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The Canary Flower: Statice

The most interesting of the British plants that are allied to plumbago is doubtless the sea lavender (Statice limonium), which may be met with on muddy sea-shores; the thrifts, or armerias, are but rarely seen in such situations, the sandy and rocky shores being their usual habitat. The flowers of the sea lavender are purplish, and are produced in corymbose panicles. There is a white variety, and there is also a lilac-coloured variety which is often catalogued as a separate species under the name Statice angustifolia. The great sea lavender (Statice latifolia), native of Russia, is one of the finest hardy border plants in cultivation. "Ye gentle shades between the trees and flowers, With you, ye laughing race, I'll deck my bowers. Oh that my theme would grant the fond delay, Nor with too urgent haste forbid my stay! With what delight my hands each spray should guide, And teach your curling tendrils where to glide. In woven bowers and roofs your shoots should grow, And' teach your network arch the riv'let flow; Around you elm your wedded arms should wind, Emblem of strength, with gentlest beauty joined. You then to whom their lowly pomp is given, Display with art these charming gifts of Heaven; Let every season have their brilliant bloom, Their laughing colours, and their rich perfume; Let each in turn the well-wrought chaplet wear, Thus ne'er shall fade the garland of the year; But new-born joys shall every season bring, Each month a bower, and every bower a spring."