- the flowers associated with Elain Archeron -
I, like Elain, love flowers and I wanted to compile a little list of all the flowers mentioned, with specific regard to Elain, throughout the series. This is strictly meanings/symbolism and some fun cultivation tidbits, so here ya go--
"--frowning at the violets and roses I'd painted around the knobs of Elain's drawer" (ACOTAR)
modesty, faithfulness, remembrance, hope
Genus: Viola - The modest violet thrives in partial shade that mimics the woodland conditions where they grow naturally. The idiom 'shrinking violet' to describe a particularly shy individual, originates from the native, English violet where the flowers often 'hide' amongst their larger leaves.
Violets are also edible! Often, they are candied, used to decorate desserts, or frozen in ice cubes for a beautiful drink garnish
"She was a rose bloom in a mud field." (ACOWAR)
However, the meaning can change depending on the color of the rose (I have only included naturally occurring colors)
red: passionate, romantic love
dark red: mourning and sorrow, sacrifice and devotion
pink: innocence, affection veiled in shyness, perfect happiness, gratitude, tenderness
purple: enchantment, love at first sight
orange: fascination, attraction mingled with wonder
peach: modesty, immortality, friendly love
white: purity, divine love, innocence
yellow: friendship, joy, cheerfulness
Genus: Rosa - The 'Queen of Flowers' has about 300 species. They prefer 6-8 hours of daily sunlight.
In Greek myth, Chloris - the goddess of flowers - turned a dead, woodland nymph into a new flower. Dionysus gave it perfume, and Aphrodite named it after her son, Eros.
"'These bulbs," Elain said, pointing with a gloved hand to a cluster of purple-and-white flowers, "came all the way from the tulip fields of the continent.'" (ACOTAR)
Purple tulips: abundance, nobility, elegance
Genus: Tulipa - These spring-blooming perennials, are a member of the lily family. Tulip bulbs prefer to be buried deeply (about 8-12 inches) in sunny areas.
"A balmy breeze scented with . . . hyacinth, I realized--if only from Elain's small garden--floated down the halls." (ACOTAR)
jealousy, desire for forgiveness, constancy, loveliness, sincerity, love that endures beyond loss
Genus: Hyacinthus - Another bulbous perennial, hyacinths are fond of full sun and well-draining soil. The bulbs contain oxalic acid which can be irritating to skin, so it is recommended to use gloves before planting.
In Greek myth, when Hyacinthus - beloved of Apollo - died, Apollo grew flowers from his spilled blood.
"'I painted flowers for Elain on her drawer . . . Little roses and begonias and irises.'" (ACOMAF)
beware, caution, watchfulness, good communication/harmony, gratitude
Genus: Begonia - Most begonias appreciate partial shade and well-draining soil. Be careful not to overwater. They cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Side note: I have an angel wing begonia and she is beautiful ❤️
faith, trust, wisdom, hope, valor
Genus: Iris - Like roses, irises prefer 6-8 hours of full sunlight. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
"Her sister's delicate scent of jasmine and honey lingered in the red-stoned hall like a promise of spring, a sparkling river that she followed to the open doors of the chamber." (ACOSF)
sweet love, amiability, purity, prosperity, grace
Genus: Jasminum - Ideally, jasmine should be planted in warm, sunny, and sheltered areas, with an arbor or trellis to support its climbing vines.
"The gates to her mind . . . Solid iron, covered in vines of flowers--or it would have been. The blossoms were all sealed, sleeping buds tucked into tangles of leaves and thorns." (ACOWAR)
"His fingers traced the twisting vines of flowers on the second drawer. "Elain's drawer.'" (ACOSF)
affection, friendship, fidelity, attachment, immortality
Genus: Hedera - Ivy is an evergreen, climbing vine that can reach heights of 30m when supported by a structure (man-made or natural). It thrives in bright, but not direct, light and prefers cooler temperatures.
