The phrase combines the words Yamato, which is an ancient name for Japan, and nadeshiko, which is a wild pink carnation (dianthus superbus).

It is a floral metaphor, combining the words Yamato, an ancient name for Japan, and nadeshiko, a delicate frilled pink carnation called Dianthus superbus, whose kanji translate into English as "caressable child" (or "wide-eyed barley").

The annotated list went on for several pages, headed by Rose de Mai ("because the blossoms last so long") followed by Rainbow Loveliness, Dianthus superbus, Dianthus arenarius, Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Mrs. Sinkins, Grenadin and so on.