What are the flowers of the four seasons
Walking through gardens, one can always see flowers blooming in different seasons, but have you ever paid attention to the plants collectively known as "four-season flowers"? These flowers may carry the symbol of the changing of seasons or break through seasonal patterns and bloom throughout the year. This article will introduce you to two systems of four-season flowers and recommend three types of plants that bloom all year round, suitable for home cultivation.
The dual cultural connotations of four-season flowers
Plant symbols of seasonal time
In traditional garden systems, four-season flowers refer to the representative flowers of each season: the嫩 yellow 迎春花 heralds the end of winter and the arrival of spring, the begonia with dewdrop-like flowers heralds the coming of summer, the azaleas in autumn cover the mountains like fire, and the wintersweet in frost interprets the spirit of resilience. This classification carries the wisdom of the agrarian civilization's observations of the natural order, perceiving the changes of the solar terms through the changes in plants.
The new definition of modern horticulture
With the advancement of facility agriculture technology, the concept of four-season flowers extends to a second meaning—referring specifically to improved varieties with ultra-long blooming periods. These plants, through genetic optimization and scientific care, can bloom continuously throughout the year, providing important materials for modern urban greening.
Recommendation list of plants blooming all year round
Four-season begonia | A permanent guest on the balcony
This improved begonia plant can bloom throughout the year by controlling light and temperature. Its succulent stems and leaves have water storage characteristics, and during maintenance, it is important to keep the environment at 15-25°C and avoid direct sunlight. The pink and white gradient petals paired with heart-shaped leaves are especially suitable for hanging basket arrangements.
Periwinkle | A rainbow-making machine on the windowsill
The periwinkle of the oleander family has super adaptability, requiring only 60 days from sowing to flowering. It is recommended to use breathable red clay pots and apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer every half month. Removing faded flowers promptly can extend the blooming period. Its colors range from purple-red, snow-blue, ivory white to seven other gradient color systems.
Barbados cherry | Ruby in the desert
The Barbados cherry of the euphorbiaceae family is a typical drought-resistant plant, which can bloom if kept above 10°C in winter. The thorns densely covering the branches are an evolutionary structure for water conservation, and special gloves should be worn during pruning. Its bright red bracts can maintain a viewing period of 2-3 weeks, and timely fertilization after flowering can promote reblooming.
Besides the above varieties, roses, ixora, and African violets can also bloom across seasons with scientific care. It is recommended to select 3-5 plants with overlapping blooming periods according to the light and humidity of the planting environment for combined cultivation.
From solar term phenology to modern horticulture, the definition of four-season flowers reflects the wisdom of human interaction with plants. Whether it is the artistic conception of traditional seasonal flowers or the persistent blooming of improved varieties, proper arrangement can add natural vitality to living spaces. Mastering basic maintenance skills, everyone can create their own four-season garden.