My Favorite Flowers

There are many types of flowers in the Philippines that I like so much, which I seldom see here in the United States. It's probably because these flowers are tropical and can only live in warm areas. This article will tell you what those flowers are.

The Philippine Flowers

I love flowers and I always appreciate looking at them because of their colors, appearances, and shapes. Their fragrances also add to their beauty. In the Philippines, we have plenty of flower species that are perennials, and can be seen any time of the year. They are very rare here in the United States, and I believe, they are most likely to be found in Asian nurseries or greenhouses. There are several types of flowers that are my favorites and I wish I can find them. It would be nice to have a garden with all those types of flowers to make me feel at home.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is probably the very first type of flower I've known when I was a kid. It is a very common type of flower in the Philippines that comes in different colors such as red, white, yellow, pink, and peach, depending on the specie. This flower plant grows as a woody shrub or a tree. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds love this type of flower.

Hibiscus is said to be of many uses. In some countries, dried hibiscus is edible and can be used to make candies or garnishes. It is also considered to be a medicinal plant. The roots are used to make various mixtures to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss, or hair graying. In the Philippines, the flowers and the leaves are crushed together to form a sticky substance, which is then used for bubble-making. I remember when I was a kid, my friends and I used to crunch the flower and the leaves, then combine them with water. The mixture then formed a sticky juice and turned bubbly. We used a looped piece of wire, dipped it into the mixture, and blew bubbles. It was fun.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a type of perennial woody vine with spiky thorns, which is most popular as an ornamental plant that lives in warm climates. Bougainvilleas are drought-tolerant that makes them ideal for warm climates all-year round. The flowers are small and come in different colors of red, white, orange, purple, and pink, with leaves that are heart-shaped. Bougainvilleas often come on new growths, so regular pruning is needed to encourage healthy and abundant flowering. They are almost totally insect-free types of plants. Although occasionally, there might be some aphids, but they can easily be treated with appropriate pesticides. In cooler seasons, bougainvilleas can be used as hanging houseplants. They can also be planted in pots but regular trimming is required due to their hard woody stems that tend to spread fast. If properly taken care of, bougainvilleas constantly flower 12 months a year.

Plumeria

Plumeria is a type of flowering plant that is very common to tropical countries. They can grow up to 30 or 40 feet tall trees, or can be potted plants that are ideal for patios and decks. Plumerias are drought-tolerant and can be grown in full or partial sun. They are the type of plants that do not need too much maintenance. Their fragrance resembles the scent of jasmine and gardenia, and is most evident at night. They are best known as lei flowers, and they come in various colors like red, yellow, white, pink, and other pastel colors. Flowers last long and they produce new blooms almost everyday. They need watering just once in a while, and water should penetrate deeply. Make sure that they are totally dried out before watering them again.

It is officially summer here in the United States. I hope to be able to find at least one of them.