Upon entering the wax myrtle garden, you will see a stone carving inscribed with "China Anyang Wax Myrtle Garden," personally written by Mr. Chen Junyu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, president of the China Plum and Wax Myrtle Association, who bestowed this name upon our garden.
Mr. Chen devoted his life to the study of plum and wax myrtle blossoms and is a leading figure in China’s plum and wax myrtle circles. Despite being over 90 years old, he remains deeply concerned about the development of the Anyang Wax Myrtle Garden. He said: “The China Anyang Wax Myrtle Garden covers an area of over 1,000 acres and is the largest wax myrtle garden in China. The garden integrates sightseeing, production, and research. With its comprehensive variety and high standard of wax myrtles, it stands among the best in China and even the world.”
Li Qingwei, vice dean of the School of Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University, said: “There are many plum blossom gardens across the country, but Anyang Wax Myrtle Garden, which focuses solely on wax myrtles, is located at the highest latitude and can be considered the largest in scale and most comprehensive in variety.”
Perhaps some visitors may wonder: Why does the character for "wax" in Wax Myrtle Garden have the "insect" radical instead of the "moon" radical as in "腊"? This is because the wax myrtle, which blooms around the same time as the plum blossom and has a similar fragrance and wax-like color, was originally called the "candle (with the insect radical) wax" myrtle—named for its texture. Also, since it blooms in the depths of winter during the lunar month of La (腊), it is also referred to as the "La month (with the moon radical)" wax myrtle.
The wax myrtle is a uniquely famous ornamental plant in China with a long cultivation history and rich cultural heritage.
“Branches stretch like emerald jade, naturally slender; buds burst like golden treasures, exceptionally fragrant.” In the bitter cold of winter when all other flowers wither, only the wax myrtle bravely blooms. “The east wind arrives overnight at year’s end, frosty buds hold their sweet fragrance, delicate and pitiful; among the twenty-four solar terms’ floral messengers, the harbinger of spring still yields to you first.” The wax myrtle, covered in abundant blossoms, with unyielding ice branches and especially fragrant frozen buds, offers a uniquely splendid charm. On cold days, the wax myrtle silently awaits the message of spring; when people see the “round, millet-like sculpted buds, the golden bell-shaped blossoms standing alone,” the blooming wax myrtle makes them feel that spring is just around the corner, and the bright season is about to arrive.
Qianzi Garden is one of the main viewing areas for wax myrtles, where visitors can come together to admire and appreciate the graceful beauty of the wax myrtle.
The wax myrtle was originally called yellow plum, also known as yellow plum blossom, fragrant plum, dry branch plum, and so on. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin referred to the wax myrtle as the “cold plum,” writing, “I know to visit the cold plum by the wild pond.” The Yao Family’s Remaining Words also called the wax myrtle the “cold guest.” The wax myrtle blooms before spring, ahead of all other flowers, especially the tiger hoof plum, which flowers as early as the tenth lunar month, hence it is called the early plum. The wax myrtle blooms before its leaves appear, and its blossoms and leaves do not coexist, with the branches appearing withered and slender when the flowers are in bloom, hence it is also called the dry branch plum. The wax myrtle often blooms when snow is flying, and to admire it, one must wait for the snow and then visit through the snowy landscape, hence it is also called the snow plum. Additionally, because the wax myrtle begins to bloom in early winter and bears fruit as winter ends, accompanying the winter season, it is also called the winter plum.
So, is the wax myrtle the same as the plum blossom we usually refer to? Here’s a botanical fact: the wax myrtle is not a plum. However, due to its similar flower shape, similar blooming season, both blooming before leaves emerge, and both having fragrant blossoms, they were collectively called plum blossoms in ancient times. It wasn’t until the Northern Song Dynasty that the Daoist poet Huang Tingjian, in the preface to his poetry collection, distinguished the wax myrtle from the plum blossom: “There is a kind of flower in Dongluo that smells like a plum blossom, also has five petals, but cannot be named, resembling something made from burning wax. People in the capital therefore called it the wax myrtle.”
Plum blossoms belong to the Rosaceae family and are relatives of peaches, plums, and apricots. The wax myrtle, on the other hand, is a deciduous shrub of the genus Chimonanthus in the family Calycanthaceae. The wax myrtle mainly includes the following varieties: plain-heart wax myrtle, open-mouth wax myrtle, sandalwood wax myrtle, and dogtooth wax myrtle. The plain-heart wax myrtle has purely yellow outer petals and nearly pure inner petals, with larger flowers and strong fragrance; the open-mouth wax myrtle has pale yellow outer petals and inner petals with purplish-red edges and stripes, making it the largest flower with a clear, refreshing fragrance; the sandalwood wax myrtle blooms earliest, with deep yellow flowers resembling rosewood, densely clustered and strongly fragrant; the dogtooth wax myrtle, also called nine-flower wax myrtle, has long, narrow, and pointed petals, with purplish-red centers on the inner petals, smaller flowers, light fragrance, and a later blooming period; the small-flower wax myrtle has yellowish-white outer petals and inner petals with purplish-red stripes, with the smallest flower diameter of less than 1 cm. It is highly resilient and ornamental, remaining popular throughout history. The wax myrtle braves frost and snow, with its frozen stamens full of grace, possessing a uniquely elegant charm. It embodies nobility, elegance, perseverance, and strength, and is thus honored as one of the “Four Friends of Winter” along with white plum, camellia, and narcissus. It is a symbol of unyielding spirit and a beautiful embodiment.
The wax myrtle has a relatively long and unique flowering period. It can be divided into the initial flowering period, peak flowering period, and withering period. From the lunar month of La to February or March of the following year, wax myrtles continue to bloom for up to three months; the flowers bloom in succession, withering but not falling—even after wilting, the blossoms do not drop. Although the wax myrtle does not bloom as profusely as peonies or peach blossoms, it bravely opens in the cold, withers without falling, and continues in an unbroken stream.
Historical records indicate that Long’an has a very long history of cultivating wax myrtles, producing plants with beautiful blossoms, fragrant flowers, early blooming, and long flowering periods. During the Republican era, Yuan Shikai once visited Long’an to admire the wax myrtles and wrote a poem praising them: “In the lunar month of La, the wax myrtles bloom, revealing blossoms of longevity,” extolling the wax myrtles of Long’an.
Appreciating wax myrtles and plum blossoms generally involves evaluating them based on five aspects: color, fragrance, form, charm, and timing.
First is color. Although the color of the wax myrtle is not as vivid or intense as other flowers, its subtle, translucent hues are unmatched by other blossoms.
Second is fragrance. The scent of the wax myrtle is characterized by “a truly pure and utterly unique fragrance.” It possesses a distinctive charm, being fresh, elegant, and refined, and has been referred to by literati throughout the ages as the “cold fragrance” or “subtle fragrance.” It is elegant yet not vulgar, rich yet clear. “Seeking its fragrance intently but not finding it, yet the fragrance exists where it is least sought”—it is elusive yet constantly refreshing the senses and intoxicating. During the plum blossom viewing season, wandering among the blossoms, with the breeze drifting through the plum grove, it feels like immersing oneself in a sea of fragrance, with the whole body infused with its scent. Savoring the fragrance of the wax myrtle has the effects of refreshing the mind, invigorating the spirit, and moistening the qi, as if “the plum blossom admirer walks among the flowers, and the flowers cling to the sleeves, leaving a trail of fragrance.” Though not as showy as the red plum, the wax myrtle’s fragrance travels even farther. The unique floral aroma of the wax myrtle inspired the poet to exclaim: “Even with the winter-hearted brush as stout as a rafter, one can insert the flower stems but cannot depict the fragrance.”
Third is form. The ancients believed that “the form and posture of the plum are paramount,” referring to its shape and stance. Forms include drooping, upward-facing, sideways, reclining, leaning, and gazing. Postures are divided into upright, curved, and askew. The plum tree’s bark is dark and rough-textured, its branches twisted, gnarled, and rugged, exuding a free-spirited, weather-beaten, indomitable masculine beauty. The wax myrtle’s branches are slender, varied yet rhythmic, displaying a strong sense of line and vitality. In Qianzi Garden, you can admire wax myrtles in various poses.
The Lover’s Flower Corridor in the wax myrtle garden features mainly plain-heart wax myrtles. The plain-heart wax myrtle has pure white flower centers and a rich, dense fragrance. Because its blossoms do not fully open and the openings face downward, resembling hanging golden bells, it is also called the Golden Bell Plum. Look, doesn’t it look like a golden bell hanging down?
Fourth is charm. This refers to the charm and mood of the wax myrtle, appreciated through its color, fragrance, and posture. The Song Dynasty poet Fan Chengda wrote in his Plum Manual: “The plum is valued for its charm and refined character, hence slanted, sparse, and withered branches alongside ancient, gnarled rocks are considered most precious.” Therefore, in the works of poets and painters, the forms of wax myrtles and plum blossoms always revolve around the four words: slanted, sparse, withered, and slender. Today, the standards for appreciating the charm of plum blossoms are that rarity is valued over density, maturity over youth, slimness over plumpness, and closed buds over open blooms—known as the “Four Treasures of Plum Charm.”
Fifth is timing. Visiting to admire plum blossoms requires good timing. Too early, and the buds are not yet open; too late, and the blossoms have withered. The ancients believed that “the flower is most beautiful just before it blooms,” meaning the best time to view the wax myrtle is when its buds are about to bloom—hence the term “plum viewing.”
The wax myrtle is a treasure in every part—it is not only ornamental, but its flowers, stems, and roots can also be used medicinally. Most precious of all is the aromatic essential oil extracted from the wax myrtle and plum blossoms.
The Chinese nation is a flower-loving people, with a particular fondness for the plum. People enjoy growing, admiring, and painting plum blossoms, with some even becoming utterly enchanted. There is a beautiful and moving legend about the plum blossom fairy: It is said that during the Sui Dynasty, Zhao Shixiong traveled to Fulu Mountain and one night dreamed of drinking wine with a plainly dressed woman who exuded a wonderful fragrance, accompanied by a green-clad boy who sang and danced joyfully. As dawn broke, Zhao Shixiong awoke to find himself sleeping under a large plum blossom tree, with kingfishers singing in the branches. It turned out the woman in the dream was the plum blossom tree, and the green-clad boy was the kingfisher. By then, the moon had set and the stars were scattered across the sky, leaving Zhao Shixiong alone in melancholy.
Even more remarkable, during the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a recluse named Lin Bu who lived in seclusion on Solitary Hill in Hangzhou. He had neither wife nor children, dedicating himself for 20 years to cultivating plum blossoms and raising cranes. He regarded the plum blossoms as his wife and the cranes as his children. Later generations called him the “Plum Blossom Husband and Crane Son,” and the story has been passed down as a timeless tale.
The wax myrtle flower has five petals, symbolizing the Five Blessings: happiness, prosperity, longevity, peace, and the one we all hope for—harmony. So here, I offer you this five-blessing flower, wishing you daily happiness, good fortune, health and longevity, career success, and peace year after year.
The Rose Valley in the wax myrtle garden is planted with a large number of roses and climbing roses. From April to November each year, the roses and climbing roses bloom vibrantly with a rich fragrance, hence the name “Rose Valley.”
Roses bloom in May and June, with a rich, intoxicating fragrance and vibrant colors. Climbing roses bloom from April to November. When climbing roses are in bloom, they are strikingly beautiful and exude a subtle fragrance. “Flowers bloom and fade without pause, unaffected by the coming and going of spring”—this truly depicts the rare blooming cycle of climbing roses. Moreover, with the increasing variety of climbing roses, the distinction between roses and climbing roses has become minimal. The two now often coexist in people’s lives, “intertwined with one another.” Some of the roses sold in markets today are actually cultivated climbing roses.
Perhaps visitors may wonder: How can climbing roses be mentioned in the same breath as roses?
Here's a little story about roses and China roses.
The China rose is native to China and is a rose family plant that blooms all four seasons. Its monthly red buds, dazzling beauty, and enchanting fragrance are the greatest features of the China rose. “Blooming and fading without pause, indifferent to the coming and going of spring” truly depicts the rare blooming period of the China rose. In the late 18th century, the China rose was introduced to Europe via India, and later to France. French horticulturists used the China rose as the foundation to breed a new variety of rose — the “Golden State” — which won high praise in the international horticultural community. Therefore, people say: “Half the lifeblood of modern roses flows from the China rose.” Moreover, the China rose, rose, and rose all belong to the same family, so isn’t calling this place Rose Valley even more meaningful?
Han Qi, the prime minister during the Song Dynasty, personally visited Longquan twice and wrote a poem for the Longquan China rose. He wrote: “The peony is uniquely splendid but submits to the spring wind; the dewy chrysanthemum is sparse and resentful in the late clusters; how can this flower compare, blooming brilliantly all year in shades of light and deep red?” This poem closely captures the unique trait of the China rose’s year-round blooming and sings its praises with deep affection.
The Wax Myrtle Garden grows various types of wax myrtle and plum blossoms. The unyielding spirit, noble integrity, pride against snow and frost, and early spring pioneering spirit of the plum blossom have been hailed as the soul of the Chinese nation. Its icy-pure beauty and fragrance in the cold have always been cherished, and throughout history, many fine poems expressing emotions through the plum blossom have been left behind. Among them, we particularly love Chairman Mao Zedong’s “Bu Suan Zi · Ode to the Plum Blossom.” Speaking of this poem, you must be very familiar with it. Let me recite it for you: “Wind and rain send spring away…” This poem overflows with revolutionary heroism and optimism.
Under the Fragrance Pavilion, where the wax myrtle aroma drifts, you can see the “Bu Suan Zi · Ode to the Plum Blossom” inscribed by the great leader Chairman Mao Zedong. You can savor it carefully or take photos here as souvenirs.
As everyone knows, Long’an is the hometown of flowers and plants in China. Speaking of the history of flower cultivation in Long’an, we have to go back to the Three Kingdoms period. At the end of the Three Kingdoms, when Sima Zhao’s army entered Chengdu, the last ruler of Shu, Liu Shan, also known as A’dou, seeing that the situation was hopeless, led civil and military officials to surrender to Deng Ai, a general of Cao Huan. Deng Ai first relocated Liu Shan to Luoyang, and not long after, moved him to Wanbaishan Mountain in Linyuan County, southwest of Anyang — the same Wanbaishan we just saw. There, he was granted the title of Marquis of Anle. A dragon palace was built for Liu Shan here, later called Longgong Village, and the nearby Louyang Village was renamed Shu Village to comfort the homesickness of Liu A’dou and his officials.
Longgong Village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one side, offering a very beautiful scenery. A poem testifies to this:
To the east by Shu waters, watch fish leap; to the west near Taihang, hear deer cry.
At night, frog sounds are crisp and pleasant; in the morning, clouds cut through pines like a fairyland.
The Marquis of Anle was supported by over ten surrounding villages: one palace, two counties, three Long’ans, four Ma villages with nine weirs, Dongping Cave Square and Shiyian. (One palace is Longgong Village, two counties are Qianshu Village and Houshu Village, three Long’ans are Long’an Village, four Ma villages are Douma Village, nine weirs are the surrounding Dongpo, Beipo, Xipo, Lingxi, and Youfang Village, Dongping is Dongping Village, Cave Square is Wujiadong and Fangshan, Shiyian is Shiyian Village.)
After arriving here, Liu Shan built fortress walls on Wanbaishan Mountain, constructed mountain gates, built grand halls, dug a horse-drinking spring, planted trees along the river, created gardens, and grew flowers and plants, enjoying life with the people. He taught local farmers flower cultivation techniques brought from Sichuan, training a group of skilled flower growers whose knowledge was passed down through generations, eventually forming three major schools: Chen, Zhao, and Wu. Due to Long’an’s unique geographical and climatic environment, along with the careful cultivation by Long’an’s flower farmers, Long’an’s flowers have since gained fame across the Central Plains, leading to the later imperial-bestowed title “An Gui” for Long’an osmanthus. Local flower farmers still worship Liu Shan as the Flower God, renamed Wanbaishan Mountain as A’dou Mountain, and the Zhongshan Fortress built by Liu Shan as A’dou Cave, erecting a monument in memory. This idiom is “pleased to be in a land of delight and not think of one’s native land,” or “happy in a foreign land and forget one's homeland.”
At the highest point of the Wax Myrtle Garden lies a stretch of blue water — Jinghu Lake. It was built upon the original foundation. To the north is the Eco Restaurant. Covering an area of 1,700 square meters and with an investment of over 2 million yuan, the Eco Restaurant was planned, designed, and built by comprehensively applying knowledge from architecture, ecology, and related disciplines. Inside, the plant layout is primarily green landscape plants, supplemented by floral plants, combined with ponds, small bridges, flowing water, bamboo pavilions, and other garden landscapes, presenting a three-dimensional, green, beautiful, and pleasant dining environment in all directions, becoming a highlight of the scenic area.
This is the highest point in the Wax Myrtle Garden. The water in Jinghu Lake has three uses: it can be used for irrigation, firefighting, and fishing. Fish and shrimp are released into the pool, allowing you to fish here, relax your muscles, and lift your spirits.
In the distance ahead is a mountain — that’s Wanbaishan Mountain, also called A’dou Mountain and A’dou Fortress, the place where Liu Shan lived back then.
The Hundred Flowers Garden in the Wax Myrtle Garden is a base for breeding 3 million seedlings of flowers and plants. This project is a key-supported initiative by the provincial Department of Agriculture, covering an area of over 6,000 square meters (about ten acres), with a total investment of over 9 million yuan. The project integrates knowledge from architecture, ecology, and related disciplines for planning and construction. The greenhouse adopts semi-automatic management, with a steel frame structure, an external PC transparent panel, and internal installations for heating, mist cooling, and automatic irrigation. The greenhouse has introduced many high-quality flower and plant varieties, continuously improving the product grade and scale of the breeding base. The completion of this greenhouse can be used for planting flowers and plants, breeding varieties, and also serves as a place for science education, leisure, and entertainment.
The Hundred Flowers Garden features a wide variety of flowers. The Rieger Begonia has a long flowering period, rich colors, lush green leaves, a full plant shape, and is an excellent variety for indoor winter beautification, as well as one of the main types of year-round indoor flowering plants. If suitable environmental conditions can be created, the Rieger Begonia will surely add color to your home. With characteristics such as winter blooming, large and numerous flowers, disease resistance, no tuber formation, and no obvious dormancy period, it is a rare greenhouse potted flower, perfect for potted ornamental use. It is commonly used for indoor decoration, such as on tables, window sill flower boxes, and hanging baskets. It is very popular in Europe, the United States, and Japan, especially after variety improvements in 1980, when the cultivation and consumption of Rieger Begonias surged, particularly popular in New Year flower markets, becoming a rapidly growing new type of potted plant in recent years.
The Phalaenopsis was discovered in 1750, and to date, over seventy original species have been found, most originating in humid Asian regions. They are distributed in Taiwan (China), Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other areas, with Taiwan producing the most. Phalaenopsis is a famous cut flower species. It is a monopodial epiphytic orchid with short stems, large leaves, and one to several arching flower spikes bearing large flowers, named for their butterfly-like appearance. With graceful posture and gorgeous colors, it is a treasure among tropical orchids, known as the “Queen of Orchids.”
The Rhododendron is one of the world’s most famous flowers today. It is a small shrub of the Ericaceae family, with both evergreen and deciduous varieties. It is distributed throughout the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Of the world’s over 900 varieties, nearly 600 are found in China, which is why some enthusiasts have nominated the rhododendron as one of China’s candidate national flowers. The colorful rhododendrons evoke people’s warm and beautiful feelings toward life, symbolizing national prosperity and the happy lives of the people. This is the true essence of the Chinese people’s love for rhododendrons.
Cyclamen, also known as radish anemone, rabbit ear flower, rabbit flower, first-rank crown, bonfire flower, and flipping lotus, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Cyclamen in the Myrsinaceae family. Cyclamen is a commonly planted flower, suitable for indoor pots and requiring greenhouse cultivation in winter. Some cultivated varieties of cyclamen have strong fragrance, while others have light or no scent. The word “cyclamen” comes from the transliteration of its scientific name Cyclamen. Thanks to the clever transliteration, the flower name implies “fairies arriving gracefully.” Cyclamen is the city flower of Qingzhou, Shandong Province, and was also the mascot of the 43rd World Table Tennis Championships held in Tianjin in 1995.
Schefflera, also called umbrella tree, is a collective term for several tropical evergreen shrubs or trees of the Araliaceae family, which can tolerate low light and are widely grown as indoor foliage plants. With a full and graceful plant shape and strong adaptability, it is an excellent potted plant. Suitable for arranging living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. It can also be placed in shaded courtyards and on building balconies in spring, summer, and autumn. It can be planted alone in courtyards and is a winter nectar source plant in the south. Its leaves and bark can be used medicinally.
Camellia, with a plant height of about 15m. Branchlets are yellowish-brown. Leaves are alternate, dark green, ovate to elliptic, with fine serrated edges. The tree crown is varied, the leaves are emerald green, the flowers are large and showy, and the blooming period is in late winter to early spring. In the Jiangnan region, it can be planted in clusters or scattered in gardens, flower paths, near rockeries, lawns, and at the edges of shrubs, or planted in patches as a camellia specialty garden. In the north, it is suitable for potting, used for decorating halls and meeting rooms with excellent effect.
Dracaena, originally from tropical regions. It prefers environments with ample sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity, but also tolerates shade and dryness, growing well in bright diffused light and the relatively dry environments of northern homes.
Dracaena is a quite popular large indoor potted plant, especially suitable for placement in spacious living rooms, studies, and living rooms, with an elegant and simple style and a touch of southern flair. It is a beautifully shaped, neat, and world-renowned new generation of indoor foliage plants. Controlling watering in winter is key for Dracaena, generally watering as little as possible depending on indoor temperature. Too much water can cause root rot, and winter is not suitable for propagation — even if issues are noticed, they are hard to remedy. So advise all plant lovers not to water too frequently in winter.
Purple Star, with a plant height of 65–75 cm. Leaves are upright, gray-green, with thick layers of leaf surface wax powder. Suitable for planting south of the Great Wall in China. Around Handan, sow seeds outdoors in mid-to-late September, using 500 grams per mu. Water before winter to prevent freezing, and pay attention to cold protection after winter sets in. Transplant in mid-to-late March of the following year, with a spacing of 13–15 cm.
Torch Lily, also called torch lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Kniphofia in the Liliaceae family. Plant height is 80–120 cm, with an upright stem. The raceme bears hundreds of tubular small flowers, forming a torch shape, with orange-red corollas, blooming from June to July. Prefers warmth, suitable for growing in loose, fertile sandy loam. Can be planted in clusters on lawns or next to rockeries, used as an accent. An excellent garden flower, can be planted in clusters on lawns or next to rockeries, used as an accent, and flower stems can be used as cut flowers. The tall flower stems proudly hold up torch-like inflorescences, magnificent and impressive. Can be planted in clusters on lawns or next to rockeries, used as an accent, and also suitable for arranging perennial mixed flower borders and in front of buildings.
Lucky Bamboo, also known as Dracaena sanderiana, is a foliage plant of the genus Dracaena in the Liliaceae family. Lucky Bamboo is an evergreen small tree with an upright stem, a delicate plant form, a thick and sturdy stem reaching over 2 meters in height, long lanceolate leaves, deep green foliage, vigorous growth, and easy survival in water. Varieties include green leaves, green leaves with white edges (called silver edge), green leaves with yellow edges (called gold edge), and green leaves with silver centers (called silver heart). Green leaf Lucky Bamboo is also called Evergreen Bamboo, with deep green leaves, vigorous growth, and widely cultivated. Commonly used for home vase arrangements or potted care, especially the “tower-shaped” style originating from Taiwan, also called “Prosperity Bamboo,” which has high ornamental value and is quite popular in the international market. Blooming wealth, bamboo heralds peace, great fortune, and a prosperous life.
The Iron Tree, because its trunk is as hard as iron and it prefers iron-rich fertilizer, is thus named Iron Tree. Additionally, the Iron Tree has leaves resembling phoenix tails, and its trunk resembles that of a banana or pine tree, hence also called Phoenix Tail Banana. It is an evergreen plant. The trunk is relatively thick, and plant height can reach up to 8 meters. The flowering period is from July to August. It is dioecious, with male flowers on the inner side of the leaves and female flowers at the top of the stem. Prefers strong sunlight and a warm, dry environment. Requires fertile, sandy, slightly acidic soil with good permeability. Has poor cold resistance and is mostly planted in the south.
Osmanthus, originally from the eastern Himalayas in southwestern China, also distributed in India, Nepal, and Cambodia. Flowers are clustered in leaf axils, pale yellow-white, four-lobed. The drupe is oval, turning purple-black when ripe. The flowers are fragrant, and the essential oil extracted is used to make osmanthus extract, which can be used in food, cosmetics, pastries, candies, and for brewing wine. It is also an ornamental plant. Osmanthus has a pungent taste and can be used medicinally.
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata, a deciduous large tree of the Moraceae family. Widely distributed, with dark gray wood, light and soft, with beautiful and coarse grain, usable for tools, farm implements, and other materials; stem bark fibers can substitute for jute, used for rope-making.
Ginseng Ficus, a shrub or small tree of the Moraceae family. Its roots resemble ginseng, similar to small ficus trees. The shape of the trunk resembles a person standing guard, hence the name "Ginseng Ficus." Also called Ficus Gua or Sweet Potato Ficus. The roots of the Ginseng Ficus resemble ginseng, with a natural form, exposed root flare, lush crown, and unique charm. Its posture and shape are delightful, lifting the mood, and it is deeply loved by consumers worldwide. In the Netherlands, it has been named “China Roots,” a floral variety with a Chinese brand going global. It is a beautiful decorative piece for indoor and outdoor display and ornamentation.
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is a clumping evergreen shrub or small tree. It thrives in warm, humid, semi-shaded, and well-ventilated environments, but is not cold-resistant, though relatively shade-tolerant and intolerant of intense sunlight. It grows best in loose, well-drained soil rich in humus, with a minimum winter temperature of above 10°C. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 3–8 meters tall. With an elegant form, it is commonly planted in gardens in southern China, being highly shade-tolerant and suitable for planting on shaded sides of buildings. In other regions, it can be grown as a potted ornamental plant. It can be used as a landscape tree in lawns, under trees, or near residences, as well as in pots, making it a premium foliage plant for decorating living rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms, homes, studies, bedrooms, or balconies. It can be displayed indoors in bright light for extended periods and can also be admired continuously for 4–6 weeks in dimmer rooms, offering high ornamental value.
"Prosperity in a Noble House" — the pomegranate symbolizes fertility. When yellow winter jasmine is paired with white magnolia and crabapple trees, it becomes "Prosperity in a Noble House."
The variety of flowers here is countless.
Walking along the path in Forsythia Valley, visitors can spot three uniquely identical and staggered pavilions to the left front, known as the Three Friends Pavilion. Visitors may recall this couplet: “Pine, bamboo, and plum — the three friends of winter; peach, plum, and apricot — the family of spring.” The Three Friends Pavilion represents the three friends of winter. The plum stands proudly against frost and snow, blooming alone in early spring; the bamboo, humble and open-hearted, remains evergreen through winter; the pine, vigorous and rustic, stays green all year round. Together, they carry profound symbolism.
On both sides of the walking path, visitors can see forsythia, a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its stems grow upright in clusters, with branches spreading out and drooping. The internodes are hollow and often droop, with pith at the nodes. Upon hearing "forsythia," visitors will certainly think of the traditional Chinese medicine "Forsythia Detoxification Pills." Indeed, forsythia has remarkable medicinal value.
The leaves are simple, opposite, petiolate, ovate, with serrated edges, pointed tips, and rounded or wedge-shaped bases. Some form trifoliate pinnate compound leaves. Blooming before the leaves emerge in March and April, the bright yellow flowers can last until May, typically blooming one to three flowers per axil. The flowers are solitary or few in number, axillary, with four elliptical petals forming a golden-yellow corolla about half an inch long, featuring orange-red stripes inside the corolla.
The fruit is an ovoid capsule with two chambers. The seeds are winged. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruiting period is from June to September. Forsythia prefers sunlight but tolerates partial shade. It is cold-resistant, drought-resistant, but not waterlogged, and is not demanding on soil types. It can grow in dry, barren, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils, and thrives especially well in well-drained, sandy loam soils. There are many varieties of forsythia, including those from the northeast, oval-leaved forsythia, bell-shaped forsythia, weeping forsythia, and variegated forsythia.
Today, the people of Long'an are no longer content with the past workshop-style production of "every household having a garden and everyone knowing how to grow flowers." Instead, they are moving toward industrialization and scale. Now, the scale of flower cultivation in Long'an has reached over 20,000 mu, with more than 2,000 varieties, and includes a provincial forest park spanning over 7,000 mu. In 2000, it was named a “National Key Flower Market” and “China’s Hometown of Flowers and Trees” by the State Forestry Administration and the China Flower Association.
The Waxmyrtle Garden Scenic Area enjoys convenient transportation, with intercity buses from Anyang to Shanying passing through here. It is suitable for rural leisure trips, self-driving tours, and flower science education tours.
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