Frankenia thymifolia
Sea heath, Thyme leaved sea heath
Also known as Frankenia reuteri
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A delicate little sea green plant. It has tiny oblong leaves with the edges rolled under, making them appear even tinier. The foliage mat is dotted by little light pinkish purple flowers held on short slender stalks that nod and move in the summer breezes. The overall effect of this plant is softly pretty with leaves creating a crisp starry looking texture especially effective when draped over rocks or walls where the leaves are thrown into a shadowed relief. The Alpine Encyclopedia notes that many of the Frankenia species benefit from a dressing of sea salt. This stands around 30cm (12in) in height with an equivalent spread.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Rock garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.