Welcome and blessings of the new year to you, dear readers. Begun 130 years ago by Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club, the Rose Parade was originally an attempt to get people interested in relocating to and investing in California. It also gave participants a reason to decorate their wagons and show off the successful harvests of flowers, illustrating the region's good climate.
Blue statice (Limonium sinuatum)
Blue statice (Limonium sinuatum), is sometimes described as "gold" or floral/decorator's gold in the context of floral-bedecked floats. As brilliant blues aren't very common in plants, or at least in sustainably-sourced botanical sources, these flowers are used in a majority of the instances blue coloration is needed on the parade floats.
Additionally, while vibrant natural pigments often fade as the material dries, Limonium sinuatum, appears to retain a majority of its color intensity. The name for this meadow-native plant comes from the Greek “limonium,” meaning meadow, leading to its sometimes designation as “marsh-rosemary” or “sea lavender” (which is actually another similar, but different species entirely).
These flowers are lovely additions to ornamental beds and retain their character well in arrangements. They are grown world-wide and are found in most florist shops, generally added to arrangements to convey sympathy and remembrance. Consequently, it is common to find these flowers in memorial bouquets, especially for those either grieving or when someone wants to show that person is missed.
While a different species, lavender statice oil is used in aromatherapy, helping people let go of stress and troubles, as well as toothaches and ulcers when applied topically. ***As always, be careful when using herbal remedies. If you’ve never tried something before, watch your reactions. People have weird allergies to things sometimes. Additionally, make sure the thing you’re using is for the purpose you’re using it for, e.g. that it’s meant to be taken internally, or not. Some extracting compounds are meant to absorb and contain the plant’s constituents, but are meant for topical or strict aromatherapy use. Basically, know your body, listen to your body, and read labels.
Until next time,
Kate
PS: Next time won’t take over a month to get posted, I can assure you.
Sources:
1. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/statice/growing-statice-flowers.htm
2. https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/statice
3. https://www.proflowers.com/blog/flower-glossary-statice