LIMONIUM

Description

Delicate and oh-so sweet, Limonium (also known as statice) is a plant that lives true to its name. Coming from the Greek word “leimōn” meaning meadow, Limonium is an annual or perennial herb with origins in meadows of the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Its genus is composed of about 120 species in the Plumbaginaceae family, and features cultivars available in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colors. Although its common names of sea lavender and marsh rosemary may suggest, Limonium has nothing to do with lavender or rosemary! Its known relatives include armeria (thrifts), acantholimon (prickly thrift) and ceratostigma (plumbago), and its common names usually reference the plant’s preferred growing regions in harsh environments with salty soils.

Its branched, hairy stems typically grow to 30–46 cm in height and are topped with clusters of tiny, papery florets. Its blossoms feature white corollas and calyxes available in lavender, white, pink, yellow or purple tones—the latter of which are known to retain their color very well. This characteristic makes Limonium a popular filler flower, working exceptionally well in fresh and dry arrangements. Aside from their unique texture, Limonium blossoms are also recognized for their musky scent; some say it’s not very appealing, but this quality doesn’t detract from the plant’s overall beauty! To lessen the scent’s blow, arrangements with Limonium should be placed in cool, well-ventilated areas.

The two main groups of the genus are composed of Limonium sinuatum and Limonium latifolium hybrids. L. sinuatum varieties tend to have larger flowers and thicker stems, while L. latifolium varieties usually have smaller flowers and thinner stems. Limonium has also evolved from the traditional 'Caspia' varieties to a wider assortment of unique hybrid varieties, which are usually categorized as L. latifolium types (ex. 'Misty' series) or L. sinensis types. Such popular commercial Limonium varieties include: 'Blue Stream' (blue-purple flowers), 'Maine Blue', 'Misty Blue', 'Misty White', 'Tall Emilie' (blue flowers), 'Super Lady' (pink flowers) and 'White Diamond'.

In Europe, Limonium was cultivated for its medicinal uses. It was used in herbal tonics to treat a variety of gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments, and also consumed as a food source. Today, it's more commonly known as an ornamental, decorating home gardens and used fresh or dried as a cut flower.

Some say good things never last, but this certainly isn’t true of Limonium! Known as the “everlasting flower,” Limonium is especially popular in dried arrangements. Its blooms will retain most of their color when dried and their stems boast a long vase life. In fresh centerpieces and bouquets, Limonium works as an ideal filler flower, adding unique texture, color and a dreamy touch to wedding work and other special occasions.

Special meanings have been associated with Limonium since Victorian times. They are typically used to express feelings of sympathy and remembrance, and in the language of flowers, make a great way to say “I miss you.”

Colors: White, pink, purple, blue, yellow 

Special Care

Select long, sturdy stems and open bracts with full color. As a rule of thumb, a majority of its florets should be open. Avoid stems with signs of mildew, yellow or black spots on the foliage, and flowers that are wilting or have botrytis.

When processing, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut the stems about 2.5 cm at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in water mixed with a commercial floral preservative (with sugar and an anti-ethylene agent) for at least two hours before storage or use in floral work. The sugar helps the flowers open and extends their vase life. Although not required, stems can be recut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.

L. latifolium and L. perezii hybrids can be stored in a well-ventilated area for up to three days at 36–41ºF (2.2–5ºC); L. sinuatum hybrids can be stored for twice as long. Avoid contact with ethylene, as it can cause accelerated wilting. Limonium is also susceptible to mildew. Do not overcrowd stems in storage buckets so proper air circulation can occur.

Limonium is suitable for drying. Hang the stems upside down in a dark, dry place with good air ventilation.

Fun Facts:

• A member of the Plumbaginaceae family, Limonium has over 120 flowering plant species.

• Limonium comes from the Greek word “leimōn” meaning meadow. This references the plant’s natural habitat in salt meadows. The specific epithet translates to wavy margin, referring to the plant’s stem shape.

• The two main groups of Limonium genus are Limonium sinuatum and Limonium latifolium hybrids. L. sinuatum varieties tend to have larger flowers and thicker stems, while L. latifolium varieties have smaller flowers and thinner stems.

• Limonium typically grows near the sea, hence the common name sea lavender. This plant thrives in harsh, salty conditions and is actually native to coastal areas of the Mediterranean.

• The plant has been used in herbal medicines, and can help treat gastrointestinal issues, leucorrhoea, pulmonary hemorrhage, chronic laryngitis and bronchorrhea.

• Limonium leaves typically grow at the stem’s base and have almost a leathery texture.

• The plant is used to symbolize feelings of sympathy and remembrance. It’s the perfect expression of “I miss you” in the language of flowers.

• Some species of Limonium have an unpleasant smell! Many describe it as a very distinct, musky scent.

• In fresh or dry arrangements, Limonium is an ideal accent flower utilized by floral designers. It boasts a long vase life, and due to its unique anatomy, Limonium can retain much of its color for long periods—even when dry. Their paper-like calyxes (which are often blue or purple) remain vivid and striking long after the stems’ true flowers have fallen. For this reason, many refer to Limonium as the “everlasting flower.”