The Romantic Tale of Love-in-a-Mist: Symbolism Explored
If you’re looking for a reliable annual flowering plant that offers a wide range of flower color options and rich symbolic value, the good old-fashioned Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena) is definitely worth noting. Read on below to learn about Love-in-a-Mist symbolism and significance in the language of flowers.
Etymology
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena), otherwise known as the devil in the bush, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family. Native to various regions, including southwest Asia, north Africa, and southern Europe, you can find this plant growing in fields, roadsides, or rocky waste grounds.
The genus name Nigella originates from the Latin word niger which translates to “black” and refers to the plant’s black seeds. Because of this, love-in-a-mist plants are also sometimes referred to as nigella.
Meanwhile, the species name damascena refers to the ancient city of Damascus in southwestern Syria, where it is believed to grow prolifically in the wild.
Love-in-a-mist is sometimes referred to as the devil in the bush plant because of its seed pods. The pods, which are balloon-shaped or head-shaped with spikes on the top that look like “horns,” are formed after flowering.
Aside from being known as love-in-a-mist and devil in the bush, N. damascena is also referred to as Bird’s Nest, Chase the Devil, St. Catherine’s Flower, Katherine’s Flower, Garden Fennel, and Love in a Tangle, among others.
Love-In-A-Mist Meaning and Symbolism
The love-in-a-mist flowers hold several meanings in the language of flowers. The blue love-in-a-mist flowers, in particular, mean long-lasting love. However, due to their wide uses across different cultures, the flowers are generally interpreted as a symbol of unrequited love regardless of bloom color.
The appearance of the flowers likewise holds another meaning in the language of flowers. Since each bloom looks like it’s surrounded by a mist-like arrangement of almost fern-like foliage, love-in-a-mist plants are sometimes perceived as a symbol of harmony and romance. It symbolizes a certain bond and closeness that holds people together.
In addition, the other common names of love-in-a-mist that refer to the name Catherine (such as St. Catherine’s flower and Katherine’s flower) tell a whole new set of meanings.
Traditionally, love-in-a-mist plants are dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria because its flowers resemble the wheel that was used to torture her when she refused to renounce her Christian faith. The leaves, on the other hand, represent the martyr Christian saint’s sacrifice.
Love-in-a-Mist FAQs:
What do love-in-a-mist flowers symbolize?
Love-in-a-mist flower, in general, symbolizes unrequited love. However, it is also associated with harmony mainly because of how the flowers are formed and surrounded by a “mist” of thread-like leaves. The flowers’ appearance somehow represents the bond that connects people.
Is love-in-a-mist an excellent cut flower?
Yes. Aside from love-in-a-mist’s uses in gardens, the ornamental plant’s blooms also make excellent cut flowers. The flowers are not only attractive and appealing, but they are also long-lasting and suitable for any floral arrangement. You can also dry the seed heads and use them for dried flower arrangements.
Love-in-a-Mist Guide: Wrapping Up
A truly one-of-a-kind and reliable ornamental, love-in-a-mist plant is worth the attention whether you’re a novice gardener or already considering yourself a “pro” at growing a plant.
This charming plant from the Buttercup family ticks off the right boxes in terms of beautiful flowers, uniqueness, and easy care and maintenance, among others. As long as you provide proper growing conditions and the right plant care and maintenance, love-in-a-mist will shower your garden with beautiful arrangements of flowers that blend well with the plant’s “mist” of feather-like foliage.