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What Is Statice?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Sea lavender, or statice, is a large group of plants in the genus Limonium, all of which have distinctive spiky flowers and simple or lobed leaves. Representatives of this family can be found growing all over the world in sizes ranging from one foot (30 centimeters) tall to large bushes. In general, statice thrives in sandy soil and also tolerates salt marshes, so it is often found on shorelines, islands, and in other locations which are too severe for most plants to thrive in. For this reason, it is widely cultivated in some regions to provide accent color, as well as fodder for bouquets.

English Statice in particular, is often considered the quintessential dried flower. While the flowers are blooming, they have a delicate papery outer layer and a soft set of inner petals. The inner petals drop out, leaving the outer ones behind, and often drying naturally on the stem. People who work with dried flowers often grow this flower because it is relatively easy to care for and the flowers dry so well. When a spray of statice is ready to be dried, it should be cut with lots of stem left over and hung upside down to dry.

Woman with a flower
Woman with a flower

Gardens in rugged soil can also benefit from these flowers, which add rich blocks of color like purple, pink, red, white, and sometimes orange. A small cluster of statice plants can be planted to provide a splash of color, or larger bushes can be selected for rich blocks of color. Because this flower prefers less than ideal soil conditions, gardeners with rich, healthy, dense soil should add sand to make the soil loamy and rough. Different varieties can be found thriving in almost any weather conditions from the heat of the tropics to the cool of Northern Europe, so check with your garden supply when selecting plants.

Most gardeners find it easiest to plant statice seedlings which have been raised in a commercial greenhouse. The plants should be installed after the last frost in sandy, slightly alkaline soil with excellent drainage. This plant likes to be slightly dry, and also prefers full sun. Add compost or a slow releasing fertilizer to the soil to nourish the plants while they grow, and cut back the flowers periodically to encourage more blooming. At the end of the season, annual varieties should be ripped out, while perennials should be trimmed back to the ground so that they will not get frostbitten.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is statice and where does it typically grow?

Statice, also known as Limonium, is a genus of flowering plants in the Plumbaginaceae family. It is native to Mediterranean regions but can be found in various climates worldwide. Statice thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for coastal and drought-prone areas due to its tolerance to salty and dry conditions.

Can statice be used in floral arrangements?

Yes, statice is highly valued in floral arrangements for its vibrant colors and long-lasting qualities. Its papery texture and variety of hues, ranging from white to pink, lavender, and blue, make it a favorite filler flower among florists. Statice retains its color and shape when dried, which is perfect for creating everlasting bouquets and crafts.

How do you care for statice plants in the garden?

To care for statice plants, plant them in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water them regularly until they are established, then reduce watering as they are drought-tolerant. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering. Statice generally requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.

Is statice an annual or perennial plant?

Statice can be both an annual and a perennial, depending on the species and growing conditions. In colder climates, it is often grown as an annual, as it may not survive harsh winters. However, in milder regions, many species of statice are perennials and will return year after year.

What are the benefits of using statice in landscaping?

Statice offers numerous benefits in landscaping, including its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Its drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, and its variety of colors can brighten up rockeries, borders, and coastal landscapes. Statice also serves as a robust ground cover, reducing soil erosion.

How do you harvest and dry statice flowers for arrangements?

To harvest statice flowers for drying, cut the stems when the flowers are fully open but before they begin to fade. Tie the stems in small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Drying can take 1-2 weeks, after which the flowers will be ready for use in arrangements.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon305818

I'm wondering the exact same, but from what I have researched, I can't find any information on the toxicity of them. They are not listed in the plants/ flowers that are poisonous for cats, though.

wen4003

I am wondering the same. My cat does the same thing and am wondering if it's harmful to her.

anon14543

My cats eat and seem to love the statice in flower arrangements... can it harm them?

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    • Woman with a flower
      Woman with a flower