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Description
Frankenia Laevis, also known as the sea heath, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Frankeniaceae family. It is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to the coasts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with a compact and rounded shape. The foliage is needle-like and gray-green in color, while the flowers are small and pink with five petals. Frankenia Laevis is a salt-tolerant plant that thrives in coastal environments with poor, sandy soil.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Frankeniaceae |
| Genus | Frankenia |
Appearance
Frankenia Laevis is a small and compact shrub that looks great in coastal gardens. The foliage is made up of small, needle-like leaves that are gray-green in color. The flowers are small and pink with five petals, and they bloom in summer and fall. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with a round and dense shape. Frankenia Laevis is an evergreen plant that retains its foliage all year round, adding color and texture to any garden.
Care Guide
Frankenia Laevis is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Frankenia Laevis is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage growth.- Soil: Frankenia Laevis prefers well-draining, sandy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and salt spray.- Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Frankenia Laevis is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Frankenia Laevis is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure to water only when the soil is completely dry. In addition, this plant can attract mealybugs and spider mites. To control these pests, use a mild insecticide or spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
Habitat
Frankenia Laevis is a coastal plant that grows naturally in sandy soils near the sea. It is found in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and it can tolerate salt spray and poor soil conditions. This plant is often used in coastal gardens and landscapes to add color and texture.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Frankenia Laevis grow in containers?
A: Yes, Frankenia Laevis can grow in containers. Make sure to use well-draining soil and water only when the soil is completely dry.
Q: Can Frankenia Laevis tolerate frost?
A: No, Frankenia Laevis is not frost-tolerant. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, which have mild winters.
Q: How often should I fertilize Frankenia Laevis?
A: Frankenia Laevis does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage growth.
Q: How tall can Frankenia Laevis grow?
A: Frankenia Laevis can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Frankenia Grandifolia- Frankenia Salina- Frankenia Pauciflora
References
– “Frankenia Laevis.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281082&isprofile=0&.- “Frankenia Laevis.” Gardening Know How. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/frankenia/growing-frankenia-plants.htm.- “Frankenia Laevis.” Plant Care Today. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/frankenia-laevis.html.
