German statice

Appearance

This is an herbaceous perennial that features a basal rosette of smooth, broad-lanceolate to oblong-obovate, pale green leaves (4-6” long) with minute white spots (punctate).

Thin, leafless, wiry scapes (flower stalks) rise from the basal foliage in summer to 12-18” tall bearing airy, branched, spreading panicles (to 5” long) of miniature tubular flowers with white to light blue outer sepals (calyx) and tiny rose-pink inner petals (corolla). From a distance, flowers basically look white. For drying flowers, it is recommended that the stems be cut just before the flowers open fully and then hung upside down in a dry, cool, shady location with good air circulation.

Naming

Synonymous with and formerly known as Limonium tataricum. Goniolimon is distinguished from Limonium by having hairy styles and capitate stigmas. This plant is similar in general appearance to Limonium latifolium, but has smaller flowers and more compact shape.