My Garden
Sea Sandwort
Honckenya peploides
Honckenya peploides, commonly known as Sea Sandwort, is a low-growing perennial plant found in coastal regions. It forms dense mats with fleshy, rounded leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. It is well-adapted to sandy, salty environments and plays a role in stabilizing dunes.
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Culinary Usage | Edible plant | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 5 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: Wind | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: Watering at the base Frequency: Infrequent, only when the soil is extremely dry Notes: Sea Sandwort is drought-tolerant once established, avoid overwatering. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: Moderate Maintenance: No special methods are usually needed, as it thrives in coastal environments. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -10°C Max: 30°C | |
| Alternative Names | Honkenya peploides, Seabeach Sandwort, Seaside Sandplant, Sea Purslane, Sea-Chickweed, seaside sandwort |
American dune grass
Leymus mollis
Sea Sandwort and American Dune Grass share similar habitat preferences and can co-exist, providing mutual benefits in terms of dune stabilization and erosion control.
European marram grass
Calamagrostis arenaria
European Beachgrass is highly competitive and can outcompete Sea Sandwort for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, especially in disturbed coastal environments.
Slugs
Slugs can feed on the leaves of Sea Sandwort, leaving irregular holes and causing significant damage. They are most active during damp conditions, and the damage is more noticeable in shady areas.
Steps:
- For division, carefully separate established clumps in early spring or fall.
- Ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant the divisions in suitable coastal locations.
- For cuttings, take stem cuttings during the growing season.
- Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-draining sandy mix.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until roots develop.
Neem Oil
Neem oil can be used to control slugs, which can be a pest for Sea Sandwort.