In this guide we have summarized what you need to pay particular attention to if you want to plant sea lavender outdoors or in a container.
Longing for the sea? Then get that holiday feeling in the garden with the sea lavender. The sea lavender (Limonium), also called resistance, has little in common with the common lilac and is actually related to the thrift. With more than 300 species, the leadwort family is native to almost the entire world. The sea lavender is an uncomplicated addition to your garden and also grows on poor soil or in rather draughty corners. The plants generally require little maintenance. When planting, however, a few things should be considered so that the sea lavender develops well and delights you with its pretty flowers.Sea lavender: plant description
Most sea lavender species are perennial. The plants usually have broad leaves and leaf rosettes, which are reminiscent of dandelion. The inflorescences protrude from the rosette. The flowering period is between July and August. The small funnel flowers sit close together and rise above the foliage. Sea lavender comes in purple, blue, white, yellow or pink flower colors. The plants form long taproots that reach deep into the ground. The growth height without inflorescences is about 20 to 30 centimeters. When the sea lavender is in bloom, it can reach heights of growth of up to 70 centimetres.
Distribution of Sea Lavender
Many species of sea lavender prefer s alty soil and therefore prefer to grow near the coast. With its numerous species, the sea lavender can be found almost worldwide. Only the sea lavender is native to Germany. Those who travel to the North Sea will be able to discover one of the largest occurrences of sea lavender in Germany not far from Friedrichskoog.
Plant sea lavender - find a suitable location
You don't have to pay much attention to the choice of location. The sea lavender is not very choosy in this regard. Although the plants often grow in coastal areas, they don't like to get their feet wet. The sea lavender copes much better with a dry and rather barren soil.The plants do not need any special protection and can withstand strong winds. A sunny location would be advantageous. The sea lavender also tolerates full sun. You can also place the perennials in a partially shaded location. Sea lavender should be exposed to the sun for at least six hours a day.
Planting sea lavender - select substrate
The robust plants are also undemanding when it comes to soil conditions. However, two things should take precedence:
- The plants do not tolerate wet soil. If the plants are too wet, this can quickly lead to rotting of the roots.
- It is also important to use a well-drained substrate. Heavy floors make it harder for moisture to drain away.
Another reason lies in the peculiarities of the plant. These form long taproots. They want to dig deep into the ground, which is hardly possible with heavy and wet soil.
➔ Tip: Less is more here - sea lavender does not like nutrient-rich soil.
If your soil is too heavy, you can make it more permeable by adding sand and gravel. As a rule, the sea lavender feels at home in a gravel bed or in a rock garden.
Planting sea lavender - step by step
- Select Location
- Dig planting hole
- Prepare substrate
- Water plant
- Put drainage
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Water the plant well
If you buy a young plant that has been brought forward, it can be planted outdoors from mid-May. Choose a site based on our recommendations and start digging the planting hole.
➔ Tip: Maintain a planting distance of half the desired growth width.
The planting hole should be about twice the size of the root ball. Dig the planting hole deep enough so that you have the opportunity to loosen the substrate accordingly. This way the sea lavender will grow well because it can stretch its taproots deep into the ground. If the substrate seems too heavy for you, loosen it up with gravel. Nutrient-rich soils should be mixed with sand. While you are preparing the soil, the African lilac should be watered to allow the roots to soak up water before planting.
➔ Tip: Plant the sea lavender on warm and sunny days, or only when the sun has sufficiently warmed the soil.
Before you put the plant in the ground, you should lay out a drainage made of grit or gravel in the planting hole. This effectively protects against waterlogging. After planting the sea lavender, give the plant plenty of water.
➔ Tip: Water the sea lavender abundantly until it is well established.
Planting sea lavender - tips and advice at a glance
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Find location | • The sea lavender feels at home in a dry and rather barren location. • The plants thrive best in a sunny location. • The plant should be planted in every get the sun. |
| Prepare substrate | • The soil should be loosened well before planting. • The taproot can only penetrate deep soil and supply the plant with nutrients. • By adding sand or Gravel makes the substrate more permeable. |
| planting | • The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball. • Make sure there is sufficient planting distance. • The root ball of the sea lavender should be watered before planting.• Drainage in the floor prevents waterlogging. |
Planting sea lavender in a bucket - step by step
- Select planter
- Insert drainage into the bottom of the vessel
- Prepare substrate
- Fill the planter one third with substrate
- Insert plant
- fill up remaining substrate
- Press plant
- Create pouring rim
- Water the plant sufficiently
The planter should not only have a sufficient diameter, but also be correspondingly deep, because the sea lavender also wants to develop its taproots in the bucket. It is also important that the planter has sufficient drainage holes. Waterlogging occurs particularly quickly in planters. Therefore, do not use any saucers or similar, because the water accumulates there and the roots are attacked. Before planting, drainage made of gravel, sand or lava rock is placed in the bottom of the container. Place a permeable piece of fleece over it. One third of the substrate can now be filled in.
➔ Tip: You can use conventional potting soil. The substrate is usually pre-fertilized. through theAdding sand makes the soil more permeable and the nutrients are less concentrated.
After inserting the plant, press down the substrate well and water the sea lavender sufficiently. A pouring rim ensures that the water does not spill over.