Also known as Sea Lavender · 147 saves
Limonium
Limonium, the genus most gardeners know as sea lavender. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Limonium varieties
2 species of Limonium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Limonium in Sow
Save the Limonium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Limonium
Whats common across all Limonium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Limonium year
- PlantApril, May, October and November100% of varieties
Transplant hardened seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Spring CleanupMarch67% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage and spent flower stems before new growth begins.
Do
- Grow in poor or average soil to maintain strong, upright stems.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Cut entire flower stalks at the base for fresh or dried arrangements.
- Water consistently during dry spells 💧
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients cause weak, floppy stems.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not overwater or use overhead irrigation that keeps the foliage wet.
What goes wrong with Limonium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth and flower stems, causing distorted leaves. | Knock them off with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage during hot, dry periods. | Blast the undersides of the leaves with a sharp stream of water or apply insecticidal soap if infestations persist. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Crown rot | Wilting and yellowing of the basal rosette, followed by decay at the soil line and plant death. | Plant in sharply draining sandy soil, elevate the crown slightly, and avoid overwatering. |
| Root rot | Stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and mushy, blackened roots due to waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage with sand or gravel and reduce watering frequency. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use fungicidal spray and improve air circulation |
Making more Limonium
Seed
- Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost.
- Maintain a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Provide bright light once seedlings emerge to prevent leggy growth.
- Acclimatize seedlings to outdoor conditions for a week before planting out after frost.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Insert into moist, well-draining soil mix.
- Maintain humidity and keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks.
Limonium questions
How many types of Limonium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Limonium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 147 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Limonium grow in?
Across its varieties, Limonium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Limonium bloom?
Most Limonium varieties bloom in mid to late summer, late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Limonium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.