Honckenya peploides

RHS Plant Profile
sea sandwort

Other common names

sea chickweed, sea pimpernel, sea purslane, tywodlys arfor

Herbaceous Perennial

Spreading succulent perennial about 20cm tall and 1m wide. Forms mounds of yellowish-green pointed leaves in pairs close behind each other along the creeping stems and 5-petalled, white flowers with yellow green sepals to 8mm across are produced singly above the leaves, from late spring to late summer, followed by yellow-green seed capsules that ripen from midsummer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained, light, sandy soil in full sun. Ideal for coastal locations, said to help stabilise sand dunes

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings (stem-tip) and layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free