camellia

“椿” is read as “tsubaki.” It’s a traditional flower long cherished in Japan, blooming with beautiful red or white blossoms from winter to spring.

lily

The flower “yuri” is written in kanji as 百合. 百 means 100 and 合 means to meet/fit, but together they are read as “yuri.” It is a plant that produces large flowers in colors such as white and pink.

lotus

The kanji “蓮” is read as “hasu.” It is a plant characterized by its large leaves and flowers that float on water and is often seen in temple ponds. It’s well known as a large flower that blooms by the water.

fragrant olive (osmanthus)

“金木犀” is read as “kinmokusei.” In autumn, it blooms with small orange flowers, and a very pleasant fragrance spreads through the air.

horsetail (field horsetail; tsukushi)

Tsukushi is written in kanji as 「土筆」. 「土」 means “earth/soil” and 「筆」 means “brush,” and this kanji is used because it grows from the ground and has a brush-like shape. You often see it in spring in rice fields and along roadsides.

peony

"Botan" is written in kanji as "牡丹" (peony). It’s a plant that blooms with large, very beautiful flowers in spring. The other options are read as "kiku" (菊, chrysanthemum) and "sakura" (桜, cherry blossom).

osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)

“Kinmokusei” is written in kanji as 金木犀. It’s a yellow flower that blooms in autumn and has a very pleasant fragrance. “Ginomokusei” is similar, but it’s a different variety with white flowers.