The lobelia flower – it’s more than just a pretty face! In fact, this flower has some pretty intense symbolism that you need to know about.
It’s no secret that this plant has a variety of medicinal uses, having once been used by Native Americans as a medicinal herb for the treatment of issues such as congestion, asthma, and bronchitis. Its leaves were used in teas, tinctures, and more.
The true lobelia flower meaning is up for debate – this is a flower whose symbolism and precise meaning have both been hotly contested.
While some people argue that lobelia flowers represent beauty, love, purity, or devotion, others suggest that it has connotations more closely related to feelings of malevolence!
Here is what you need to know about lobelia’s flower symbolism.
What Does Lobelia Mean?
The word lobelia technically means “showy liipped.”
This is a genus of flowering plants with more than 415 species. It contains plants that can be categorized as annual or perennial, hardy and tender, and grown in a variety of environments.
Most have simple, alternate leaves of the lobelia flowers, and many are used as food plants by other species.
It was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaus and named after the Flemish botanist Matthias de Lobel.
There are numerous hybrids of this landscaping plant you can grow, including L. fulgens, L. siphilitica, and L. cardinalis. Some have delicate flowers that appear in clusters while others have a more spiky appearance (these are generally referred to as Mexican spurred lobelias).
The lobelia flowers that most people refer to and grow in their gardens is a biennial plant that is easy to grow and offers flowers to the first frost. Colors of lobelia flowers vary but most are found in a vibrant shade of violet-blue.
Lobelia flowers go by many common names, including the not-so-desirable puke weed. It is referred to by many other common names including vomit weed, asthma weed, cardinal flower, edging lobelia, and more.
What Do Lobelia Flowers Symbolize?
Lobelia flowers have many potential meanings, depending on the color of the flower and where you live.
In some cultures, they symbolize love while others associate them with good luck or prosperity. Lobelia flowers are also often worn as jewelry to symbolize love or friendship.
Lobelia flowers are seen as symbols of love and affection. They are also said to be good for the soul.
The plants represent a strong, deeply rooted connection between two people in a relationship. In some cases, they can symbolize two people in a marriage or even motherhood.
It is used by many cultures and religions to signify this deep bond between family members or friends who share an emotional connection that goes beyond physical touch alone – yet another reason why they are often used in religious ceremonies and medicine.
In some cases, however, lobelia flowers have less positive connotations. They are often viewed as symbols of dark times or darkness, or even malevolence. Therefore, context is important when you are selecting this flower for any purpose.
The lobelia plant, also known as puke weed, has purposes that extend into the garden, too. This plant’s five petals and simple leaves are said to attract butterflies, serving as an important food source for pollinators.
What is the Blue Lobelia Flower Meaning and Symbolism?
Great blue lobelia flowers or true blue flowers represent someone who is sensitive, gentle, and kind. The blue petals represent a person that longs for peace of mind.
What is the Pink Lobelia Flower Meaning and Symbolism?
Pink lobelia flowers can be used to symbolize love and friendship along with happiness and prosperity.
What is the Red Lobelia Flower Meaning and Symbolism?
In many cultures, the color red represents deep love and passion, so it should come as no surprise that red lobelia flowers would share this symbolism as well.
What is the White Lobelia Flower Meaning and Symbolism?
One of the primary meanings associated with white lobelia flowers is purity and innocence, owing to its delicate, white petals. It is often used in bridal bouquets and weddings, symbolizing the pure love between two individuals.
Another symbolism associated with the white lobelia flower is devotion and loyalty. It symbolizes a significant commitment, and giving someone a white lobelia flower is a sign of your profound love and loyalty towards them.
Lobelia flowers are also linked to spiritual growth, enlightenment, and awakening, making it a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Lobelia Flower?
Lobelia flowers are a cultural symbol of protection and healing, but they also have many other meanings. As such, it is fitting to plant them in the garden or near homes for their protective properties.
These plants are a beautiful and delicate reminder of the power of love. They are often associated with spiritual journeys, dreams, and even magic spells. The lobelia flower is also known as Indian tobacco because it was smoked by Native Americans to relieve pain from a variety of ailments.
Historically, lobelia flowers were prized in herbal medicine. They have a variety of touted medicinal properties, and though these pharmacological effects haven’t been studied in detail, they’re said to be able to treat issues like profuse sweating, insect bites, respiratory ailments like whooping cough, menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and high blood pressure.
They have also been used in the past to eliminate toxins from the blood and address heart disease. The simple leaves were even once used in seizure prevention and much more!
That said, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential pharmacological effects of Lobelia inflata if you plan to use this flower for any herbal applications, especially if you’re doing so in its pure form or in large doses.
What is the Symbolism of a Lobelia Tattoo?
Lobelia flowers have many different meanings in tattoos, including innocence, hardiness, and mental toughness.
These kinds of tattoos have a long history and tattoos can be found of many parts of the plant and in various colors. They are often used to represent beauty, purity, and innocence; however, they can also represent the ability to endure pain and suffering.
These tattoos can serve as a symbol that has been used for many years by different cultures around the world. In some cultures, it is said that wearing or having a tattoo with this plant will protect you from bad spirits or evil forces.
When Should You Give Someone a Lobelia?
Because lobelia flowers symbolize so many things, the lobelia plant is a great plant to give to just about anyone – especially a close friend or romantic partner.
This is a medicinal plant that offers a variety of health benefits, so it can be given to just about anyone to treat medical conditions in a more natural way. However, you may also choose to give this plant as a gift in a bouquet.
It is a wonderful flower to give to a friend or loved one to show them how much you care. Since it can be used as a symbol of protection against bad energies, you could also give it to help bolster a loved one who is going through a tough time.
Lobelia Flower Meaning and Symbolism: It’s Absolutely Breathtaking!
If you’re looking for gorgeous flowers, lobelia is the way to go. Now that you know its flower symbolism, you can choose the perfect plant.
The Lobelia flower is a stunning bloom that, when given as a gift, can bring joy, comfort, and hope to those who need it the most. Its rich and vibrant colors, along with its unique symbolic meaning, make it a perfect choice to gift to someone who’s going through a tough time.
Whether it’s to remind them of their inner goodness with blue petals, renew their strength with red petals, or remind them of the bond you share regardless of the distance, the lobelia flower can boost your loved one’s morale and let them know that you’re always with them.
See more: how to grow lobelia
*image by silentstock639/depositphotos
