alkali heath
Frankenia salina
USDA zones9 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 inches tall
- Habit
- Subshrub
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Alkali heath (Frankenia salina) is a perennial subshrub for ground cover, xeriscape, and low maintenance beds. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It tolerates salt and alkaline soil, so it suits salty spots where other plants struggle. Pink flowers appear in spring, summer, and autumn, and butterflies visit them.
Pairs well with Alkali sacaton, Allegheny monkeyflower, and Tuscan Blue rosemary.
Native range
CA.