Spergularia rupicola
rock sea-spurrey
Overview
Spergularia rupicola is a cushion-forming, salt-tolerant perennial of the pink family, growing 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) tall and spreading 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) wide from a woody-based rootstock. The stems are reddish, glandular-hairy, and densely branched, carrying fleshy, narrowly cylindrical leaves 0.2–0.6 inch (5–15 mm) long arranged in opposite clusters with silvery papery stipules at the nodes. From June to September it produces five-petaled flowers about 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) across, with deep pink petals roughly equal to the green sepals, borne in loose terminal clusters. The plant roots in rock crevices, cliff ledges, and the tops of sea walls along exposed Atlantic coasts, where it withstands salt spray, wind, and thin, sharply drained substrates. Its succulent foliage stores water, allowing it to persist through summer drought on sun-baked rock. It is intolerant of shade, fertile soils, and prolonged waterlogging, and is rarely grown away from coastal or rock-garden conditions. Plants are short-lived but self-seed where the substrate stays open and gritty.
Native Range
Spergularia rupicola is native to the Atlantic coasts of western Europe, from Britain and Ireland south through western France to Portugal and Spain. It grows on maritime cliffs, rocky shores, and old sea walls within reach of salt spray.Suggested Uses
Used in coastal gardens, rock gardens, troughs, and dry stone walls where drainage is sharp and exposure is high. Suited to seaside plantings that receive direct salt spray.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to September, with peak bloom in July and August. The pink flowers close in dull weather and open fully in midday sun. Flowering is followed by small three-valved capsules releasing numerous seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to reddish-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on thin, gritty, sharply drained soils, including sand, rock crevices, and chalk or limestone. Salt spray and coastal wind are tolerated, and established plants withstand extended summer drought once rooted. Waterlogged or fertile soils shorten the plant's life and cause weak, open growth. In gardens it suits raised beds, troughs, and rock gardens where drainage is unimpeded. Watering is rarely needed once the plant is established. It is hardy to roughly 10°F (-12°C) in zones 7 to 9.Pruning
No routine pruning is required. Spent flowering stems can be trimmed after seeding to keep the cushion compact. Self-sown seedlings transplant readily while small.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing