Overview
Spergularia purpurea is a plant with a spreading habit in the genus Spergularia, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with green foliage. Spergularia purpurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, gravel gardens, dry borders and between paving stones.
About
Spergularia purpurea is a spreading cultivar of the genus Spergularia, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It features green foliage and thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, exposed position. This plant prefers dry, neutral sandy soils that are fertile and well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, dry borders, and planting between paving stones. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, and it can be propagated from seed.
About the genus
Spergularia is a genus in the family Caryophyllaceae, containing salt-tolerant plants known as sandspurrys and sea-spurreys. There are about 60 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Spergularia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spergularia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spergularia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Spergularia purpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Spreading
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Rock gardens, gravel gardens, dry borders, between paving stones
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spergularia purpurea
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spergularia purpurea?
Spergularia purpurea prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Spergularia purpurea need?
Spergularia purpurea grows best in sand soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Spergularia purpurea hardy in the UK?
Spergularia purpurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Spergularia purpurea?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.