Limonium californicum (California Sea Lavender)

Limonium californicum (California Sea Lavender) is a tough evergreen perennial or rounded subshrub sporting large clusters of tiny flowers with lavender to white petals. They are borne on stiff branching stems, well above the basal rosette of thick, leathery, oval leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Blooming from mid-summer to winter, California Sea Lavender is a plant of coastal habitats such as beaches, salt marshes, and coastal prairie, and other sandy saline and alkaline habitat such as playas. The dry, papery petals retain their color well, making them a good choice for dried arrangements. Ideal for seaside gardens, near wet areas such as dune swales and ponds near the coast.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in constantly moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates salt spray.
• No serious insect or disease problems.
• A welcomed addition to Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, and bog gardens, near ponds and streams.
• Native to western North America from Oregon to Baja California, with occasional sightings in Nevada and Arizona.