Annual Statice

Colorful Combinations

Available in a veritable rainbow of colors, annual statice's calyces bloom in yellows, orange, blues, purples, pinks, and whites, all of which last for a long time. The paper-like calyces protect the delicate white blossoms. Even after the blooms fade, the showy calyces persist. They can also be dried easily: Pick bright flowers on sturdy stems, then hang in loose bundles in a cool, dark place.

Annual Statice Care Must-Knows

Annual statice performs best with little interference. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam. (It rots in overly wet soil.) However, it isn't picky about nutrients, preferring to grow on the lean side, with little to no additional fertilizer. Annual statice is drought-tolerant once established.

Plant annual statice in full sun for the brightest colors and sturdiest stems. They tolerate a bit of shade, but the plant will likely flop and need support.

Grow annual statice from seed, starting them indoors two months before the last expected frost date. These tiny seeds require a small amount of soil to cover them. You can also sow the seed directly in the ground for a natural effect. Prevent crown rot and root rot by planting it in well-drained soils where they get good air circulation.

More Varieties of Annual Statice

'Blue River' Statice

Limonium 'Blue River' bears violet-blue flowers on 2-foot-tall plants.

'Forever Gold' Statice

Limonium 'Forever Gold' bears rich yellow flowers on 2-foot-tall plants.

Annual Statice Companion Plants

Globe Amaranth

Globe amaranth is an all-time flower-gardening favorite. It seems to have it all: It thrives in hot conditions, blooms nearly nonstop, has pom-pom flowers great for cutting and drying, and attracts butterflies. Plant globe amaranth, then step back to watch it thrive and add continual beauty until frost. It's great in beds, borders, and containers. Plant established seedlings outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed. It tolerates a variety of soils and moisture levels. It isn't fussy about fertilizer, but be careful not to overfertilize.

Lavender

Lavender fills the early-summer garden with sensory delights: beautiful purplish blooms and delightful fragrance. Every part of the plant is infused with aromatic oil, making this a choice herb to place along paths or near outdoor seating areas so you can savor the fragrance. Lavender varieties abound: The darker the flower, the more intense the aroma—and the flavor in cooking. Drought-, heat-, and wind-tolerant, lavender doesn't like poor drainage, waterlogged soil, or high humidity. Raised beds and gravel mulch enhance drainage and increase heat around roots. After flowering, shear plants to induce bushiness and subsequent bloom. Avoid cutting plants back to the ground. Dried blooms retain fragrance for a long time; crush dried flowers to release aromatic oils.

Strawflower

Enjoy flowers into fall by growing this brightly colored charmer that dries right on the plant. Use it in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and even homemade potpourri. This easy-to-grow, sun-loving annual comes from Australia and is a great pick for hot, dry sites. Plant it outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.