My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Sea pearlwort

Sagina maritima · Caryophyllaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant sea pearlwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Plant type
Annual or biennial herb
Foliage
Deciduous, fine and linear
Flowering
Spring to summer (April-July)
Adult size
5 to 15 cm in height
Hardiness
Hardy, tolerates cold
Origin
European Atlantic coasts
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade

Care

Exposure

Sea pearlwort appreciates well-lit areas, particularly at the seaside where it thrives naturally. However, it tolerates partial shade and performs well even with moderate sunlight. It's an ideal plant for coastal environments exposed to wind and salt spray.

Soil and drainage

This plant prefers well-drained, light soils, typically sandy or gravelly. It adapts to poor soils and even tolerates saline terrain, like that found on coastal cliffs. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent rot.

Watering

Water moderately: sea pearlwort is a robust plant that tolerates dry periods. Regular watering during active growth (spring-summer) promotes flowering, but the soil should never remain waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.

Fertilizer

This species is not demanding in nutrients. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than sufficient. Too much fertilizer risks promoting excessive vegetation at the expense of flowering. In naturally poor soils, no application is generally necessary.

Pruning and cleanup

Pruning is not really necessary. A simple spring cleanup to remove dried parts helps maintain a nice compact shape. After flowering, you can remove spent flowers to encourage new seed production.

Diseases and pests

Sea pearlwort is generally very robust. In overly humid or poorly ventilated conditions, fungal diseases may occur. Ensure good drainage and proper air circulation. Pests are rare on this coastal-adapted plant.

Did you know?

Sea pearlwort is a botanical relic of ancient European cliffs and coastal environments, where it has adapted to extreme conditions: salinity, strong winds, and poor soils. Its Latin name 'Sagina' literally means 'fattening' in ancient Latin, an ironic name for such a frugal plant. It remains an excellent choice for seaside gardens or coastal rock gardens, where few plants survive.

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

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.