The plant genus Limonium includes over 300 species of sea lavender within the leadwort family. However, only a few widespread varieties such as Limonium sinuatum are available in specialist shops, which can also be cultivated on poor garden soil with little care.

Sea lavender is a charming garden plant

What should be considered when planting sea lavender?

The planting hole for the sea lavender should be about twice as large as the root ball of the plant, so that a drainage layer of sand and gravel can be used to prevent the risk of waterlogging. If a compacted root ball of sea lavender grown in a pot is loosened by hand before planting, this makes it easier for the plant to take root in the new location.

Which location is suitable for the sea lavender?

For healthy growth, the sea lavender needs a location in full sun, which it also rewards with particularly magnificent flowers. Poor and barren soils, on the other hand, are not a problem, since the sea lavender with its long taproot can easily grow on nutrient-poor sand dunes. On dry slopes that are exposed to the wind, freshly planted specimens should be covered with a layer of gravel to prevent wind erosion of sandy-dry substrate and subsequent exposure of the roots.

Can the sea lavender be preferred in the house?

The seeds of the sea lavender can be grown on the windowsill at around 20 degrees Celsius from March and April in poor potting soil. Since high humidity is advantageous during the germination phase, plastic bags can be pulled over the individual seed pots.

When and how can the sea lavender be transplanted?

The best time for transplanting sea lavender is in spring, but freshly grown seedlings should not be planted outside until May due to their lack of winter hardiness.

What are the propagation options for Limonium?

The sea lavender can be propagated by sowing the seeds or using so-called root cuttings. For this purpose, root pieces are cut off from older specimens when transplanted and planted in separate seed pots (€16.68).

When does the sea lavender bloom?

The flowering time of the different subspecies of the Limonium genus can vary somewhat, but the plants generally flower quite persistently between June and September.

Which substrate allows the sea lavender to thrive particularly well?

Since the sea lavender tolerates waterlogging and rain-soaked locations poorly, it should be planted in deep and permeable soil material. This plant grows optimally on a sandy-dry soil with a certain amount of lime.

At what distance should sea lavender be planted?

If a slope is to be planted with sea lavender, a distance of about 30 - 40 centimeters should be maintained between the individual plants. Possible neighbors for the sea lavender are:

  • daylilies
  • Ragwort
  • daisies

tips

If the inflorescences of the sea lavender are cut off and dried shortly after they have blossomed, they can serve as a decorative component of pretty dried bouquets and arrangements due to their color stability.

Category:

Herbs