Helenium Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, And Colors
Bobbing yellows and cheery reds; fiery orange and coppery gold; the Helenium is a perennial flowering plant native to the Americas. It is a member of the sunflower family, Asteraceae, and is one of the most popular garden flowers. Helenium flower meaning is vast and varied in different cultures across the world.
The Helenium (Helenium Humile) is a flowering plant growing abundantly on the mountains of south-central and south-eastern United States. In the spring, Helenium grows in moist soil in the shade and along streams. Their bright green foliage with thin, long stalks, hold the bright-colored flowers. Helenium flowers are in full bloom during the summer and fall. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees, making your garden a hive of activity.
Each helenium flower is actually a bunch of smaller flowers. They are a tightly knit group of tiny flower disk (disk florets), with a beautiful outer ring of large petals (ray florets) that are arranged in a spiral. The petals themselves have a character of their own; while some are cheerfully facing outward, towards the sun, some choose to be melancholic and droop downward.
Helenium – Etymology & Meaning Of The Name
The name has roots in Greek Mythology- relating to Helen of Troy, the daughter of Zeus, and considered to be the most beautiful woman. “Helenion”, a Greek word seems to be the benefactor of the genus name. While looking for helenium flower meaning, you will learn of a similar looking plant, found on the island of Pharos. This flower owns the legend of being born from the tears of Helen of Troy. Greek stories tell us how the flowers bloomed from the tear soaked grounds of the island.
The flower’s alternate name, ‘Sneezeweed,’ is an intriguing fact. During medieval times, the dried flowers and leaves of this plant were commonly used as snuff to treat common colds and headaches. Native Americans even believed that the flower could ward off evil demons and spirits.
What Do Helenium Flowers Symbolize?
In the flower world, Helenium flower meaning could be strength, resilience, and perseverance. The bright colors of the Helenium symbolize the power of the sun, life, and beauty. The flower holds a strong meaning in Greek mythology, where the beautiful Helen of Troy was born from the tears of Zeus. The delicate and complex petals of the flower are symbolic of the strength of the female, born of the tears of the male.
Tenderness – In a spiritual sense, Helenium flower meaning could be Tenderness – the flower is said to be a symbol of tenderness and gentleness. Helenium flowers are found abundantly across gardens, prairies, and meadows. They bring cheer and joy to the garden in the spring. But are also a great attraction in the fall, when their colors change to beautiful shades of orange and yellow.
Grace – In a spiritual sense, Helenium flower meaning could be Grace. The flower is said to be a symbol of grace as it is said to be the gift that can calm a storm or help a storm.
Power – The name has it; Helen of Troy. The flower is said to be a symbol of power, suggesting that one has the ability and strength to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
Serenity – Helenium flower meaning could be Serenity, implying that you have the ability to calm and soothe. The flower’s name may inspire feelings of serenity and abundance. People with a connection to it feel a sense of serenity in their hearts.
Helenium Flower Meaning – What Do Different Colored Helenium Mean?
Helenium bloom in bright hues of yellow, red, orange and purple. Each color symbolizes different things to a person.
Yellow Helenium
Yellow symbolizes the sun- a new day, a new dawn. Hope & faith are yellow helenium flower meaning. They are the harbingers of something new entering your life. Gift yellow helenium flowers to someone who is in need of a new start. It will give them a sense of hope and faith.
Red Helenium
Red symbolizes power; it helps you stand strong in the face of adversity. Confidence and conviction
are red helenium flower meaning. It’s the color of courage and strength. Gift it to someone who is feeling uncertain about something. Give them the courage to face life with confidence.
Orange Helenium
Orange symbolizes fire; it helps you be more daring. It can also symbolize warmth and passion. Love is orange helenium flower meaning. It’s the color of the heart. Gift it to someone who is in despair. It will give them a sense of warmth and affection.
Copper Gold Helenium
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Gold symbolized wealth – love & friendship are gold helenium flower meaning. It’s the color of happiness. You are attracted to this color, and it can help you feel relaxed and at peace during times of stress. It’s the color of wealth and prosperity. Give it to someone who is in need of support and companionship.
Helenium Flowers – Interesting Facts And Benefits
– The genus Helenium has more than 40 species of annuals and perennials native to the Americas
– Helenium is also known by other names- Sneezeweed & Helen’s Flower
– The plant produces lush velvet-textured flowers in abundance of yellow, orange, red and golden hues
– Looks like this commonly found flower is not so common after all. It is currently listed as an ‘endemic federally protected species’ under the 1973 Endangered Species Act
– They are called ‘late bloomers’ as they bloom in the late summer and early autumn
– Helenium flower is associated with the zodiac sign Virgo
– The flower is renowned to have anti-inflammatory & antiparasitic properties
– Its astringent and diaphoretic properties make it useful in treating skin ailments
Best Time To Gift Someone Helenium Flowers
The flowers are at their best bloom in October. They make a wonderful gift for the person you are giving it to. The best time to gift someone helenium flowers is during the autumn and early winter months.
Some Popular Cultivars And Hybrids Of Helenium Flower
The Bishop – A mid-season hybrid of the West Coast species H.Beigelovii. Comes with a deep black-brown center surrounded by beautiful yellow ray flowers.
Bruno – has dark mahogany red-brown flowers on 3 to 3.5-foot-tall plants and blooms in the middle of the season.
Double Trouble – As the name suggests, has double, sterile flowers that bloom for a long time, from midsummer to early autumn. A gold disk surrounded by pure bright yellow frilly ray flowers.
El Dorado – 3-foot-tall plants growing early and long-flowering cultivar with mostly yellow flowers with red streaks down the petals
Hot Lava – A relatively newer hybrid, growing up to 2.5 foot tall. Bloom with a yellow center that slowly turns into maroon once mature. Have long-lasting orangey red upturned petals.
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