Sea-heath
Frankenia laevis · Frankeniaceae
📷 Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sea-heath: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and succulent
- Flowering
- June to August, small pink or white flowers
- Mature size
- 20-30 cm height, 30-40 cm spread
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10°C
- Origin
- Coastal Mediterranean and Atlantic regions
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor, salt-tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Frankenia laevis thrives in well-draining, poor soil, slightly saline if you get the chance. Plant it on a slope or in a rock garden.
The common mistake
Don't plant it in rich soil alongside hungry neighbors or water it regularly—it spreads, becomes soft, and rots at the collar during humid winters.
The pro's trick
Give it a light trim in May as soon as the first flowering winds down: it branches immediately and produces a second, more generous wave of flowers in June-July.
Care
Exposure
Install smooth frankenia in full sun for abundant flowering and compact growth. It tolerates sunny and airy situations very well. Avoid partial shade, which would reduce its flowering.
Watering
Water moderately during growth, then reduce significantly once established. This plant is very tolerant of drought thanks to its succulent leaves. During prolonged dry periods, occasional watering is enough; avoid excess water which can cause rot.
Soil
Favor well-drained, poor soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Smooth frankenia adapts to sandy or gravelly soils and tolerates salt spray well. Excessive amendment is unnecessary and may reduce its hardiness.
Pruning and pinching
Light pruning in late winter promotes branching and maintains compact growth. Remove dead or damaged stems. Pinching young plants encourages better density; excessive pruning is not necessary.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is normally necessary on poor soil, the condition where this plant thrives. A very light application in spring is sufficient if the soil is too rich. Prefer balanced fertilizer or low nitrogen content.
Diseases and pests
Smooth frankenia is very hardy against pests and diseases. The main risk is root rot if the soil is poorly drained or suffering from chronic excess moisture. Ensure excellent substrate permeability.
Did you know?
Smooth frankenia is a small survivor of coastlines: it grows naturally on coastal cliffs, salt flats and dunes, where few plants can take root. Named after Swedish botanist Johan Franken, its robustness makes it perfect for coastal gardens or rock gardens in difficult terrain.
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
- European seaheathFrankenia pulverulenta
- SageSalvia officinalis
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
- BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.