Jump into Spring with the April Flower
April is the month of rebirth. It signifies the much-anticipated melt after the long winter months. The relief from the bitter cold and frozen ground are always well received. One of the best sights at this time is the reappearance of flowers in the garden. The milder weather allows striking flowers to come back and share their beauty for all to see.
April, the first actual month of spring, is represented through the daisy flower. Interestingly, in many places, the daisy does not actually flower in the spring. So, it can be confusing as to why the daisy is considered the official flower of April.
In this article, we talk about:
* The origins of the daisy through time
* Other April flowers
The story of the daisy is linked to several times throughout history. These stories are likely why the daisy is considered to represent April.
The first story comes from Norse mythology. The legend tells us that Freya was the goddess of fertility, beauty, and love. Freya considered the daisy to be her sacred flower. Since then, daisies have been associated with childbirth. They are often used to wish well on a new mother. This may be why April, the month of rebirth, is related to the daisy.
Our second legend comes from Celtic times. Again, this story links daisies to children, though in a sadder sense. It was said that when a child suffered an unexpected death, God would use daisies to cheer up the parents. He would dust the Earth with daisies in hopes of lifting their spirits with the cheerful flower.
The final tale began in Roman times. The story is centered around Vertumnus, the goddess of gardens and seasons, and the nymph Beldies. One day Vertumnus came upon Belides. Vertumnus was attracted to Belides and so pursued him quite persistently. In order to reject these advances, Belides turned himself into a daisy. They hid amongst the other flowers in the garden. Bellis is the botanical name of the daisy and is said to have derived from this legend.
All of these legends of the daisy can be correlated to the month of April because of their significance in rebirth. This is perhaps why the daisy represents the month of April. However, there may also be one other reason. The daisy is the official flower of those born under the astrological sign of Taurus. Taurus born individuals have birthdays between April 21 and May 21. It could be this connection that explains the significance of the daisy and April.
No matter the origin, the simple daisy flower clearly has some cultural significance. Aside from that, it is a lovely choice of flower to add to any bouquet. There are several reasons that someone would give a daisy to another person.
Other April Flowers
While daisies may be the official flower of April, many flowers start to show their faces come spring. The most common, and often earliest flowers, are types of bulbs. Bulbs need the harsh winter to come back with gusto. There are a few shrubs that also flower in early spring. Depending on where you live, plants produce foliage and flowers earlier than others. Obviously, in harsher climates, the blooms come out a little later.
Here are a few suggestions if you are interested in planting some spring and April flowers.
Tulips – These are perhaps some of the most well-known and standard bulbs. Many tulips originate from the Netherlands but have ended up in North America. Tulips are beautiful bulbs that produce their flowers in just about any color. Every year new colors and types of tulips are created. This gives gardeners the ability to always have something new in the yard. Specific tulips have even been created as commemorative plants. For example, Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017. There was a red and white tulip that was designed specifically for this event, and only available during that year.
Hyacinth – Hyacinth is another very popular bulb. They usually come in purple, white, or pink. Interestingly though, there are several varieties of this bulb that grow to different heights. It is quite essential to know what the mature plant size is before you plant. You want to make sure you know exactly how much space it needs to grow properly.
Rhododendrons – Rhodos is one of the most spectacular spring-flowering shrubs. They produce flowers in vibrant pinks, reds, and purples. Depending on where you live, rhododendrons produce their blooms very early. They can also grow quite large in these climates. A rhodo in full bloom is an exquisite sight. They do grow in cooler climates, though they are generally not as tall. No matter how big, they are striking plants and make for an excellent choice in the garden. As an added bonus, these plants are broadleaf evergreens. This means they keep their foliage all winter long, so provide winter interest in the garden.
Cherry Trees – There are so many varieties of cherry trees, many of which can grow in a variety of cooler to warm climates. They are not tropical plants, though, so they cannot grow near the equator. However, they are an excellent flowering tree or shrub for northern regions. Cherry trees produce hundreds of pink and white flowers. Come spring, the entire tree is completely covered in blooms, making for quite a spectacle. After a couple of weeks, cherry trees lose their flowers. The petals fall gently to the Earth, cascading over the ground below. This, too, can make for a beautiful sight. The contrast of pink petals on green grass or grey pavement is beautiful in its own right.
April flowers represent rebirth after the bitterly cold winter. Daisies may be the official April flower, but they are not the only April growing flower. Whether you are looking to give a bouquet of April flowers, or plant April flowers in the garden, there are many options available. Talk to your local florist or garden center horticulturist. They can provide you with the best flowers to celebrate the month of April.
