Limonium axillare

Limonium axillare, also known as the Sea Lavender is a low growing, perennial shrub, but is generally used as a groundcover and makes a brilliant container plant for balconies. The plant gets to between 25 and 30 tall, depending on the environment, leaves are grey-green in color. This species of Limonium is also considered a UAE Native plant.

The plants flower for a reasonably long period between spring and autumn (although actual flowering time may vary depending on temperature), and its covered in masses of pale lilac blooms. The sepals that surround the flower are white, so as the flower spikes are formed they are covered with masses of closed white flowers, as the flowers open the plant is covered in lilac blooms, and then as the petals drop, the plant takes on a mixed lilac white appearance. During the flowering season, the plants will attract a multitude of bees and moths.

Limonium axillare is exceptionally hardy and is classified as a halophyte as it can grow in saline and soils as the leaves are able to expel accumulated salts (note the slightly grey/ white globules on the leaves). Plants are best located in bright, full sun and should not be kept as indoor plants,.

As a container plant, the best soil medium is a 90% sweet soil/ 10% compost mix. Watering, moderately, every second day; as an indicator the basal leaves will yellow quickly if the plant is being over-watered. Ensure that the container is at least 20 – 25cm in diameter, not smaller. In the garden, the plant will take the poorest soil types, including the local coastal (white/ grey) soil without any amendments.

As with most native plants do not use chemical fertilizers on this, as rapid changes to the soil's natural pH can damage the root system and cause the plant to die.

In Qatar, its often found naturally in coastal areas and areas where saline water accumulates, in the UAE this plant is less common due to encroaching development.