Red sandspurry
Spergularia rubra · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant red sandspurry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and linear
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-August)
- Adult size
- 15-30 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe, Mediterranean and temperate regions
- Soil type
- Sandy, well-drained, poor fertility
Care
Exposure
Red spergularia prefers a sunny or semi-shaded location. It tolerates hot and dry conditions well. Good light promotes abundant flowering and a compact habit.
Soil and planting
Plant it in light, sandy and very well-drained soil. It dislikes stagnant moisture and adapts to poor soils. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage, especially in humid climates.
Watering
Water moderately after planting to establish, then space waterings out progressively. This plant is very drought-tolerant once established. During active growth, keep the soil slightly moist without excess.
Fertilizing
Red spergularia doesn't require regular fertilizer. Soil that's too rich can promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowering. A small dose of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants lightly to encourage a bushier habit. After flowering, you can trim back gently to maintain compactness. Remove dead or diseased parts in spring.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and rarely subject to disease. Root rot occurs mainly with persistent waterlogging. Ensure impeccable drainage and avoid excessive watering to prevent any fungal issues.
Did you know?
Red spergularia is a discreet little plant but remarkable for its ability to colonize the most inhospitable terrain: it naturally grows on coastal sandy soils and poor calcareous gravel. Its tiny pink flowers long made it a curiosity among amateur rock garden plant enthusiasts, particularly in the Mediterranean region where it's considered an important pioneer species.
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
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- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.