Sea lavender: care, cultivation & varieties

The sea lavender is an undemanding ornamental perennial that brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to the garden. Some species are especially popular as cut and dried flowers.

The sea lavender genera (Limonium and Goniolimon) include many different species. Discover some of the most beautiful varieties and learn about the optimal location, winter hardiness and care measures for sea lavender.

Sea lavender origin and characteristics

Sea lavender is known by a few names including statice, caspia and marsh-rosemary. Despite these names, sea lavender is not actually related to the lavenders or rosemary, but belongs instead to the leadwort family known as Plumbaginaceae. Sea lavender is widespread and can be found on all continents. Among the Limonium species, there are varieties that thrive along coasts and in damp salt marshes; these varieties are considered salt-tolerant plants (halophytes). All sea lavender species grow 10 to 70cm tall. Above ground, their growth habit is upright and clumping. Underground, the plants grow extensive rhizomes or taproots. They are hardy in UK zone 5 and are often grown as half-hardy annuals. Sea lavender leaves are usually alternate or grouped together in rosettes at the base, but it depends on the species. Some species have stalked or sessile leaves. In terms of texture, sea lavender leaves are often leathery, and the leaf edges are either smooth, toothed or wavy. Sea lavender’s flowering time varies greatly, again depending on the species. The hermaphrodite flowers are terminal, have five petals and are found on flat, paniculate or umbrella-like inflorescences that are usually branched. The flowers range in colour from white to pink to lavender. There are also sea lavender varieties with yellow flowers, but these are quite rare and are usually hybrid forms of the wavyleaf sea lavender (Limonium sinuatum). Butterflies and other pollinators often visit the flowers. Eventually, small, brown-green fruits containing a seed form in the calyx.

Are sea lavenders perennial? The genus consists mainly of perennial, herbaceous plants, but there are also some annual and semi-shrub sea lavender plants.

Our favourite sea lavender species

The plants collectively known as sea lavender fall into two genera: Limonium and Goniolimon. There are over 500 species in the genus Limonium. However, very few are grown as ornamental plants. The genus Goniolimon is more manageable with about 20 species. The following are some of the most popular and beautiful species of sea lavender.

Common sea lavender (Limonium vulgare)

Common sea lavender is widespread in Europe in coastal regions. Its natural habitat is full sun on moderately nutritious, saline soils that are permanently moist to wet. As a coastal plant, Limonium vulgare is salt-tolerant, but that does not mean it needs salt to grow. This evergreen species copes well with waterlogging, and occasional dryness does not cause the plant any major problems either. Common sea lavender thrives best at temperatures of around 22 °C to 24 °C and is hardy to about -28 °C. Limonium vulgare is a clump-forming perennial that grows up to 40cm high. The small blue-purple flowers appear from mid-August to September and can sometimes appear faded.

Tip: Common sea lavender pairs well with the hardy perennial sea kale (Crambe maritima). The latter also likes to grow in the salty soils of coastal regions.

Broad-leaved statice (Limonium platyphyllum syn. Limonium latifolium)

In the gardening world, the alternative scientific name Limonium latifolium is used almost exclusively for broad-leaved statice. Broad-leaved statice is widespread from Bulgaria to Romania to Crimea. This species thrives in locations with full-sun and soils that are low in nitrogen, well-drained and sandy-loamy. Mainly found in steppes and on coastal dunes, these deciduous plants are clump-forming and grow up to 60cm tall. In mild regions, this perennial can even be an evergreen. Broad-leaved statice is winter hardy down to -28 °C. Due to its short-lived nature, it needs to be propagated every 4 to 6 years. From a distance, the delicate, fragrant veils of flowers resemble those of baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata). The flowers appear from June to August and, towards autumn, individual leaves may turn red. The robust broad-leaved statice is well-suited to gravel gardens and steppe planting. In the right conditions, it can survive on its own by self-seeding.

German statice (Goniolimon tataricum)

Closely related to the Limonium species, German statice is often referred to as Tartarian sea lavender. German statice’s natural habitat mainly includes fully dry and sunny steppe grasslands with nitrogen-poor soils. This clump-forming species is widespread from the dry areas of southern and eastern Europe to the steppe regions of Central Asia. It can grow to about 30cm high and up to 50cm wide. Its basal leaf rosettes are composed of blue-green, lanceolate leaves. The large inflorescences are covered with small, white flowers in July and August. This species is winter hardy down to -34 °C.

Wavyleaf sea lavender (Limonium sinuatum)

This species owes its name to its strongly winged flower stems. The plants grow 20 to 40cm tall, and their distribution area extends over the entire coast of the Mediterranean. Wavyleaf sea lavender feels at home in sunny locations with dry, light gravel, sandy, or clayey soils. This species is mainly found in areas with favourable climates where there are dry grasslands or seashores. Wavyleaf sea lavender is only hardy to about -10 °C and is typically kept as an annual in regions with cold winters. However, it is possible to overwinter these plants in a frost-free, bright place at about 10 to 15 °C. This way, the plants can be kept sustainably as perennials. When overwintering, it is important to ensure low humidity and sufficient air circulation, otherwise the plants are at risk of developing fungal diseases. Even as a perennial, wavyleaf sea lavender is short-lived and reproduces by self-seeding. Depending on when you sow the seeds, the densely-flowered inflorescences will appear from June to September. Wavyleaf sea lavender has a wide variety of flower colours and the seeds available on the market are mostly hybrid forms.

Tip: with its large flower cushions and fleshy, broad leaves, Perez’s sea lavender (Limonium perezii) is a popular variety for growing in pots. However, although reliable and drought-tolerant, this species is not frost-hardy.

Planting statice

Sea lavender plants feel at home in sunny, slightly windy locations. They like soil that is relatively low in nitrogen and moderately fertile. Good permeability and moderate to high lime content are also beneficial. Plant common sea lavender in moist soil or water often, as mentioned above. Although some sea lavender species are referred to as salt-tolerant plants, this merely means that they have a high salt tolerance. You do not need to supplement their soil with salt.

Hardy varieties of sea lavender grow better planted directly in the ground. As of mid-May, you can plant your sea lavender out. Plant sea lavender plants individually or in small groups of about three to 10 specimens, keeping a planting distance of 35cm. If the soil in your garden is heavy, loosen it up and mix sand into the soil at a 1:1 ratio. Form a planting hole big enough for the roots, place roots of your sea lavender plant in the hole and fill in the hole with soil up to the root neck. Carefully compact the soil around your freshly planted sea lavender, and water it thoroughly.

If you plan to grow your sea lavender in a pot, it is best to choose a low-growing and less frost-hardy species. Sea lavender forms a large root system, so choose a pot that has a capacity of at least 20 litres. Make sure the planter has drainage holes, and put in a 3cm high drainage layer of expanded clay in the bottom of the planter. Again, mix sand into the potting soil to improve its permeability.

Sea lavender care

Once your sea lavender is planted, it generally needs very little maintenance. Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to promote the vitality of your sea lavender.

Watering and fertilising

After planting, your sea lavender may need some extra attention if there is a dry spell, as the lack of water can hinder your plant’s growth. In such a case, water the young sea lavender every two to three days while the dry weather persists. Well-established plants only need additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Keep in mind that most species apart from the common sea lavender do not tolerate waterlogging. Only water potted sea lavender once the top layer of soil is dry. For those gardeners who can be forgetful, Perez’s sea lavender tolerates the occasional missed watering.

As it does not need a lot of nutrients and prefers nitrogen-poor soil, fertilising sea lavender is rather simple. If your sea lavender is already growing on nitrogen-rich soil, do not apply additional fertiliser. With lean nitrogen-poor soils, on the other hand, a one-time supply of a slow-release, granular fertiliser in spring can help. Our Plantura Flower Food is ideal for this. Just work some into the surface of the soil and it will release its nutrients slowly and gently over several months. And because of its low nitrogen content, this fertiliser is ideal for sea lavender.

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Pruning sea lavender

Maintenance pruning for sea lavender is not necessary until the very end of winter. Pruning sea lavender too early can be harmful and lower its frost tolerance. In spring, cut back the dead shoots from the previous year close to the ground. Feel free to cut out withered plant parts regularly. Dividing sea lavender has a rejuvenating effect, so we recommend dividing your plants every 2 to 3 years to keep them healthy.

Is the sea lavender hardy?

The hardiness of sea lavender depends on the species. Some varieties, such as broad-leaved statice, can withstand temperatures down to -28 °C. These varieties need no additional overwintering measures if planted in the ground. However, if planted in a pot, even the hardy varieties need some help in winter. Wrap the pot with insulating materials such as fleece, jute, or bubble wrap. As for the less hardy species, such as the wavyleaf sea lavender, overwinter them in a bright, frost-free location.

Sea lavender propagation

The easiest way to propagate sea lavender is by sowing or dividing. For propagation by sowing, harvest the mature seeds from the dried fruits in late summer or autumn. Here are the steps for sowing sea lavender seeds:

• Start indoors in March
• Sow directly outdoors in April
• First, soak the seeds in water for about 10 hours
• Fill sowing tray with substrate
• Spread the seeds on the substrate and cover lightly with soil
• Keep the substrate moist
• Germination temperature: 15 – 20 °C
• Germination time: 1 – 2 weeks
• Prick out seedlings into individual pots at the cotyledon stage
• Plant outdoors starting mid-May

Tip: when starting indoors, it is important to ensure sufficient air movement and low humidity. This prevents infestations from grey mould, fusarium and mildew as well as leaf spots.

Drying sea lavender

Here is how to dry sea lavender flowers:

• Cut an inflorescence when the majority of its flowers are open
• Hang the flowers upside down in an airy place
• Fresh flowers keep for 10 days or longer depending on the variety
• Dried statice flowers keep for several months

Is sea lavender poisonous?

Sea lavender is considered non-toxic. That being said, sea lavender is an ornamental plant that is not intended for consumption. If you accidentally ingest it and nothing unusual happens, then there is nothing to worry about.

The plumbago (Ceratostigma spec.), also known as leadwort, belongs to the same family as sea lavender.