Sea Purslane

Sea Purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum) is a low, spreading coastal succulent that grows only about 20cm high but can cover 2m across. Branching red stems carry long fleshy leaves and pink starry flowers, and it grows happily in sand, salty marshland and frontline coastal positions. It is native to many frost free parts of the world, including Australia.

Why you'll love it

• Salt, sand and wind. It grows on sand, salt marsh and beachfront sites that burn most garden plants.
• It holds ground. Spreading stems knit loose sand and soil together, which is why it is used for erosion control on dunes and banks.
• Red stems, pink stars. Branching red stems, fleshy green leaves and pink starry flowers add colour to a groundcover.
• Edible leaves. The salty, fleshy leaves are edible, eaten raw, lightly steamed or pickled.
• Hardy and waterwise. Drought tolerant once established, it manages on little water.

Where it works best

Coastal gardens and dunes. Plant 60cm apart along the front of a seaside garden, where the stems will link into a mat in the salt wind.

Slopes and erosion control. On sandy banks and slopes, the spreading stems help bind the surface. Plant 60cm apart and mulch between plants.

Rockeries and waterwise beds. It spills over rocks and the rims of large pots in a dry, sunny bed.

Growing Sea Purslane in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the best colour and a compact shape. It suits frost free tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, especially near the coast. Frost damages it, so in colder districts grow it in a pot that you can move under cover.

Soil. Free draining soil. It grows in sand, salty marshland and frontline coastal positions, so poor, sandy or salty ground is no problem.

Water and feed. Water until established, usually about 12 weeks, then only when the soil is dry. Keep it in sun for at least part of the day.

Pruning. Trim stems that wander beyond their patch. There is no need for regular pruning.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sea Purslane as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a long dune edge or bank, while the 140mm pots cover ground sooner. Plant out promptly, water in well and keep the soil moist while it takes hold.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• More groundcover plants
• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Bush tucker plants for the home garden

Common questions

Can I eat Sea Purslane?

The leaves are edible, with a salty flavour, and can be eaten raw, lightly steamed or pickled. If you plan to eat it, grow it away from roads and keep it unsprayed.

How far will it spread?

A single plant can cover about 2m, so give it room or plant it where it can fill a bank or garden bed.

Will it grow away from the coast?

It is happiest near the coast, but sun and free draining soil are what it really needs, so it can also work in warm inland waterwise beds. Frost will damage it.