Sea Lavender

Sea lavender, widely grown under the name Limonium latifolium, forms a basal rosette of broad green leaves and airy, branching sprays of tiny lavender-blue flowers. Kew accepts Limonium coriarium and lists L. latifolium as a synonym; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/534871/limonium-coriarium/details) also treats them as the same plant. In a Chicago garden, it reaches about 18–30 inches tall with a 12–18 inch spread, and flowers in summer. ## Garden Use The fine-textured flower sprays rise above the foliage like a soft blue-purple haze. Use it in sunny perennial borders, gravel gardens, and coastal-style plantings, or grow it for fresh and dried arrangements. Its compact foliage mound contrasts well with upright grasses and bold-leaved perennials. The [Lurie Garden profile](https://www.luriegarden.org/plants/sea-lavender/) describes peak flowering in late summer and lists it for border-edge texture; the [Chicago Botanic Garden record](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/limonium-latifolium-sea-lavender) notes July–August bloom. ## Growing Conditions Give sea lavender full sun and sharply drained soil; sandy or stony ground suits it, and the RHS notes that this species tolerates dry sites. Avoid heavy, wet soil. A moderate watering during establishment helps roots settle; once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. Its spreading flower panicles are more prominent than the low rosette, so leave room for air around the plant. ## Maintenance After flowering, cut spent stalks back to the foliage. Keep the basal leaves until they die back naturally, and divide established clumps in spring if they become crowded or you want additional plants.