European seaheath
Frankenia pulverulenta · Frankeniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant european seaheath: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very fine and powdery
- Flowering
- Summer to fall (June-October)
- Adult size
- 15-30 cm tall, spreading and compact habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (light frosts only)
- Origin
- Western United States and Mexico
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor, salt-tolerant
Care
Moderate watering
Water moderately during the growth phase, especially in containers. Reduce watering considerably in winter. This plant tolerates drought well and dreads excess moisture, which causes root rot. Prefer spaced-out waterings rather than frequent ones.
Bright exposure
Place your frankenia in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It tolerates heat and direct exposure well. Partial shade is possible, but reduces flowering quality.
Well-drained soil
Use a light, poor, and very well-drained substrate, enriched with sand or gravel. This plant appreciates chalky or neutral soils and even tolerates salty soils, making it ideal for coastal gardens. Absolutely avoid heavy and waterlogged soils.
Light fertilizing
Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer once or twice during the growth period. Frankenia prefers poor soils: over-fertilizing favors foliage at the expense of flowering. Do not fertilize in winter.
Pruning and shaping
Pinch young shoots to encourage a bushy habit. Light pruning in spring helps maintain a compact shape. Remove dead or damaged parts as needed. Avoid drastic pruning.
Health and prevention
Frankenia is generally hardy. The main risk is root rot from excessive moisture. Ensure flawless drainage and sufficient air circulation. Indoors, occasionally check for spider mites in dry conditions.
Did you know?
Annual frankenia takes its name from Swedish botanist Johan Frank (1590-1661). Very popular in modern xeriscape gardens, this small herb has the remarkable ability to survive in desert and saline environments where few plants venture, thanks to its tiny, powdery leaves that reduce water loss through transpiration.
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
- Sea-heathFrankenia laevis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- Fig treeFicus carica
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.