Statice suworowii

The Limonium suworowii, recently renamed Psylliostachys suworowii, is a little-known species of Statice among gardeners but much more familiar to florists. It is an annual plant that produces numerous thin, sinuous flower spikes in shades of pink to purple. They make excellent cut flowers, both fresh and dried. The flowering stems continue throughout the summer, making this attractive plant suitable for containers, borders, and beds.

The Psylliostachys suworowii is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Plumbaginaceae. It is a wild plant native to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Within a few months, it forms flowering clumps that reach 50 to 70 cm in height and 30 to 40 cm in diameter. The plant develops a dense basal rosette composed of ovate leaves with prominent central veins, either entire or coarsely dentate, measuring up to 12 cm long. Its flowering occurs over several weeks, between June and September or between March and June, depending on the sowing date. It takes the form of branched flowering stems, each ending in a long, dense cylindrical spike and featuring numerous lateral spikes measuring 10 to 15 cm long. Each spike is adorned with many flowers surrounded by a decorative pink calyx. This tubular-based calyx widens into five iridescent lobes that shimmer in the light. The flower itself is barely visible. The flowering is nectariferous. The fruit is a capsule that opens at maturity to release its seeds. This plant readily self-seeds in light soil.

The Psylliostachys suworowii thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It tolerates coastal conditions. This plant is among the most beautiful flowers for fresh or dried bouquets. Cut the longest stems possible and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to dry them. This Statice also helps lighten up romantic rose beds. It can be paired with double annual poppies like 'Purple Peony' or 'Ooh la la', Rosea hastate verbenas, or planted near giant dahlias.