Psylliostachys
( si - le - o - STAK - iss )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering annuals is commonly called Statice, and includes species which needs full sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape. These plants are native to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asia, beginning as a low rosette of leaves before producing summertime flowering stems with large spikes of flowers that are typically shades of pink but can also be lavender or white depending on the cultivar. The genus includes 9 species and is a member of the plant family Plumbaginaceae. The plants in this genus are related to those in Plumbago (Cape Leadwort), Limonium (Sea Lavender), Goniolimon (Statice), Ceratostigma (Leadwort), and Armeria (Sea Pink). The most commonly grown species in the genus is Psylliostachys suworowii, also known as Limonium suworowii, Poker Statice, or Russian Statice. It is native to Afghanistan and reaches up to 20 inches tall with pink to mauve flowers. The best growing zones for Psylliostachys are USDA hardiness zones 3-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. Grow Psylliostachys annuals in drought tolerant beds and borders, rock or coastal gardens, or mass planted for a striking visual effect. They are also grown as members of cut flower gardens, as their stems are beautiful fresh and dried.
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Caring for Psylliostachys
Plant Phylliostachys in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, able to get by on infrequent irrigation during their active growing and blooming periods. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time and remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooms. These flowers can benefit from being netted or corralled to keep stems straight and prevent breaking in wind or heavy rain. Psylliostachys flowers are annuals, and are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next with new flowers. They will re-seed freely in favorable conditions, providing new plants for the landscape indefinitely.
Caring for Psylliostachys in Containers
Phylliostachys shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 8 to 12 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep (1 to 2 gallon size). Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Phylliostachys plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Psylliostachys flowers are annuals, and are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next with new flowers.
Harvesting Psylliostachys
Russian Statice flowers, are a classic cut flower. They have long, delicate stems and tiny blooms, and are in bloom in summer and fall (between June and October). They combine well with many different types of flowers in fresh arrangements, adding volume and height. Harvest flower stems when all blooms are open, but before they begin to fade. The best time to harvest is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their coolest. Cut flower stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips, remove the lower leaves from the stem, and drop them in a bucket of cool water. The vase life of Russian Statice fresh cut flowers is 7-21 days.
These flowers can also be used in dried flower arrangements. Harvest flower stems that have fully opened. Using sharp, clean shears, cut the flowering stem towards the base of the plant. Do not drop in water; instead, bundle harvested flower stems together and hang them upside-down in a cool, dark, dry area with good ventilation. Lower foliage can be removed from stems to combat moisture buildup and mold. Once dried (which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks), lightly spray them with an unscented hairspray to prevent the tiny, delicate flowers from shattering and shedding, and then add to dried arrangements with other foliage and flowers.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, able to get by on infrequent irrigation during their active growing and blooming periods. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time and remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooms. These flowers can benefit from being netted or corralled to keep stems straight and prevent breaking in wind or heavy rain. Psylliostachys flowers are annuals, and are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next with new flowers. They will re-seed freely in favorable conditions, providing new plants for the landscape indefinitely.
Caring for Psylliostachys in Containers
Phylliostachys shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 8 to 12 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep (1 to 2 gallon size). Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Phylliostachys plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Psylliostachys flowers are annuals, and are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next with new flowers.
Harvesting Psylliostachys
Russian Statice flowers, are a classic cut flower. They have long, delicate stems and tiny blooms, and are in bloom in summer and fall (between June and October). They combine well with many different types of flowers in fresh arrangements, adding volume and height. Harvest flower stems when all blooms are open, but before they begin to fade. The best time to harvest is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their coolest. Cut flower stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips, remove the lower leaves from the stem, and drop them in a bucket of cool water. The vase life of Russian Statice fresh cut flowers is 7-21 days.
These flowers can also be used in dried flower arrangements. Harvest flower stems that have fully opened. Using sharp, clean shears, cut the flowering stem towards the base of the plant. Do not drop in water; instead, bundle harvested flower stems together and hang them upside-down in a cool, dark, dry area with good ventilation. Lower foliage can be removed from stems to combat moisture buildup and mold. Once dried (which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks), lightly spray them with an unscented hairspray to prevent the tiny, delicate flowers from shattering and shedding, and then add to dried arrangements with other foliage and flowers.
Propagation
Propagating Psylliostachys by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a container, a pot or tray, potting medium, and a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. The seeds on Psylliostachys plants are held on upright spikes above foliage where flowers once bloomed. They are very small, elongated and lightweight.
- Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle. Place the sown seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks from sowing.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep your seedling in an area with bright light and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.
Problems and Pests
Psylliostachys plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Grey Mold
- Powdery Mildew
- Downy Mildew
- Aster Yellows
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Aphids
- Leafhoppers
Gallery
Psylliostachys flowers are commonly used in fresh and dried arrangements.
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Here, Psylliostachys is planted amongst Poppies.
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These annual plants form tufts of basal foliage and upright stems topped with pink blooms.
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Phylliostachys flowers come in various shades of pink to almost white.
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Here, Psylliostachys is used in front of Digitalis (Foxglove) and behind Viola.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page , Psylliostachys suworowii
