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Also Known As: Statice, Sea-lavender

Botanical Name: Limonium spp.

Pronunciation: li-MON-ee-um

Family Name: Plumbaginaceae (plumbago or leadwort)

Origin: Europe, eastern Asia

Common Relatives: Armeria, Ceratostigma

Introduction: From Europe and eastern Asia comes this semi-woody perennial with its petite white, lavender and pink flowers in branching, airy blooms that can last up to 14 days. Its botanical name is taken from the Greek word for Leimon, meaning "a meadow," in reference to the plant's original habitat. Hung upside down in bunches, limonium makes a dried flower that lasts for years, rendering some of its meanings quite appropriate: never-ceasing and remembrance.

Interesting Facts:

• Scientific name is from the Greek word "leimon" (a meadow), referring to the plant's original habitat
• Hybrids between L. latifolium (sea lavender) and L. bellidifolium (caspia statice) include 'Saint Pierre', 'Beltlaard' and the 'Misty' series. They retain much of the airy nature of caspia statice.
• Other new hybrids include 'Fantasia'
• suitable for drying, tie several stems in a bunch and hang upside down until dried, lasts for years

• Tiny flowers in much-branched, airy inflorescence
• plant is a semi-woody perennial, dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined

Flower Color: white, lavender, pink

Fragrance: none, some species have offensive odor

Decorative Life: 4-8 days, up to 14 days

Special Care Tips: Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution.

Ethylene Sensitivity: slight