Family: Plumbaginaceae
Common name: Statice, Sea lavender, Wavy leaf sea lavender, Sea pink, Notch leaf marsh rosemary
Outside St. Nino’s monastery at Bodhbe, Georgia, I found these beautiful flowers, lovingly grown and tended to. They were growing with other bright flowers like marigolds and zinnias, the entire patch a riot of colors.
The purple ones were exceptionally beautiful with small white flowers a stark contrast to the bright purple calyces. Just like in Bougainvilleas, the bright part is just an addition and the true flowers are the tiny white ones, like the throne being prettier than the queen seated on it.
Plant Characteristics
Statice or Sea lavender is a compact, herbaceous flowering plant typically grown as an annual in gardens. It usually reaches about 30 to 60 cm in height with a similar spread, forming a low, rounded clump.
The plant develops a sturdy central crown with fibrous roots that anchor it well in light to medium soils without becoming invasive.
The leaves grow mostly at the base in a rosette, with individual leaves measuring around 10 to 20 cm long. They are oblong to lance-shaped with deeply wavy or lobed edges, giving the plant its distinctive textured appearance.
The leaf surface is slightly leathery and dull green, helping reduce moisture loss in sunny, dry conditions.
Flowering stems rise above the foliage and branch freely, producing thick bunches of papery flowers. The true flowers are small and tucked inside colorful, long-lasting calyces that can be purple, blue, pink, white, yellow, or apricot.
Each flower cluster may be 1 to 2 cm across, and the blooms hold their color even after drying, which is why the plant is used extensively in cut flower arrangements.
Gardening Tips
Statice grows best in full sun, where it produces the strongest stems and the most vibrant flower colors. It prefers well-drained soil and grows well in sandy or slightly coarse soil. Poor drainage or heavy clay soil can cause root rot, especially in rainy season.
Watering should be moderate, especially once the plant is established. While young plants need regular moisture to settle in, mature plants tolerate short dry periods well.
Overwatering can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers, so it is better to let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Spacing plants about 25 to 30 cm apart allows good air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal problems. Fertilization should be light, as overly rich soil encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading is optional, but cutting flower stems regularly encourages continued blooming and keeps the plant tidy.
Uses of Statice plants
Statice plants is most widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens along borders, pots or hanging baskets.
Its stiff stems and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for cut flower arrangements, both fresh and dried. The papery calyces retain their color and shape for months, making them ideal for wreaths and dried floral crafts.
Ecologically, statice flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, especially in warm, sunny gardens, thus helping in pollination of other plants as well. Because the plant tolerates coastal conditions and light salinity, it is also useful in seaside gardens where other ornamentals may struggle to grow.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds, which are usually sown in trays or pots and lightly covered, as they need some light to germinate.
Seeds sprout best in warm conditions and young seedlings can be transplanted once they are strong enough to handle, taking care not to disturb the roots too much.
Photographed at: St. Nino’s monastery, Bodhbe, Georgia
