Corrigiola litoralis
Corrigiola litoralis · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant corrigiola litoralis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Type
- Annual to biennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous, linear and fleshy
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Mature size
- 10 to 30 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Moderately hardy (zones 6-9)
- Origin
- Coastal and semi-arid regions of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin
- Soil
- Well-drained, light, tolerant of poor soils
Care
Exposure
Corsican sandwort appreciates a sunny to very bright exposure. It thrives in direct sunlight and tolerates shade poorly. Choose an open, airy location, ideally in a sunny border or rock garden.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. This plant, adapted to dry environments, fears excess moisture and standing water. During winter, drastically reduce water supply.
Soil Preparation
Use very well-drained, light soil or substrate that is low in organic matter. A sandy or gravelly mix works perfectly. Avoid heavy or compacted soils that promote root rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Corsican sandwort requires little pruning. You can remove dead or damaged stems. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming and encourage branching. Remove any rotted parts as soon as they appear.
Fertilization
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than sufficient. Too much nutrition promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowering. On naturally poor soils, a modest feed is recommended.
Diseases and Pests
Corsican sandwort is generally robust. The main risks are root rot in case of excessive moisture and, occasionally, powdery mildew in warm, humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Did you know?
Corsican sandwort is a discrete species of estuaries and gravelly shores along Europe's coastline. Its Latin name 'litoralis' precisely evokes this littoral habitat where it clings between pebbles. Long overlooked by gardeners, it now interests enthusiasts of alpine botany and dry gardens, embodying a minimalist beauty and resilience in the face of marine and climatic challenges.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Smooth rupturewortHerniaria glabra
- Rock soapwortSaponaria ocymoides
- Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum
- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.