What is it like and what is the care for Lobularia maritima?

It is a perfect plant to have on the patio, in a pot or better in a planter so that it can grow better. In summer their white flowers sprout at the end of their stems, attracting pollinating insects but also the gaze of curious humans. Its scientific name is lobularia maritimaalthough the name alder de mar may sound more familiar to you.

It is a herb that, despite its short life, produces so many flowers and is so easy to care that We cannot stop recommending it to you.

Origin and characteristics of lobularia maritima

Our protagonist is a plant that generally lives for about 5 years, but in cold climates it only lives for a few months, until winter arrives. Grows between 10 and 30 centimeters in heightand develops green linear leaves about 5 centimeters long, which are covered with very short white hairs.

The lobularia maritimabefore call Alyssum maritime, blooms during the warm spring and summer months. Its flowers are white or lilac, each one centimeter in diameter, and are grouped in elongated inflorescences. As for the fruit, it is rounded, brown when ripe, and contains the seeds inside.

It is native to the Mediterranean region and Macaronesiabeing able to find so much in zones of low altitude as in the mountains.

What are the care it requires?

Sea alder is a fantastic plant that you can use to beautify your garden or patio for example. It is very adaptable, and since it is small and also multiplies very well by seeds, you are sure to enjoy it a lot.

Location

It is an herb that needs to be in direct sunlight. In this way, it will grow correctly and, also, bloom when the time is right. Taking into account its size, it is also important that if you want to put it in the ground, it is always planted in front of the large plants so that it can have a good development.

Earth

The ideal land for lobularia maritima is:

• If you will be in flower potwe will put a universal culture substrate that contains perlite (for sale here!).
• If you are going to be in the soilwe fear to make sure that the earth does not get waterlogged. One way to find out is by making a hole about 40 centimeters deep and wide, and then filling it with water. In the event that it takes more than half an hour to absorb it, it will be highly recommended to fill it with universal substrate.

Irrigation

The maritime alder is a plant that it has to be watered several times a week in summer. In this season the land dries quickly, so it is important to check the humidity from time to time, and water if we see that it is dry or almost dry. When in doubt it is always better to wait a bit before pouring water into it. Now, you should know that it is watered every two or three days.

During the rest of the year, as the temperatures are generally milder, the waterings must be spaced. So your roots can continue to be good.

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It is advisable to pay it in spring as well as in summer. The guano, the earthworm humus or fertilizers for flowering plants (on sale here!) are highly recommended for maritime alder. But in any case, the instructions for use on the container must be followed, as otherwise the roots could burn.

Pruning

The pruning of the Alyssum maritime consists of cutting the flowers that witherbut we do not advise doing it if you want the seeds to fall to the ground and germinate on their own in spring.

Of course, what must also be removed are the dried stems with clean and disinfected scissors. So it will look very pretty.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds throughout the spring. These are sown in pots, or in other seedbeds such as trays with holes in their base, with universal substrate. It is important that they are a little separated from each other so that they can grow in conditions, and that they are not too buried because otherwise it will be difficult for them to germinate.

Once they are sown, they have to be put in a sunny place, and watered from time to time to prevent them from drying out.

Transplant

The lobularia maritima planted in the ground or in a new pot in spring. If you are going to have it in a container, it must have holes in its base. In this way, the water will not remain stagnant inside, something that would damage the roots.

Rusticity

It is a plant that supports frosts of up to -7ºCas well as heat of up to 40ºC if you have water.

What uses does it have?

Its main use is as an ornamental plant, although in herbalism it is also used as a diuretic.

The lobularia maritima It is a very pretty herb, don’t you think?