Limonium

Limonium is an ancient Greek name, derived from the word “meadow.” Additional names used in the trade for various species include misty, Latifolia, sea foam and Caspia. A few years ago, the Limonium was formerly known with the names of Statice, Sea-Lavender and Marsh-rosemary.

Limonium belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. It is now grown internationally in a range of colors, textures and weights.

Despite their common names, this species are not related to the lavenders or to rosemary. The genus Limonium is a member of the small Plumbaginaceae (Plumbago, leadwort) family, most members of which are known for their medicinal properties. Close relatives include Acantholimon (prickly thrift), Armeria (thrift) and Ceratostigma.

Limonium has evolved from the traditional Caspia varieties to a wide range of interesting new hybrid varieties which can be categorized as Latifolium types (Misty series) or Sinensis types (Super Lady, Gold Mine, etc). Since flowers are a product of Mother Nature  the exact color tones of this flower may vary to some degree. Hues include lavender, purple, blue-violet, red-violet, yellow, white and pink.

Some of the varieties:

  •  BLUE STREAM: A new Hybrid blue variety which has a silvery purple bloom color. The blooms start half way up the bunch and extend over the arching stems, creating a very colorful, abundant effect.
  •  MAINE BLUE: A Hybrid variety with deep blue blooms and with the advantage of having no unpleasant odor. This variety has its blooms at the top quarter of the bunch with shorter laterals, creating a vivid, colourful impact. It also has an exceptionally long vase life.
  •  MISTY BLUE: A Latifolium variety with blue blooms. The blooms start half way up the bunch and extend over the arching stems, creating a very colorful, abundant effect.
  •  MISTY WHITE: A Latifolium variety with white blooms. The blooms start half way up the bunch and extend over the arching stems, creating a very colorful, abundant effect.
  •  TALL EMILIE: A Japanese variety with blue blooms. This variety has its blooms at the top quarter of the bunch with shorter laterals, creating a vivid, colourful impact.
  •  SUPER LADY: A Sinensis variety with pink blooms. The blooms start half way up the bunch and extend over the arching stems, creating a very colorful, abundant effect.
  •  WHITE DIAMOND: A Latifolium variety with white blooms. The blooms are situated in the top third of the bunch in a full, umbrella shape. Also available in pink and yellow.

Design Suggestions:

Some varieties have a natural musky odor which some people find unpleasant and should not be used in arrangements planned for confined areas with limited air circulation.

Thanks to the range of colors and textures available Limonium is an attractive filler in both traditional and garden-style arrangements.

Limonium also makes a perfect filler for wreathes or fresh-to-dried “keepsake” arrangements due to its ease in drying.