Birth Flowers of December 20th💐

Clivia
= Sincerity, nobility, compassionate

Larkspur
= Cheerful, merry, lighthearted, free-spirited life

Wintersweet
= Foresight, sympathy, affection, gracefulness, leadership

[Clivia]

Although it has the word 'orchid' (ran) in its name, it is not a member of the Orchid family, but rather the Amaryllis family.

The 'Clivia miniata', commonly known as the Clivia, has a flower stalk of 40 to 50 centimeters and bears about 15 to 20 flowers.

It has a magnificent, elegant appearance, and orange is the most common flower color.

About 8 to 10 leaves grow from the base; in addition to dark green ones, there are variegated varieties, and they are thick and glossy.

There is also a plump variety called 'Daruma', and in all cases, the leaves are rich and thick.

You can enjoy them all year round, even outside of the blooming season.

In their native habitat, they grow in damp, semi-shaded areas, so they will suffer leaf burn if exposed to strong sunlight.

Cultivate them in a place that does not receive strong direct sunlight, and be careful to avoid overwatering or frost.

It originates from the first Clivia variety introduced to Japan, 'Clivia nobilis'.

Since 'nobilis' means noble, the flower language of 'nobility', 'sincerity', and 'compassionate' was assigned to it.

The Japanese name 'Kunshiran' (Gentleman Orchid) also comes from the word 'kunshi' (a person of high status with knowledge and culture).

[Larkspur]

An annual plant of the Ranunculaceae family that blooms with blue or purple spike-shaped flowers in early summer.

It is a flowering plant that is sown in the autumn and blooms in early summer.

It is sometimes called 'Chidoriso' (Plover flower) or 'Hienso' (Flying swallow flower).

The reason why the Japanese names include the names of birds and swallows is that each individual flower looks like a bird or a swallow.

Also, the English name "Larkspur" comes from "Lark" (the bird) and "spur" (the bird's claw), named after the protruding part on the back of the flower that resembles a spur.

The blooming season is from early summer to just before midsummer.

Some grow over 1 meter tall, and when planted in gardens or flower beds, their linear flowers stand out.

Because they are tall and bloom with many flowers, they have a gorgeous atmosphere, but each individual flower is small, and with their delicate, notched leaves, they also have a modest, refined feel.

Colors include blue, purple, white, and pink, and recently, antique shades like "Larkspur Earl Grey" have also appeared.

They are also available as cut flowers.

They are used as line flowers in arrangements to add breadth and a sense of openness.

The flower meanings "cheerful" and "lively" are said to be associated with the image of a lark flying around fields while singing energetically.

"Lighthearted" and "carefree living" are also inspired by the small bird flying freely in the blue sky.

Since the name "Larkspur" is also derived from a bird, it can be said that this flower is deeply connected to small birds.

[Wintersweet (Robai)]

A deciduous shrub native to China.

It blooms with fragrant, pale cream-colored flowers during the cold season.

The petals are glossy and thick, and they bloom in clusters of several flowers facing downward on the branches.

Since the leaves develop after the flowers, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of only flowers blooming in clusters on the branches during the flowering period.

The leaves that appear after the flowers are finished are oval, large, and lack gloss.

The name "Robai" (Wax Plum) was given because the texture of the flowers is glossy and moist, as if coated with wax.

Another theory is that because the blooming season is around the 12th month of the lunar calendar, called "Rogetsu," the character for "Ro" from Rogetsu was combined with "Plum" to form the name "Robai."

The flower meanings are said to have been derived from the way it quietly blooms ahead of other flowers during the still-harsh winter season.

The way it blooms with a downward tilt also gives a modest and graceful impression, which is also a source of its flower meanings.

(The above is from an internet search)