About

A hairless native perennial commonly known as rock samphire or sea fennel, reaching 40cm in height bearing umbels of greeny yellow flowers from April to September. It is succulent in nature with leaves triangular in cross section.

About the genus

Crithmum are low-growing annuals or perennials reaching around 30cm in height. They have woody stalks with fleshy, divided leaves and white to greenish-yellow flowers. Plants within the genus are often used for their trailing habit or ground cover.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationNaturally occurs in coastal grassland, and rocky cliff places
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free