Charlotte Scott

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are among the most beloved and iconic cottage garden flowers, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Native to southwestern China and the Middle East, they were introduced to Europe during the medieval period, likely by Crusaders returning from the Holy Land — hence one theory behind their name, with “holy” … Read more

Salvia is one of the largest and most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. With over 900 recognized species, it is found across a wide range of climates and continents, from the Mediterranean basin and the Americas to Asia and Africa. The name “Salvia” is derived from the Latin … Read more

Iris flowers are among the most captivating and widely recognized blooms in the plant kingdom. Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris genus encompasses over 300 species and thousands of cultivated varieties, making it one of the most diverse flowering plant groups in the world. They are found naturally across the Northern … Read more

Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco, is a genus of plants in the family Solanaceae — the same family that includes tomatoes, peppers, and petunias. The genus comprises around 75 species, native primarily to the Americas, with a few species originating in Australia and the South Pacific. While the genus is perhaps most widely recognized … Read more

Pansies are among the most beloved and widely recognized flowering plants in the world. They belong to the genus Viola, specifically Viola tricolor var. hortensis or the hybrid Viola × wittrockiana, and are part of the Violaceae family. Originating from Europe and western Asia, pansies have been cultivated for centuries and have evolved from their … Read more

Morning Glory flowers (Ipomoea and related genera) are among the most captivating and widely recognized flowering vines in the plant kingdom. Belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas but have been cultivated across the world for centuries. The name “Morning Glory” is shared by over a … Read more

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a flowering plant that originated in the Andes region of South America, particularly in Peru and Bolivia. It was brought to Europe in the late 16th century by Spanish conquistadors and quickly gained popularity across the continent. The name “nasturtium” is derived from the Latin words for “nose twist,” a nod … Read more

Crocus is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Iridaceae, comprising around 90 species native to a wide range of regions including Southern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa. These small but remarkably beautiful plants have been admired by gardeners and nature lovers for centuries, celebrated for their … Read more

Aster is a diverse and beloved genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae, one of the largest plant families in the world. The name “Aster” is derived from the ancient Greek word for “star,” a fitting tribute to the characteristic star-shaped appearance of its blooms. Traditionally, the genus encompassed hundreds of species found … Read more

Zinnias are among the most vibrant and cheerful flowering plants in the gardening world. Native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, they belong to the family Asteraceae and the genus Zinnia, which comprises about 20 species. Named after the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, these annual flowers have been cultivated and selectively bred for … Read more