Most people will know of the statice flower, formidably known as wavy leaf sea lavender, due to its striking hues of delicate, lilac–purple petals which envelope inner pure white corollas.
Botanically named, limonium sinuatum, this elegant flowering plant is a member of the limonium genus, along with about 120 other species.
The limonium derives from the plant family called plumbaginacea.
Although the most commonly encountered color variety is lilac-purple, these little flowers can feature orange, pink, red, and yellow, too.
Their main purpose today may be for their decorative benefits in the garden, home, or as a gift, but thees flowers carry far greater meaning. To many people all over the world, the statice is a deeply symbolic flower. So, what does it mean if a loved one sends you a sea lavender flower gift?
In this guide, we explore all the sea lavender’s deeper meanings and symbolism. Read on to uncover the cultural and spiritual significance the statice represents. We give you all the must-know facts about the statice, share our knowledge on its history, and the hidden meanings behind your statice flower dream.
Scroll down further to understand the limonium’s benefits and uses, as well as other key considerations. Don’t forget our final verdict, for an extra boost of insight, too.
The white centers of the statice may not last for long, the flower offers a warrior-like ability to grow in the most unlikely of environments. In cooler regions, the statice grows mostly in late spring and the summer months.
However, where it is hotter, the flowering plant frequently grows at all times of the year. The perennial grows to approximately 2 ½ ft in height. It’s characteristic leaves identify as wide, hairy, lobed, and soft to touch. The leaves are usually about 5-inches in length. The limonium typically grows in the wild.
The flower blossom appears in erect sprays, with white centers that are enveloped with different colored petals (according to the type). These white centers are especially thin and paper-like to touch. For this reason, they only last for a short period of time.
Despite this, the outer petals hang on for what feels like forever. They can stay attached for many weeks. If you dry the blossom, they will keep for seriously long periods of time. This is why they are sometimes referred to as the ‘everlasting flower’.
Unlike actual lavender, the statice conjures up an almost unwelcoming musky aroma. However, the flowers still make a popular choice for drying and arranging into decorations for display purposes in the home.
Flower Names
The statice flower goes by several names. These include: the statice, English statice, wavy leaf sea lavender. Notch leaf marsh rosemary, sea pink, seafoam, and sea marsh.
The marsh rosemary is native to Australia, Asia, North America, and Africa. It is a commonly featured flowering plant in Mediterranean areas. Found all over the world today, the statice enjoys meadow environments. However, it is commonly found thriving in wet, salty soil. Thus, it grows freely along the coast.
Statice Flower Types: Cultivars & Hybrids
Due to its worldwide popularity, the selection of statice cultivars and hybrids vary. Aside from the limonium sinuatum, there also exists the limonium latifolium. The first and most recognized limonium generally feature larger flowers than the latifolium kind.
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly seen types people use today.
Avignon: Feature white blossom that is very thin and papery
Ballerina Rose: Beautiful petals with hues of light pinks.
Beltlaard: These flowers are a spellbinding dark blue.
Charm Blue: Blossoms that present in mysterious shades of lilac-purple.
Emille Lavender: Pretty lilac flowers.
Lemon Star: As gorgeous as it name depicts, with captivating yellow flowers.
Oriental Blue: The hue is a deeper blue than that of the Beltaard variety.
Tres Bien: The translation from French is ‘very good,’ and a perfect namesake for these dainty pink blooms.
Flower Meanings
Before we delve into the deeper symbolism associated with the statice, let’s take a quick look at the etymological meaning of this incredible flower.
Etymological Meaning Of The Statice
Limonium is a word derived from the Greek word, leimon,’ which translates as ‘meadow,’ and links to the plant thriving in such environments. The translation of the Greek word, ‘sinuatum,’ is ‘wavy edges.’ This translation also gives a nod to one of its other known names, ‘the wavy leaf sea lavender.’
Flower Symbolism
The statice is a flower that symbolizes the following:
Missing A Friend, Or Loved One:
Since the Victorian era, one of the key symbolic meanings of the statice flower remains. The flower represents how much someone may miss and think of their loved one.
Offering these flowers, either alone or in a bouquet to someone you are missing, is a way to show they are in your thoughts and loved.
Grieving And Sending Condolences:
At the difficult times in life when we lose someone, the statice is there to show support to those who are left grieving.
Memories:
Lay the statice flower on a gravestone, or display them in your home to mark an anniversary of a cherished memory gone by.
To the Victorians. The statice symbolizes remembrance. For this era, the flowers carried a sense of nostalgia. Gifting the flower would be to tell someone they were loved and missed.
Worldwide Cultural Significance
In many parts of the globe, this is the flower to symbolize empathy, grief, sympathy. compassion, and sorrow. Understandably, then, they are a common flower at funerals, remembrance days, and to lay on someone’s grave.
Controversially to this meaning, many people regard the flower to symbolize encouragement for success. When sending a loved one a bouquet of flowers to celebrate a new job or promotion, people often include the statice flower.
Flower Color Meanings
This delicate and pretty flower is available in a range of colors. Each color holds important symbolic value. Here are some of the key color meanings attached to the sea lavender.
Pink:
Most people are aware that pink symbolizes love and care. The statice flower can be symbolic of a romantic love, kindness, or a Platonic friendship that you cherish. As such, the pink statice makes a perfect choice to include in a bouquet.
A lover or spouse may incorporate this color of limonium into a bouquet for their significant other. Alternatively, it may feature in a bunch of flowers meant as a gift for a special friend. The pink statice is also symbolic of generosity and joy.
Red:
Just like the pink flowers can indicate romance, so, too, do the deep, rich red blooms. However, while the pink flowers symbolize a more gentle, loving meanings, the red hues represent great passion and desire. In this sense, they would not be suitable for a good friendship.
The red flower of passion make a perfect addition to a bouquet designed for a lover. A good idea might be including them in a display of red and white roses.
The white colored flowers are symbolic of spirituality, sincerity, trust, and purity. They are ideal to include in a memorial bouquet, representing a spiritual link and purity of the soul.
The white statice also stand for respect and value. Therefore, they are sometimes given to someone you admire, respect, trust, and value in your life.
Yellow:
The color of yellow symbolizes optimism and happiness across the world. Should you know someone who is feeling a bit under par, or needs a feel-good boost, this color of statice is the perfect choice. The yellow static flower will bring positive energies into your life.
Whether you gift them for a friend who is feeling unmotivated or blue, or you simply want to enhance the good vibes in your house, this color of statice cannot help but bring joy, and brighten up your life.
Lilac:
The lilac flower has deep links to spirituality. They are a great choice for combining in a floral display at a church gathering or event. Additionally, they are a lovely flower to enhance spiritual connections when in meditation.
Purple:
The purple statice signifies exquisite beauty, luxury, and royalty. They are the perfect accompaniment to take to a high-class event or celebration.
Light Or Royal Blue:
Both shades of blue statice flower represent the same symbolic meanings. These are demonstrative of appreciation and gratitude, as well as showing great intelligence or a loyal friend. As such, this color of statice is a good choice to include in a bouquet for a friend or person you wish to give thanks to.
On a separate note, the blue statice flower can offer another meaning. When given to a partner, it represents deep intimacy, trust, and value.
Perhaps someone has given you a great deal of support or in difficult times. Maybe a friend’s advice or actions were a huge source of help or inspiration to you. These would be the opportune times to gift them blue statice flowers.
Medicinal Uses Of Statice Flowers
The statice flower’s medicinal use is centuries old. However, it is not backed by medical science. The statice flowers use is of an alternative or complementary nature. Herbalists have long since used the statice to alleviate certain complaints. These are:
Toothache:
Like the properties in lavender, the statice combines components known to alleviate the symptoms of toothache.
Piles:
Some people claim the statice flower oil to greatly reduce pain induced from hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea:
According to some herbal practitioners, the oil from the statice flower, when mixed in drinking water, is a good anti-diarrheal aid.
Sore Throat:
Some people believe that the statice flower essence will greatly improve symptoms of a sore throat.
Mood-Boosting:
The essence of the statice flower can promote feelings of wellbeing. It is claimed to ease worries and anxieties. Furthermore, it can help people to gain better perspective and balance of mind.
The main benefits of this flower seem to be using them as dried flower displays and placing them around the home. Once dried, they can last for literally ages. This makes them a go-to choice for many.
Florists will often incorporate different colored statice flowers into bouquet arrangements. Given their small frame and vibrant appearance, they make an ideal filler in most flower displays and gifts.
These amazing little flowers are truly versatile. People sell them freshly cut and also dried flowers, or even shrubs!
Any color of these beautiful flowers make a great gift both alone and as a part of a big bouquet. They are perfect for just about any occasion. Check the color symbolism associated with the statice to choose the best ones for your purpose.
For instance, meeting up with an old companion necessitates a bouquet with pretty purple limonium. This will show them how sorely they were missed.
Final Thoughts
Although some regard the statice merely as a useful filler in a bouquet or display, you should take a moment to consider the flower’s unmistakable hidden meanings.
Cherished by the Victorians, and by people all over the world, the varieties of this incredible flowering plant bring great symbolism. The array of symbolic value continues to hold much importance for many.
Next time you choose your flowers for that special occasion, remember the different meanings each color of the statice flower brings. By picking the right color for your bouquet, you will be bringing the best and most positive energies along with you.
The often overlooked statice flower brings so much more value than being simply a filler. As we have seen, this elegant tiny flowering plant can inject much-appreciated sparkle into the lives of everyone.
Hi, my name is Gloria White, and I’ve always been interested in spirituality, and how crystals, numerology, and symbols can have a direct impact on our lives.
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