Halimione portulacoides
Halimione portulacoides · Amaranthaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around halimione portulacoides and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and grey-green
- Flowering
- August to October, discreet flowers
- Mature size
- 0.6 to 1 m tall, 1 to 1.5 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to -10 °C approximately
- Origin
- Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, salt-tolerant
Care
Exposure
Plant your sea-purslane in full sun to achieve compact growth and optimal color. It tolerates sea spray and windy coastal conditions well. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is preferable.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment, then space out watering once well-rooted. It tolerates dry periods well thanks to its fleshy leaves. In coastal regions, rainfall is usually sufficient.
Soil and drainage
Choose light, sandy or gravelly soil that is very well-drained. Sea-purslane adapts to poor and saline soils. Avoid heavy soils and standing moisture that can cause root rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a compact shape and remove dead branches. This plant requires minimal intervention. Pruning after flowering promotes branching.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, sea-purslane thrives without regular fertilizer applications. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is enough if the soil is very poor. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces less robust foliage.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and rarely subject to pests. Excessive moisture in winter can cause rot. No specific treatment is generally necessary with appropriate cultivation.
Did you know?
Sea-purslane was once used by coastal populations for its halophytic properties (salt resistance): planted on dunes, it stabilized sand and protected against storms. Its young fleshy leaves offer a slightly salty flavor and can be eaten in salads or as a condiment, which explains its historical gastronomic appeal in Northern Atlantic regions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.