LIMONIUM TATARICUM - GERMAN STATICE SEA LAVENDER (150 SEEDS) PERENNIAL
Limonium tartaricum, commonly known as Statice is among the prettiest of hardy plants, this perennial variety is a stunning spectacle when in bloom, producing clusters of snowy white frilly flowers that last all summer. Delicate and exquisite, they look like they are made from paper.
Coveted by crafters and arrangers, every devotee of dried-flower arrangements is no doubt familiar with Statice, but gardeners may not be on a first-name basis with them as it is rare to find them in the garden centre. They are more often known as a cut flower, grown commercially worldwide for the floral industry, and are among the longest-lasting of all fresh flowers, remaining beautiful for two weeks or more.
In the garden, the plant stays low to the ground until it starts to bloom. the broad green leaves make a wonderful textural ground cover. Thin, leafless, wiry flower stalks rise from the basal foliage in summer, bearing airy, branched panicles that grow 45cm (18in) tall, they produce delicate, miniature tubular silvery-white flowers with tiny rose-pink inner petals from June to August.
Easy to grow from seed, this perennial variety is long lived and very productive year after year, they grow best in well drained site in full sun. With its airy sprays and delicate blooms, the plant makes an interesting garden accent.
As an ‘everlasting flower’, its flowers will hold their shape and colour indefinitely. It is ideal for use as either a cut flower or as filler in dried flower arrangements, the masses of small flowers, that dry to white are often considered superior to the popular gypsophila. Unlike many flowers, statice can be cut at any time and keeps its colour well in winter bouquets.
Sowing: Sow in Spring, from February to April or sow in Autumn, September to October.
Sow March to June, for flowers in the first year
Fill small pots or trays with a well drained, seed starting mix (John Innes or similar) Stand the pots in water to moisten thoroughly and then drain. Sow the seeds onto the surface of the soil and just cover with a sprinkling of (preferably) sieved compost.
Place the pots in a darkened area or cover the pots with paper as the seeds prefer the dark to germinate. Seeds will germinate in 14 to 21 days at 18 to 21°C (65 to 70°F). Once germinated, bring them into an area with diffused light.
Seedlings can be transplanted to individual 7cm (3in) pots after 4 to 5 weeks to grow on, at 15°C (59°F) or can be transplant directly into their final growing position when they are 6 to 8cm high.
Plant outdoors only after the danger of frost passes and the soil is warm. Plant 30 to 40cm (12 to 15in) apart. Provide full sun and well-drained soil of moderate fertility.
Cultivation:
Statice is easy to grow and does not need much water or care, potential pests or diseases are rare. The plants like full sun and the soil a little on the dry side. They grow well in poor to average soils and are salt tolerant.
If the soil is very poor, give them a boost by adding a slow-release fertiliser, or plenty of compost before planting and fertilise every four to six weeks.
Trim faded flowers or cut bouquets frequently to promote longer bloom. Established plants can be divided in early to late spring.
