February Birth Flower
iris
i·ris \ˈī-rəs\
: a plant with sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers, typically purple, yellow, or white. Native to both Eurasia and North America, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental
: any of a large genus (Iris of the family Iridaceae, the iris family) of perennial herbaceous plants with linear usually basal leaves and large showy flowers
Happy Birthday to all the February Birthday's! You have been given the Iris as your birth flower. Wait an Iris? You are probably thinking that the Iris is not fitting for February's birth flower, perhaps the Rose would be more fitting?? i.e. Valentines Day?? The month of love? But let me enlighten you on a good explanation on why the Iris is perfect for February.
Because Iris is the symbolic flower of the Greek goddess Iris who was also the messenger of love, it seems fitting that the elegant Iris is the birth flower of February. Traditionally, Iris symbolize eloquence, faith, wisdom and hope, much as February carries with it the promise that spring will soon return. So isn't that true?? :) The three up right petals on an Iris are also said to represent faith, valor and wisdom.
The Greek always have an important meaning behind flowers. Iris means “rainbow” in Greek and the plant’s name probably reflects the fact that Irises are grown in so many colors! The goddess Iris used the rainbow as her personal highway as she traveled from place to place delivering messages of love. Because of this, the Iris flower is also considered the symbol of eloquence, communication and messages. In my opinion Iris are the most diverse flowers in the garden. They really do come in any color under the sun including blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.
http://gardening.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/01/grays-iris-garden-in-full-bloom/
Irises are among the best-known and loved garden plants around. There are 260 species of Iris growing from either a creeping rhizome or from an individual bulb, like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. You can grow Iris in roomy pots with good drainage indoors on a sunny windowsill. They are mainly spring blooming plants but some other varieties can also bloom in the fall.
My Grandma's birthday was February 24th. She would of been 82. I miss her so much. She was one of the many influences in my life to garden and work hard in life. She told me if you worked hard enough in life you would reap the beautiful benefits that come from success and persistences. Well we all know gardening takes persistence. So don't give up and soon you too will reap the beautiful benefits of your garden. Remember to say Happy Birthday to all your February friends and family out there!
And for those of you with a birthday in February, Happy Birthday My Friends!
-Amy