What is the meaning of the statice flower

What is the meaning of the statice flower?

Statice flowers generally mean remembering the past, especially good times, and they may also be used to express “I miss you.” This meaning is probably acquired from the dried flowers’ capability to retain their colors for a long while.

Besides that, the star-shaped flowers are said to signify achieving success or one’s dreams as well as sympathy because the tightly grouped blooms can comfort the heart of the bereaved.

Learn more about the statice flower with this guide. Here, we’ll share basic information about the flower, its meaning and symbolism, medicinal uses, and growing needs.

Statice Flower General Information

Statice Flower General Information

Genus: Limonium

Family: Plumbaginaceae 

Growth Behavior: Perennial, biennial, or annual

Native Habitat: Mediterranean, Central Asia, and the Canary Islands

Statice or sea lavender is classified under the genus Limonium. Limonium is a genus with 120 species of flowers and herbs belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family.

The flower is popular for its vibrant blossoms and light-green calyces and is used in both dried and fresh floral arrangements.

It can be grown as a perennial, biennial, and annual flower. Compared to other types of flowers, statices are known to live for only a short time.

Also, it originated from the coastal and desert areas of the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and the Canary Islands.

Botanical Description of Statice Flowers

Botanical Description of Statice Flowers

Statice has delicate branches of small flowers supported by paper-like calyces. Speaking of calyces, they stay around even when the petals have weakened and dried.

The tiny flowers are trumpet-shaped, and the leaves usually have wavy margins and feel velvety to the touch.

The plant can grow between 12 and 18 inches tall and 9 and 12 inches wide. It comes in a range of pastel hues such as lavender, pink, yellow, purple, and white.

As for its fragrance, statice carries a distinct musk that some find as pleasant and others quite foul.

Statice Etymology

Statice Etymology

Statice is the feminine Latin variant of its originating Greek word statikos, meaning “causing to stand still.” In the field of medicine, statice was used as a herbal remedy that could effectively stop the flow of blood. 

Its genus name Limonium comes from the Greek word leimon, meaning “meadow,” referring to the plant’s native habitat.

Furthermore, the species name sinuatum translates to “wavy outline,” which points to the shape of the plant’s stem or leaves.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Statice Flowers

The Meaning and Symbolism of Statice Flowers
  • Memory

In the Victorian times, statice flowers carried two meanings: memory and recollection. When given to someone, they were interpreted as telling someone you miss them.

  • Eternity

Statices are also symbolic of everlasting time. The calyces last for many weeks even though the petals have already withered—and even more so when they are dried, as they can last for years!

  • Sympathy

As we explained earlier, they also express sympathy for a grieving friend and were placed on tombstones to honor the life of a friend or loved one.

  • Success

Their small and packed flowers can be used to celebrate minor to major goals achieved by one person. So in this light, they stand for achieving one’s dreams or success too.

Statice Flower Meaning by Color

Statice Flower Meaning by Color

The specific color of the statice flower contributes to its overall meaning as well. Common hues of this flower are yellow, purple, lavender, pink, and white.

Let’s take a look at each of its traditional meanings here:

  • Yellow

Light yellow statices exude a feeling of joy, friendship, and excitement. It certainly doesn’t appear stressed or troubled but carefree and optimistic.

  • Purple

Purple generally means royalty, wealth, and the high class. It’s a strong, dignified color that has been fit for kings and queens throughout history.

But this color is an interesting one for statices, as different species sport different shades of purple.

For instance, violet statices have mesmerizing dark purple blooms, and the Limonium sinuatum has purple blossoms on top of which white flowers sprout.

  • Lavender

Lavender can be described as a lighter form of purple. It’s taken to mean serenity, grace, and creativity.

However, it also suggests a negative connotation of impracticality and hesitation due to its less intense color.

  • Pink

Pink statice flowers are also great, symbolizing kindness, love, and femininity. This kind of love, mind you, is less passionate or romantic compared to the love conveyed by red flowers.

And other equally beautiful significations of pink statices are youthfulness, innocence, admiration, and joy.

  • White

White is an ever-elegant color that represents peace, purity, and innocence. These are high and wonderful virtues in a person.

Even as a filler, statice flowers will add color and meaning to your main bouquet or arrangement. 

A bride walking down the aisle with a bridal bouquet with white statices is a sight to see!

When is the perfect time to gift statice flowers?

When is the perfect time to gift statice flowers

Whether fresh or dried, statice flowers can be given as a gift for many occasions.

  • To Say, “I Miss You”

Carrying the thought of “I miss you,” they can be given as a standalone gift to a long-time friend, parent, or lover whom you haven’t seen for quite some time.

  • Gift for a Green Thumb

Do you know someone who loves them and owns a garden perhaps? Then you might want to hand them young and lovely statice flowers so they can use them as ornamental or interior display flowers.

  • For Good Luck and Success

Mixing them with other flowers isn’t a crime. In fact, it’s one of their popular uses, being a filler flower. 

For instance, you can wish a friend good luck and success in his new venture with a bouquet of roses and statices.

  • To Express Sympathy

And, of course, if you have a friend that has suffered the loss of a loved one, it can be a good idea to show them you care and are with them through that trial by bringing statice wreaths or bouquets.

Uses and Benefits of Statice Flowers

Uses and Benefits of Statice Flowers

Even in modern times, statice has been used as herbal medicine to treat or alleviate a variety of health conditions.

Among them are gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and diarrhea, pulmonary hemorrhage, chronic laryngitis (inflammation of the throat), and leucorrhea (whitish or yellowish discharge of the female reproductive organ).

Furthermore, the roots of the statice flower may also help deal with nasal congestion or in simple terms, a stuffy nose.

How to Care for Statice Flowers

How to Care for Statice Flowers

Statice flowers are perfect for all gardening skill levels. They’re small and low-maintenance plants that are very easy to care for.

We will now discuss briefly each aspect of their care requirements.

  • Soil

Statice seeds or transplants ideally have to be grown in rich, well-drained soil mixed with sand. Speaking of sand, it increases the drainage of the soil, helping to prevent it from becoming sodden.

  • Sunlight

Full, bright sun daily is needed for the statice flower to thrive. This will enable it to have the brightest flower hues and strongest stems.

  • Temperature

The optimal temperature for statice flowers is 55℉ or above. As for the moisture, they fare well in a low-humidity environment.

  • Watering

At first, you should aim to water the statice seeds or transplants every few days to help them adapt to their home.

Once they’re established, they should need less watering. When they become mature, they become drought-tolerant to some extent, so once or twice a week of watering them would do.

  • Fertilizer

You should feed the statice with a water-soluble fertilizer every other week as it’s growing. This will give it constant nourishment and make it grow at its best.

  • Pests and Diseases

If given the proper care, statices will naturally resist bugs and diseases. So the tips below should help you with this.

Avoid overwatering the plant, as this will cause root rot, grey mold, and leaf spots. Water only at the base of the plant, and refrain from splashing on the flowers and leaves.

Also, it’s best to water the plants during the day to provide them with ample time to dry out under the sun, unlike watering them in the late afternoon or close to twilight.

To combat microscopic insects, spritz them with water, or use neem oil or a gentle, eco-friendly insecticide.

  • Pruning

Cut off spent flowers on the statice to encourage further blooming and keep it neat in your yard or garden.

But note that doing so will interrupt the plant from producing seeds and direct all its energies to make flowers instead at the moment.

FAQS about the Statice Flower

FAQS about the Statice Flower
  1. How do I dry a statice flower?

1. Statices are dried by putting together stems and tying them with a natural string like twine, for one. 

2. Then, secure this string to a long string from a high spot, say, from a nail or a hook in the wall.

3. Now allow the statice to dry by itself. In the meantime, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent marring the flowers’ colors.

Note that the entire drying process won’t take long and should typically finish between seven and ten days.

  1. How long do statice flowers last?

Cut statice blooms can last for up to eight days on average, whereas dried ones can last for many years. Using dried statice bunches or flowers can complement your home’s aesthetic style.

And the great thing about this plant is that even if the flowers have naturally withered, the calyces remain beautiful for a long while.

  1. Are statice flowers poisonous?

Statice flowers aren’t poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses, so there’s no need to worry about having them in your garden or house.

They also actually attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees that can make your garden fertile and beautiful throughout the year.

  1. Can statice be grown in pots?

Statice can be grown in a pot at first, but since they can grow tall (between 12 to 18 inches), it’s recommended to sow the seed or transfer the plant directly to the ground instead.

More Flower Meaning Guides

You might also want to check out these other flower meaning guides as well:

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