Sea Lavender, Mediterranean sea lavender, Common Privet
Limonium vulgare

Family: Plumbaginaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Vase.

Limonium vulgare is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees, wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Muddy salt marshes, avoiding shade.

Western and southern Europe, including Britain, N. Africa, N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots are decongestant and depurative. They are used in the treatment of consumption with haemorrhage.

Decongestant: Removes phlegm and mucous, especially from the respiratory system.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Other

Rating:

The plant repels moths. The root is a source of tannin.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Hedge, Screen, Superior hedge. Succeeds in light dry soils. Tolerates maritime exposure. A good bee plant. Special Features: Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very difficult. Root cuttings in late autumn or winter.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Statice limonium