How Flowers Get Their Names

Ever wonder why a Lilac is called a Lilac or a Hyacinth a Hyacinth? Here are the stories behind flower names.

• The flower, “Begonia,” is named for Michel Begon, an official in French King, Louis XIV’s court and later governor of Canada.
• The flower, “Camellia,” is presumed to be named after the “Lady of the Camellias,” a 19th century French courtesan and the heroine of Dumas’ novel.
• The botanical name of the tall, slender flower, “Foxglove,” is “Digitalis.”  It’s named for the Latin word, “digitus,” which means “finger.”
• Narcissus, another name for a Daffodil, is named for the Greek God who was exquisitely beautiful, saw his image in a pond, and fell in love with it, forsaking all others.
• The “Lilac” bush is named for the Persian word for “blue.” Today, Lilacs are available in white, purple, and magenta as well as blue.
• Hyacinth is named for a Greek gay legend. He was a beautiful boy, loved by the God, Apollo. When he was killed, the flower sprung up in his place as a memorial to him.
• Lupines, prevalent in the western U.S., are named for the Latin word for “wolf.”  It was originally thought to be a predator, just like the wolf.
• The Primrose, that colorful, early spring bloomer, is named after the Latin words for “first rose” because it appears so early in the season.
• A large Hydrangea bush will drink up to twelve gallons of water per day.  That’s why it’s named from the Greek word for water, “hydro.”
• The popular, sun-loving, annual Marigolds are named after the Virgin Mary.  They were once popular as altar flowers during mass.