seed from inside.
It's hard to believe that its frightening appearance gives it such adorable, fluffy fluff ...
Kids will love it like dandelion fluff!
It would be fun to observe them together during the summer holidays.
When selecting fruit at the store, choose ones that are firm and well-swelled.
If the stem is thick, split the cut end in half lengthwise.
The white liquid that comes out of the cut end will prevent the plant from absorbing water, so be sure to rinse it off before arranging the plant.
This white liquid is toxic and dangerous if it gets into your eyes.
Please handle with care.
Physalis
Japanese name : Hozuki
Family name : Solanaceae
Genus name : Physalis
August is the time for Obon ( July 13th to 16th in areas where New Obon is celebrated , and August 13th to 16th in areas where Old Obon is celebrated ) .
At this time of year, ground cherries are on sale in stores.
Because the hanging red ornament resembles a paper lantern, it has come to be displayed as a sign to welcome ancestors.
The lantern part is a large, swollen calyx that supports the petals .
In fact, there is a round fruit inside.
Some of these fruits are sold as edible and are said to have a slightly sweet and sour, fruity taste!
Please note that the flowers displayed in flower shops are of course not edible.
Physalis can also be dried and enjoyed for a long time.
It's easy to make!
Simply hang them in a well-ventilated place and they will quickly become dried flowers.
Also, the openwork physalis, which has only the veins of the calyx left intact, has a cool appearance and is perfect for summer.
The entire calyx is soaked in water for about a week, leaving only the veins, and then thoroughly dried to complete the process.
Please enjoy decorating your Physalis in a variety of ways!
Red Aoi
Family name: Malvaceae Genus name: Malvaceae
The eye-catching deep crimson color and unique appearance of the red hibiscus, also known as roselle, is a member of the hibiscus family.
The flowers wither within a day, so the calyx is what people enjoy after the flowers have bloomed.
The calyx that encases the fruit is used to make hibiscus tea and jam.
However, the ones you can buy at florists are not edible, so please do not eat them.
The flowers last a long time and are great for hot weather too.
Dried flowers look almost the same as fresh flowers and can be enjoyed for a long time.
When choosing in the store, choose ones that are brightly colored and have fresh calyxes.
When arranging flowers at home, make a cross-shaped cut at the end of the stem to help it absorb water better.
It is best to keep the amount of water in the vase low and change it daily.
Because red hollyhocks are popular as flower materials for ikebana, they have a Japanese image, but it is also recommended to arrange red hollyhocks simply by themselves or combine them with wildflowers or other flowers with a tropical feel.
It will give you a modern and cool look!
wax flower
One of the "Aussie plants" native to Australia.
As its name suggests, the flowers bloom in clusters of shiny, waxy petals, giving a gorgeous and cute impression even when grown alone.
The flowers and leaves are fragrant, and the leaves have a strong citrus scent.
They are also suitable for drying and are relatively long-lasting flowers, but care must be taken as they will fall off if not properly soaked in water.
When choosing at the store, choose one that doesn't fall apart.
It has a cute appearance, but is a sturdy branch.
When arranging flowers at home, split the tip of the stem in half.
Small leaves can pollute the water, so it's a good idea to remove any parts that will be submerged in water and any unnecessary leaves.
Wax flowers look lovely when arranged on their own, but they also go well with wildflowers and other natural flowers.
It goes well with autumn flowers, so it is also recommended for late summer arrangements.
Sedum
Family name: Crassulaceae Genus name: Stonecrop
Sedum is a popular succulent plant and is also available as cut flowers.
The Japanese name "Benkeisou" is said to come from the historical figure "Musashibo Benkei" who likens the plant's strength to not wither even in harsh environments.
The leaves will wilt when the plant loses its vitality, so choose ones with firm leaves when purchasing in the store.
When displaying them at home, use less water in the vase.
Its succulent leaves and stems store moisture, making its flowers last a very long time.
The refreshing green is a great secondary flower material for summer arrangements!
In the summer, green buds are more prevalent, but as autumn approaches, the flowers begin to bloom and more pink and red flowers appear.
Enjoy the change in color for a long time.
Author: Nakanishi Edited by: Yui, Sekido, and Kambara
