posted
Statice (Limonium sinuatum) is a drought tolerant, tender perennial which is normally considered to be an annual plant. Statice has been cultivated since the mid 17th century as a garden flower, but also as an herb which was used for the treatment of dysentary as well as other ailments.
Statice produces its flowers from early summer until frost, in the brightly colored bracts which grow atop the stiff, angular, 1-2 foot stems. There are many different color combinations, but the main colors are white, purple, pink, yellow, blue and apricot. The foliage consists of 5-10 inch, lobed leaves which grow in a circular pattern along the ground.
Statice thrives in full sun in rich, well drained soil. Add compost generously to the soil at planting time, then feed again in mid-August with a good all-purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer.
Propagation Statice may be grown from seed sown directly in the garden after all frost danger has passed, or indoors in early Spring. The seeds require complete darkness for germination so after you sow and water them, cover the pots (or tray) with a few layers of newspaper. If the seeds are kept warm (70-75 F.), they will begin to germinate in as little as 3-5 days. Once the majority of seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and move your plants to a sunny window. Thin and transplant the seedlings when the first "true" leaves appear. Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Drying Statice Cut your Statice with a 12-18 inch stem when the bracts are about 3/4 open. The remaining bracts will open as they dry... Hang the Statice upside down in a dark room with good air circulation. The flowers generally dry in 7-10 days. If the flowers are kept out of direct sunlight, the colors will remain vibrant for years.
These are Cedar Hill flowers!
[ July 09, 2011, 06:40 AM: Message edited by: Bill ]
Plants: 11227 | From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
| Seeded: 165.121.25.231
gardenmom32210
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posted
There was some statice in an arrangement of flowers I received...I hung them up to dry..Are the seeds gonna be any good? They're so pretty I'd love to grow some!
posted
I doubt that you will see any seeds because the flower was probably cut before they were produced. However, if there are any seeds, I see no reason why they wouldn't be viable...
Plants: 11227 | From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
| Seeded: 165.121.25.173
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These are Cedar Hill flowers!
Printer-friendly view of this garden