The Mystique of the Amethyst Flower: Symbolism and Sentiments Unveiled
The Amethyst Flower is a precious-looking small shrub with purple flowers living up to its crystal-like name. In this guide, I’ll run through everything you need to know about the meaning and symbolism of amethyst flowers, plus learn about their history, folklore, popular myths, and cultural significance around the world.
Amethyst Flower Meaning & Symbolism
As the name suggests, this flower produces a purple bloom that is unmistakable in its intensity. This makes it a highly meaningful addition to any floral arrangement. Creating a symbolic planting in your garden to honor a loved one or pet is also easy with the help of this low-growing and mounding plant.
Etymology
The common name of the Amethyst Flower is a literal reference to the intense purple color of the small, tubular flowers. Other common names include Jamaican Forget-Me-Nots, Sapphire Flower, Bush Violet, or just Amethyst. It’s not a true violet despite it being part of one common name.
The genus name for the various Amethyst Flowers is Browallia. This is a reference to the Swedish botanist Johannes Browallis. One well-known species is Browallia speciosa, which is Latin for showy.
Another is Browallia americana, which is native to South America. Thanks to the many common names for these flowers, it’s best to verify the scientific name before planting a specific variety in your garden.
Amethyst Meaning in Floriography
The Victorian era led to the development of complex floriography, or the language of flowers. This allowed for freedom of expression when it was not polite to directly express desires or disinterest to someone.
Amethyst Flowers were cultivated and known in England by the Victorian period, and they developed their own unique meaning of admiration and care. This could take on a platonic meaning when paired with the right flowers, or it could indicate romantic interest if combined with roses and honeysuckle.
The flexibility of the meaning of the Amethyst Flower made it practical for the Victorians to send a specific message with a combination of just a few tiny blooms.
References preserved by the British Royal Horticultural Society all agree that admiration was the primary meaning for this flower in the Victorian language of flowers.
Common Amethyst Flower Colors and Their Meaning & Symbolism
- Purple: The most common color for the flower, purple represents elegance, royalty, regalness, luxury, wealth, good fortune, and charm.
- Blue: Another common bloom color for varieties like Blue Bell Amethyst Flowers, blue symbolizes intelligence, peacefulness, serenity, growth, healing, and freedom.
- Violet: Combining purple and blue, violet flowers represent mystical beliefs, spiritual depth, intellect, newlyweds, and sudden inspiration.
- White: One of the rare colors for Amethyst Flowers, white is the color of purity, healing, recovery, innocence, remembrance, and new beginnings.
The Meaning of Amethyst Flowers in Ancient Times
Browallia is native to Latin America and the Caribbean, so it wasn’t widely known to the Greeks or Romans. Although it’s not part of those mythologies, Amethyst Flowers took on plenty of symbolism within the cultures native to their range. In the Caribbean, they were used to exchange as a symbol of admiration and interest, making them part of some courtship traditions.
The Meaning of Amethyst Flowers in Religion and Spirituality
As a purple or violet flower, Amethyst Flowers are also associated with spirituality and mystical experiences. Gifting them to someone can remind them to keep up with a meditation practice or encourage them to deepen their personal connection to a spiritual tradition. Some people use them in wedding bouquets to add a connection to the spiritual side of life.
Connections to the Zodiac
Amethyst is the birthstone for March, which makes it associated with both Pisces and Aries in the zodiac. This association carries over to the flowers that share their name with the stone. Consider gifting the Amethyst Flower to anyone with an Aries or Pisces sun sign. It’s a good way to remind them to stay grounded and focused on their goals in life.
Amethyst Flowers as Official Symbols
The various members of the Browallia genus aren’t considered official flowers of any particular state, country, or city. However, they are widely used to symbolize the rural countryside in some parts of Mexico, Bolivia, and the Caribbean.
Festivals and Ceremonies Associated with Amethyst Flowers
In some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Amethyst Flower is used as part of the courtship between young adults. It’s often gifted as a way of signaling interest without putting too much pressure on the other part. While this has become rare in today’s era of texting, it’s still used in some remote areas in the islands and rural parts of the Antilles.
Suitable Occasions to Gift Amethyst Flowers
Cut Amethyst Flowers make an ideal gift when you’re trying to send a message of admiration and interest to a potential love interest. If you want to create a message of platonic admiration instead, pair it with other flowers that won’t send a romantic message.
Uses and Benefits of Amethyst Flowers
Browallia are related to edible nightshades like potatoes and tomatoes, but none of the genus members are considered edible or medicinal themselves. Instead, Amethyst Flowers are generally planted for their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds instead.
About Amethyst Flowers
Native to Latin and Central America, Amethyst Flowers prefer growing zones of 9 through 11. However, they can be grown in almost any growing zone as an annual. They’re easily sown from seed and form small mounds with dark leaves and star-shaped flowers.
Amethyst Flower FAQs:
Are Amethyst Flowers Poisonous?
Amethyst Flowers aren’t considered toxic or poisonous, but they’re not edible either.
Are Amethyst Flowers an Annual or Perennial?
In growing zones 9 through 11, Amethyst Flowers are perennials. They are also grown as annuals in colder areas.
How many different types of Amethyst Flowers are there?
There are seven species in the Browallia genus and dozens of named varieties.
Where does Amethyst typically grow?
These flowers generally prefer shaded areas with moist soil, especially in hotter growing zones.
Do Amethyst Flowers Attract Certain Types of Wildlife?
These flowers can bring in butterflies and hummingbirds but also appeal to bees and other important pollinators.
Are Amethyst Flowers Suitable for Cut Flower Arrangements?
Amethyst Flowers are small but make a good filler for cut flower arrangements since they can last a week or longer in water.
What Symbolic Meanings are Associated with Amethyst Flowers?
The Amethyst bloom generally symbolizes admiration and interest, potentially on a romantic level.
What are Some Companion Plants that Grow Well with Amethyst Flowers?
Their low-growing habit makes them great when paired with taller plants like decorative sages, sunflowers, and larkspur.
Amethyst Flower Meaning – Wrapping Up
Make the Amethyst Flower a part of your garden to remember someone you admired or just to add more purple color to the design. These flowers are rich in meaning, symbolism, and historical significance and are an easy to grow plant that adapts well to a wide range of conditions.
For more, see our in-depth guide to burdock flower meaning and symbolism.