Limonium suworowii | Pink Pokers | Statice

Limonium suworowii | Pink Pokers | Statice

Limonium suworowii, also known as Pink Pokers, is a truly distinctive statice with dense, vertical spikes of soft pink flowers, giving it a whimsical, almost fairytale-like appearance. Native to Turkestan, this variety stands apart from classic Limonium sinuatum types with its clean stems, early flowering, and elegant, upright form.

Plants form mostly basal foliage, making stems easy to find and harvest, with little to no leaf stripping required. Low-growing plants produce 2–3 flushes of harvestable stems, making this an excellent choice for both professional growers and home cut-flower gardens.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Limonium suworowii
• Common names: Pink Pokers, Russian statice, rat tail statice
• Lifecycle: Annual
• Plant height: 60–75 cm (24–30")
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil; prefers slightly dry conditions once established
• Use: Fresh cut flower, dried flower
• Perfect for fresh arrangements and dried flowers, Pink Pokers dry beautifully and retain their color exceptionally well. Also known as Russian statice or rat tail statice.

Sowing & Germination

• Sowing method: Transplanting recommended
• Sow indoors: 5–6 weeks before planting out
• Sowing depth: Surface sow; light aids germination
• Cover: Light layer of vermiculite or fine compost
• Germination:
  • 7–14 days
  • Ideal temperature: 18–24 °C
• Root development tip:
  After emergence, provide ~16 °C for 1–2 weeks to encourage strong rooting
• Direct sowing: Not recommended

Growing On

• Transplant seedlings to 8 cm pots once large enough to handle
• Harden off and plant out after danger of frost
• Plant spacing: 20–30 cm (8–12")
• Requires little attention once established

Flowering & Harvest

• Days to maturity: approx. 80–95 days
• Harvest:
  • Fresh: When most flowers on the spike are open and colored
  • Dried: Cut at full color and hang upside down to dry
• Regular cutting encourages extended flowering