In Voltaire’s words, ‘perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time’. In the world of fauna, the painstakingly slow measures by which a virginal bud blossoms into a beautiful flower, attains the stature of perfection when the humanity enthuses over its exotic charms.
The wallflower, a great favourite for bedding and containers among gardeners, is a fragrant biennial, which produces its spring flowers over a long period of time. Biologically, the wallflower belongs to the Cherianthus genus. The Fair Lady series in this family of flowers reflect the gentler shades and hues, while an expansive assortment of bright colours is also available – ruby-red, cream, yellow, orange, purple and yellow when wild. Other forms that are true from seed are ‘Blood Red’ and the ‘Bedder Series’.
Wallflower is coined so since it is often found clinging to old walls. In language however, a wallflower is a person who remains a spectator at a dance, idly without a partner. Thus, in the subtle flower symbolism, a wallflower indicates intense fidelity even in the throes of adversity. As the Bard speaks through the melancholic Jacques in As You Like It:
“ Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head”.
Related Flowers : Love in a Mist Flowers Marguerites Flowers Mistletoes Flowers Molucellas or Bells of Ireland Flowers Myrtles Flowers Muscaris Grapes or Hyacinths Flowers Narcissus Daffodils Flowers Narcissus or Daffodils Flowers Oaks Flowers Nerines Flowers
