Tuesday, July 18, 2017

What's in a Name?

 How do they name flowers?

My spouse and I were out Saturday admiring the day lilies in Cutler Botanic Gardens in Binghamton, New York.  They are just a few steps away from the Regional Farmers Market and were at peak.

For years, the lilies have only had numbers on the identifying stakes, with no handy list.   This year, there's a list, and I finally know the names of some of these varieties.

I would love to know how these names are chosen.

What makes this a Tennessee Rose?

Or a Some Sweet Day (I have to get this one- stunning!)
Beasley.  I see this may actually be "Bubba Beasley" but "Beasley" is what the list said.

Mardi Gras Parade
Crazy Pierre (I wondered how long ago they came up with this name - turns out 1990 is the year of introduction). 

Peekaboo (yes, I see you!) which somehow got on its side.

The Band Played On
Rhythm and Blues.

Hybridizing day lilies is a hobby for some.  I don't know if I would have the patience.  I certainly don't have the room.

But if I created a new day lily, wouldn't it be fun to choose the name?

Day 18 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost

11 comments:

  1. I bought my original batch of daylilies from a local hybridizer. I thought I might try it but never did. I am perfectly happy just watching mine grow. Daylilies and hostas have some very interesting names indeed.

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    1. There used to be a local hybridizer of day lilies. I think he retired a while ago. I may have one of his; I am not sure about that.

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  2. Stunning! I've wondered, too. The person who develops them gets to name them, so the names must surely mean something to them. An interesting study in human nature!

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    1. I don't know that I'll ever breed a flower but maybe should start daydreaming about the name I will give it.

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  3. Oh my....flowers are my favorite thing. Thank you for the beautiful pictures

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  4. Some of the names you can almost see where they come from. Don't know about some of the others but I bet there are good stories. Wouldn't it be fun to get to name one?

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  5. Yeah, who does come up with those names? Does the person who hybridized it get naming rights? You'll have to tell us if you find out ;)

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