Greater sea spurrey (Spergularia media)
Care, watering, light and tips for Greater sea spurrey on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Greater sea spurrey
Spergularia media, commonly known as havbendel, is a small perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, characterized by its linear leaves and small, pale pink to white flowers. It grows in low, spreading mats, making it ideal for ground cover in coastal gardens or rockeries, adding a delicate and natural touch. Its resistance to saline conditions makes it an excellent choice for environments near the sea.
Native range
Coasts of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun or partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. It prefers sandy, well-drained, and slightly saline soils, though it tolerates a variety of substrates as long as drainage is excellent; waterlogging is its main enemy. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and it's important to avoid over-fertilization, as it is a plant adapted to poor soils.
How to save a dying Greater sea spurrey
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, soft stems. May turn reddish due to water stress or salinity.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, aerate soil. If dry, water moderately. Move out of direct sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, causing root rot. Also tolerates extreme heat and direct sun poorly.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Requires quick action on watering and location.