Statice

Time for a little history *cue the music.*

Statice originated from the meadows of the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Its genus is composed of around 120 species in the Plumbaginaceae family, and features cultivars available in tons of unique shapes, sizes, and colors. Although popular “street names” like sea lavender and marsh rosemary may suggest otherwise, Limonium has nothing to do with lavender or rosemary. These names generally reference the plant’s preferred growing regions in more harsh environments with salty soils. 

Their branch-like fuzzy stems usually grow 30-46 cm in height and consist of tiny papery clusters of flowers.

They grow in purple, lavender, white, pink, and yellow.

Statice is commonly used as a filler flower in both fresh and dry arrangements because of its long vase life (score!) and beautiful color and texture. 

In Europe Limonium was cultivated for its medicinal uses—mostly used in herbal tonics to treat a variety of gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. It was also commonly used as a food source.

We’ve mentioned statice’s long vase life, but it’s actually known as the “everlasting flower” because these blooms just last that long. [3]

If you’re a full-blown statice lover, you might be considering growing some of these lovely blooms on your own (who doesn’t want their own endless supply of statice?). Don’t worry, these blooms are actually fairly easy to grow—no expert status need.

• Start seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost date. The seeds are tiny and will only require a fine covering of soil.
• Statice plants thrive on average, well-drained garden loam.
• Sandy soils are better than clay, so if your planting area has a heavier soil, you might want to try growing your blooms in a container garden instead.
• Statice is considered drought-tolerant, especially if you mulch the area with at least a three-inch layer.One of the best things about statice is they’re pretty low maintenance once they become established plants. This means you’re all set to leave them be for a couple of weeks without worry…#summervacay.
  • ProTip: Too much water or fertilizer can harm your plant as well as increase the chance of fungal infections.
  • https://www.thespruce.com/grow-statice-flowers-1315705
  • Once your statice plants begin to bloom, you may notice them beginning to droop towards the ground. Support your growing plants with a grow-through ring stake, or plant them density so they can lean on one another. A little statice emotional support system, if you will.

One of the best things about statice is they’re pretty low maintenance once they become established plants. This means you’re all set to leave them be for a couple of weeks without worry…#summervacay. [5]

Now that you’ve got your beautifully cut statice ready to display or gift to a loved one, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to keep these beauties alive for as long as possible (we don’t blame you!). So here are a few quick and easy tips to help keep your fresh blooms looking as stunning as the day you got them:

Watch the Water Temp: Placing stems in hot water will cook them so room-temperature water is best.

Remove Foliage Below Water Level: Any foliage you leave in the vase water will rot quickly, which can spread bacteria that will kill your flowers before their time.

Keep Cool: Keep your fresh cut blooms in a cool spot, away from heating ducts and vents and try to avoid direct sunlight.

Change the Water When It Gets Murky

Trim the Stems Every Few Days [4]