Statice
Limonium sinuatum
Statice is a popular ornamental herbaceous plant known for its papery, brightly colored calyxes that retain their color well when dried, arranged in branched, flat-topped clusters on winged stems.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Water
- Low to moderate watering needs; allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Highly drought-tolerant once established and sensitive to overwatering.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial typically grown as an annual, forming a basal rosette of leaves with upright, branching flowering stems reaching 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in spread.
Care instructions
Provide full sun and exceptionally well-draining soil. Water moderately while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid high humidity and overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day
Watering
Low to moderate watering needs; allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Highly drought-tolerant once established and sensitive to overwatering.
Soil
Sandy, loamy, or well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, generally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 8 through 11 as a perennial, frequently grown as an annual in cooler climates
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial typically grown as an annual, forming a basal rosette of leaves with upright, branching flowering stems reaching 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in spread.
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through autumn, producing papery flowers in shades of purple, blue, yellow, pink, and white.
Propagation
Propagated primarily from seeds sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost, or directly sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis blight in overly moist or humid conditions. Prevent by ensuring excellent air circulation and well-draining soil.
Similar species
Gypsophila (Baby's Breath) and various species of Echinops (Globe Thistles), distinguished by Limonium's characteristic winged stems and papery, persistent calyxes.