Limonium tetragonum
Limonium tetragonumfam. Caryophyllaceae
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Pl. 7965 — Limonium tetragonum
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IOverview
Overview
Limonium tetragonum, commonly known as sea lavender, is a biennial forb or herb native to Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, New Caledonia, Primorye, Alabama, and Bermuda. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with an optimal pH between 6 and 8.5. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and grows to a height of about 0.5 meters. Known for its ornamental value, sea lavender also has edible leaves that can be used in culinary applications. Its distinctive feature includes the four-sided stems, which are a hallmark of the species.
Quick answers
What is Limonium tetragonum?
Limonium tetragonum, commonly known as sea lavender, is a biennial forb or herb native to Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, New Caledonia, Primorye, Alabama, and Bermuda. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with an optimal pH between 6 and 8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Limonium tetragonum thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8.5. It can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 5-9. This biennial plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and can be propagated through seeds. The edible leaves are often used in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
6–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Limonium tetragonum for the first time
8steps
Skip is a straightforward biennial plant for beginners, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container with drainage holes, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost for outdoor growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8.5; ensure containers are at least 10 inches wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before outdoor planting; transplant young plants carefully.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead flowers as needed to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flower heads to maintain plant health; cut back plants in late fall after the first frost.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight, sowing too early in spring.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Limonium tetragonum are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often used fresh or dried for culinary purposes. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable side dish. Skip the specific preparation method since it wasn't detailed in the provided data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)GeorgiaJapanSouth Korea
Oceania1 region
native (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Alabama, Bermuda, Delaware, Florida, Labrador, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Northeast, Mississippi, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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