Limonium ornatum
Limonium ornatum
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Pl. 6755 — Limonium ornatum
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IOverview
Overview
Limonium ornatum, commonly known as sea lavender, is a perennial forb or herb native to Morocco and introduced in several eastern and southern U.S. states including Alabama, Bermuda, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Labrador. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is known for its ornamental value due to its distinctive silvery-blue flowers and leaves, making it a popular choice in gardens and floral arrangements. The edible parts of the plant are its leaves, which can add a unique flavor to dishes. Limonium ornatum prefers a soil pH between 6 and 8.5 and is hardy in zones 8-11, reaching heights of up to 1 meter.
Quick answers
What is Limonium ornatum?
Limonium ornatum, commonly known as sea lavender, is a perennial forb or herb native to Morocco and introduced in several eastern and southern U.S. states including Alabama, Bermuda, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Labrador.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Limonium ornatum thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is well-draining but can tolerate a range of textures from light sandy to heavy clay. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6 and 8.5. This perennial grows up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in zones 8-11, making it suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or divide established plants in the spring. Harvest edible leaves as needed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Limonium ornatum for the first time
8steps
Start with Limonium ornatum by planting it in a sunny spot and providing well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, garden tools, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Ensure soil is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-8.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting deadheading.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Limonium ornatum are edible and can be used fresh or dried. They are typically prepared by washing thoroughly before consumption, either raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8.5, making it suitable for gardens where the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 27 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Bermuda, Delaware, Florida, Labrador, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mississippi, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, Mexico Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 67552426-fb59-45ec-8ccb-dba40b39d1a0
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