Learn how to Grow Statice from seed, this pretty annual is perfect for homegrown bouquets or dried floral arrangements. Sure to add a haze of colour to any garden bed.
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Statice (Limonium sinuatum) is known by many names, Sea Lavender, Wavy Leaf Sea Lavender and Notch Leaf Marsh Rosemary. This papery flower has a wonderful wildflower look, an ideal bloom for a cottage garden.
Statice Characteristics
In some Climates Statice is a short-lived perennial or biennial, but in the UK with our cooler climate it is treated as an annual. Statice can grow up to 3 feet in height and have lobed soft velvety leaves. Their blooms are formed in a Cloud-like cluster and have a papery texture, they come in a variety of colours including Pink, Purple, Yellow and White.
Statice Flower Origins
Statice flowers are native to the Mediterranean region and some parts of Southern Europe, they are valued highly due to their longevity and ability to thrive in inhospitable conditions. Their alternative name ‘Sea Lavender’ is due to their ability to tolerate coastal conditions and salty soil environments.
Statice Flower Arrangements
Fresh Cut Statice have a long vase life, lasting as many as 2 weeks! But the most common use of Statice flowers is for Dried Flower arrangements. Statice has the wonderful bonus of maintaining its colour even after drying, conserving their vibrant colours long after Summer has passed. *To dry Statice flowers, simply cut and hang in a dry sheltered environment out of direct sunlight
Statice Symbolism
- A popular flower during the Victorian era, Statice symbolised memory and remembrance, the gift of Statice meant ‘I miss you’, it is believed that this notion stemmed from the exceptional longevity of the Statice flower.
- The Statice flower also signified Sympathy, this made Statice an appropriate floral gift for those in mourning, a kindly way of simply letting the recipient know you were thinking of them.
- Also Symbolic of Success. A Bouquet of Statice can be a congratulatory gift, a way of praising someone for a job well done, the perfect floral gift for a new Job, Milestones, Graduation or other notable events
How To Grow Statice
Whether you are growing Statice for the purpose of dry flowers or just for an annual splash of colour, Statice is the perfect flower for Cottage Gardens, Rock Gardens and Garden borders. Statice also makes a wonderful pot grown flower! Its a very Versatile plant that adds texture and interest to any garden, no matter which way you choose to show it. Best of all, its easy to grow! Beginner gardeners welcome!
How to sow Statice Seeds
Sow February -April
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in modules or trays (around 5-6 weeks before planting out) cover with a propogator lid or Cling Wrap (just until seedlings emerge) Place on a sunny windowsill.
Germination will occur within 5-21 days
Potting On and Planting Out
When large enough to handle, prick out seedlings and pot on into larger pots. Gradually introduce young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts) by the process of hardening. Plant out into well-drained soil, around May-June.
What Does Hardening Off Mean?
Plants raised indoors or in a greenhouse environment, need to be acclimatised to cooler temperatures and increased air movement for about two to three weeks before they are planted outdoors permanently . This is a ‘toughening up’ practice to prepare the plants for their new environment.
How to Harden Off
Place your plants out for a couple of hours in a shady part of the garden. The next day, leave them out again for two hours, but this time allow the plants an hour of direct sunshine in the morning. Gradually continue to increase the length of time the plants are in direct sunshine over the course of roughly two weeks.
How to Care for Statice
Statice prefers a full sun position so pick out a nice sunny spot for the best blooms! Once planted, water every other day until the plant is established. Mature Statice plants are quite drought tolerant, so only water once or twice a week there after.
Common Statice Problems
Statice is a half hardy, and mostly disease and pest resistant plant if cared for properly. The most common problem you may face with Statice is Crown Rot, leaf spot or grey mould, this is usually caused by Overwatering. To remedy this issue, water the plants at the base to help the water go directly to the roots which will prevent pooling and settling on the plant.
A wonderful cut flower
Keep cutting, to prolong blooming.
Popular Statice Varieties
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