Different Names for the Same Flowers

You buy a packet of "flag" seeds and it says "iris" on the label. A florist offers a bouquet with lisianthus, although you asked for eustoma. There is no mistake: many flowers have several names — scientific, common, trade names and often different ones in every language. Here are the most popular flowers with more than one name, so you always get exactly what you wanted. More flowers with photos, names and meanings are in our guide to types of flowers.

Why flowers have so many names

Common names appeared long before scientific classification: plants were named after their shape, colour or resemblance to something familiar. Later, botanists gave each species a Latin name, and breeders and sellers added trade names. A water lily, for example, is also called nymphaea, yet it is the same plant. The most reliable guide when buying seeds and bulbs is the Latin name.

Iris or flag

Irises grow in almost every flower bed. In English they are also called flags, and in Ukraine the common name is pivnyky ("little roosters"). The scientific name Iris means "rainbow" in Greek, and the flowers really come in every colour, from white and yellow to blue and almost black. The genus has around 300 species and tens of thousands of cultivars, and irises appear in ancient Mediterranean art.

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Sunflower, or helianthus

The Latin name Helianthus comes from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower). Young plants really do turn to follow the sun, while open flower heads usually stay facing east. Sunflowers are native to North America, where they were grown long before Europeans arrived. Florists love ornamental varieties such as the double 'Teddy Bear', and the flower became a signature of Vincent van Gogh's famous series of paintings.

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Bouquet flowers with several names

• Alstroemeria is also known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. It comes from South America, lasts a long time in a vase and goes with almost any flower.
• Lisianthus is the same plant as eustoma, also called prairie gentian; because it resembles a rose, it is sometimes nicknamed "Japanese rose".
• Statice is limonium, also called sea lavender. It tolerates heat and drought and is often used as a dried flower that keeps its colour and shape.
• Gypsophila is better known as baby's breath — the light white "clouds" in bouquets.
• Ranunculus is the Persian buttercup, often mistaken for a peony or a rose.

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Garden flowers: common and scientific names

• Marigolds are Tagetes; in Ukraine they are called chornobryvtsi and are a symbol of the Ukrainian garden.
• Pansies are garden violas (Viola × wittrockiana); in Ukrainian they are bratky.
• Dahlias are called zhorzhyna in Ukrainian; the scientific name honours the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.
• Hollyhocks are Alcea, often called mallow in Ukraine, although true mallow (Malva) is a related but different plant.

Flowers that are often confused

Amaryllis and hippeastrum. The large bulbs sold as "amaryllis" are almost always hippeastrums. The true Amaryllis belladonna comes from South Africa and is much rarer in shops.

Calla lily and bog arum. Bouquet calla lilies are Zantedeschia, while the marsh plant Calla palustris is a completely different species.

Chamomile and oxeye daisy. Large garden "daisies" are usually oxeye or Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum), while true chamomile is small, with a hollow domed centre.

How to avoid mistakes when buying

• Check the Latin name on the seed packet or plant label.
• When ordering a bouquet, attach a photo or describe the colour and shape — the florist will understand you better.
• Choose by photo in the catalogue: orchids, for example, are easy to recognise even if you don't remember the variety name.

Why florists use Latin names

Common names differ even between neighbouring regions, while the Latin name is the same worldwide. That’s why florists and garden centres order flowers by Latin names: Alstroemeria, Eustoma, Gypsophila. If you want a specific flower or plant, search by its Latin name — you won’t end up with a look-alike, and you’ll find accurate care information in catalogues and guides.

FAQ

Are iris and flag the same flower?

Yes, "flag" is a common name for iris.

Is statice the same as limonium?

Yes, statice, sea lavender and limonium are names for the same genus.

Whatever the name, a beautiful bouquet speaks for itself. Order flowers with UFL delivery in Kyiv and our florists will create an arrangement for your occasion.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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