Pronunciation:
Introduction
Limonium sinuatum, commonly known as Statice, Sea Lavender, or Marsh Rosemary in the USA, is a flowering plant renowned for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms. It is also referred to as notch-leaf marsh rosemary, wavyleaf sea lavender, and sea pink. This plant is highly valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly in dried floral arrangements, where its colorful papery flowers retain their hue and form for extended periods. Limonium sinuatum is a versatile species, appreciated by gardeners and florists alike for its beauty and resilience.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Plumbaginales
- Family: Plumbaginaceae
- Genus: Limonium
- Species: L. sinuatum
Description
Limonium sinuatum is a herbaceous perennial plant known for its robust nature and striking inflorescences. It is characterized by its rosette of basal leaves and branching stems that culminate in clusters of small, papery flowers. The plant is celebrated for its ornamental value, both in gardens and as a cut flower, especially in dried floral arrangements. Its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for hobbyists and commercial growers. While it is not considered invasive, it is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Size
Limonium sinuatum typically reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches), with some cultivated varieties potentially growing taller under optimal conditions. The growth rate is moderate, with the plant reaching its full height within a single growing season. Its roots are fibrous and do not typically cause problems with invasiveness or interference with other plants or structures.
Leaves
The leaves of Limonium sinuatum are simple, with a sinuate or wavy margin, giving rise to the species name ‘sinuatum.’ They are generally oblong to spatulate in shape, with a basal rosette arrangement. The leaves are medium green in color and can be somewhat fleshy, with a texture that is slightly leathery to the touch.
Flower
The flowers of Limonium sinuatum are small, delicate, and borne on branched inflorescences. Each individual flower is composed of five petals and can exhibit a range of colors, including shades of blue, pink, purple, yellow, and white. The blooming period typically occurs in the summer and can last several weeks. The flowers are known for their ability to retain color and form when dried, making them a favored choice for dried flower arrangements.
Fruit
Limonium sinuatum produces a small, dry fruit known as a utricle, which is a type of achene. The fruit contains a single seed and is encased in the persistent calyx, which aids in seed dispersal.
Stem
The stems of Limonium sinuatum are erect, branching, and woody at the base. They are typically covered with a fine layer of downy hairs and can range in color from green to reddish-brown as they mature.
Cultivation and Care
Limonium sinuatum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens or areas with sandy soil.
Planting
To plant Limonium sinuatum, choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground in the spring after the last frost, or start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Space the plants about 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Soil Preference
Limonium sinuatum prefers sandy or loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering
Once established, Limonium sinuatum is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Sun Requirements
This plant requires full sun to thrive and produce the most vibrant flowers. Planting in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Limonium sinuatum, but removing spent flower stems can encourage a tidier appearance and potentially promote a second bloom. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stems close to the base of the plant.
Propagation
Propagation of Limonium sinuatum can be achieved through seed sowing or division of the root clump. Division should be done in the spring or fall, and seeds can be collected from dried flower heads for sowing the following season.
Health & Safety
There are no known toxic or poisonous parts of Limonium sinuatum to humans, dogs, or cats. The plant is not thorny or spiky and is not known to cause contact dermatitis or other skin irritations.
Pests and Problems
Limonium sinuatum is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids (Aphidoidea) and spider mites (Tetranychidae). Aphids can be controlled with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or with insecticidal soap. Spider mites may require miticide treatments. Good cultural practices, such as proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering, can help prevent these pests.
| Plant Name: | Limonium sinuatum |
|---|---|
| Etymology: | Genus: Limonium – From the Greek leimon (λειμών), meaning “meadow”, referring to the typical habitat of many species in the genus. Species: sinuatum – From Latin sinuatus, meaning “with sinuses”, referring to the wavy or lobed margins of the leaves. |
| Common Name: | Statice |
| Genus: | Limonium |
| Species: | sinuatum |
| Family: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Height: | 10-60 cm (3.9-23.6 inches) |
|---|---|
| Width and Spread: | Width: 15-60 cm (6-24 inches) Spread: 15-60 cm (6-24 inches) |
| Plant Type: | Perennial |
| Habit/Form: | Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial often grown as an annual Growth Form: Clump-forming, basal rosette with winged flowering stems |
| Leaf Type: | Simple, entire, sinuate to pinnatifid margins |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Shape: | Oblanceolate to spatulate, sinuate to pinnatifid |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fragrance: | Not documented |
| Stem Description: | Square, winged, branched. |
| Stem Is Aromatic: | No |
| Texture: | Papery |
| Leaf Feel: | Papery, slightly leathery |
| Leaf Length: | 5-30 mm |
| Leaf Description: | Shape: Oblanceolate to spatulate Margin: Sinuate to pinnatifid Arrangement: Basal rosette Texture: Leathery Venation: Pinnate Petiole: Present in basal leaves, absent in upper leaves Size: 5-15 cm long, 1-3 cm wide |
| Hairs Present: | No |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil Preference: | pH: 6.0 – 8.0 Soil type: Well-drained, sandy Moisture: Dry to medium Nutrient requirements: Low |
| Water Requirements: | Low to moderate |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | NPK Type: Balanced (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season Timing: Spring to late summer |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. |
| Seed Germination Time: | 7-14 days |
| Display/Harvest Time: | Display time: Summer to Fall Harvest time: When flowers are fully open but before they start to fade |
| Fruit/Seed Production: | Fruit production: Capsule Seed production: Numerous small seeds per capsule |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Growth Habit: | Annual or biennial plant |
| Root System Type: | Fibrous root system |
| Fruit Type: | Capsule |
|---|---|
| Fruit Description: | Dry, one-seeded, indehiscent, enclosed within the persistent calyx. |
| Flower Color: | Blue, violet, pink, white |
| Flower Shape: | Funnel-shaped |
| Flower Inflorescence: | Inflorescence type: Panicle Arrangement: Branching clusters Flower characteristics: Small, papery, funnel-shaped flowers Color: Typically lavender to violet, can also be white, pink, or yellow |
| Flowering Season: | May to September |
| Bloom Duration: | 2-3 weeks |
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Not documented |
| Heat Tolerance: | 35°C |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Shade Tolerance: | Low |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Soil Compaction Tolerance: | Low |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 7-12 |
| Photoperiod Sensitivity: | Short Day Plant |
| Pollinator Attraction: | Yes. Bees, butterflies. |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Value: | Nectar source for insects. |
| Problematic Insects: | Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips |
| Allelopathic Properties: | Yes |
| Habitat Enhancement: | Limonium sinuatum improves soil quality by accumulating and recycling nutrients, stabilizes soil with its root system, and provides habitat and food for pollinators and other wildlife. |
| Erosion Control Potential: | Low |
| Landscape Location: | Coastal areas, salt marshes, sandy soils |
| Landscape Theme: | – Mediterranean garden – Rock garden – Coastal garden – Drought-tolerant planting – Gravel garden – Cottage garden |
| Design Feature: | Yes. Limonium sinuatum, commonly known as statice or sea lavender, is used in floral arrangements and as a dried flower due to its variety of colors and ability to retain shape and color when dried. |
| Ethnobotanical Significance: | Ethnobotanical significance: Ornamental use, traditional medicine for wounds and as an anti-inflammatory agent. |
| Naturalization Ability: | High |
| Companion Planting Suitability: | Companion Plants: Gypsophila elegans, Achillea millefolium, Echinacea purpurea, Lavandula angustifolia, Salvia officinalis |
| Edibility: | No. |
|---|---|
| Edible Parts: | Flowers, leaves. |
| Toxicity: | No |
| Poison Parts of Plant: | Not documented |
| Toxic to Humans: | No. |
| Toxic to Cats: | Not documented. |
| Toxic to Dogs: | No |
| Causes Contact Dermatitis: | Yes. |
| Air Purification Qualities: | Not documented |
| Medicinal Properties: | Antioxidant, antibacterial. |
| Thorniness or Spikiness: | No |
