Limonium carolinianum (Carolina Sea Lavender)

Limonium carolinianum (Carolina Sea Lavender) is a slow-growing perennial boasting attractive sprays of tiny papery purple flowers with white bracts that often last longer than the flowers. Blooming in a cloud in summer, they add a soft haze and airy touch to the garden. They are borne on erect, stiff, highly branched stems that rise from a basal rosette of large, leathery, ovate, dark green leaves, 7-8 in. long (17-20 cm).

Limonium carolinianum (Carolina Sea Lavender) is a slow-growing perennial boasting attractive sprays of tiny papery purple flowers with white bracts that often last longer than the flowers. Blooming in a cloud in summer, they add a soft haze and airy touch to the garden. They are borne on erect, stiff, highly branched stems that rise from a basal rosette of large, leathery, ovate, dark green leaves, 7-8 in. long (17-20 cm). Their dry, papery petals retain their color well, making them an excellent choice for fresh-cut flowers or dried arrangements. Attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, Sea lavender is a native perennial of brackish or salt marshes and flats, coastal beaches, and marshes of eastern North America. It is relatively easy to cultivate, with few cultural needs. Wet soil and salt tolerant, it is a suitable choice for coastal gardens.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Specimens may vary greatly in size and vigor depending upon growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun in consistently moistwell-drained soils.
  • A welcomed addition to informal gardens, coastal gardens, or native plant gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seed or division in spring. Seed is the easiest form of propagation.
  • Native to Eastern Canada, east coast of U.S.A., Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 11

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Limonium – Sea Lavender
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Salt, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage