Limonium sinuatum aka Perennial Sea Lavender

Limonium sinuatum is known as statice or sea lavender. It belongs to the leadwort family, Plumbaginaceae. Its native range includes Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region. It extends to the western Sahara and western Caucasus. People have introduced it to Germany and South Africa. It also grows outside its native range in the western United States.

This short-lived herbaceous perennial often grows as an annual. It can also live as a biennial. Plants grow fast and have an upright, narrow form. Garden plants reach 1–1.5 feet [0.30–0.46 metres] tall. They spread about 0.75–1 foot [0.23–0.30 metres] wide. The green leaves form a rosette at ground level. Each leaf has deep lobes and a wavy edge. Fine hairs give the leaves a soft, velvety feel. The upright green stems have three wings and few leaves. The plant can also spread through rhizomes.

Flowers form branching panicles made of small, crowded spikelets. Each flower has a funnel shape and a papery look. White corollas sit within lasting, coloured calyces. Violet-blue is a usual calyx colour. Seed strains also offer pink, yellow, orange, and white shades. The calyces keep their colour after the corollas fade. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from June to July. NC State records a broader summer-to-fall season. Plants make one long flowering display, so deadheading is unnecessary. The flowers draw pollinators, and the fruit is a capsule.

Give statice full sun and soil that drains well. Light sandy loam suits it best. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Dry to moderately moist soil supports good growth. Once established, plants tolerate drought and also resist salt. They are hardy in USDA zones 8–10. Gardeners in colder places grow them as annuals. High heat and damp air can cause poor growth. Root rot and crown rot are the main listed problems. Good drainage and air movement help limit these diseases. Avoid giving plants too much water.

Statice suits borders, rock gardens, meadows, and coastal gardens. It also grows in pots and cottage gardens. Its lasting calyces make it useful for fresh-cut flowers. They also hold well in dried flower arrangements. Plants need little routine care and grow from seed. Sow outdoors around the last spring frost. For an earlier start, sow indoors six to eight weeks beforehand.