Photo: Rupert ClaytonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sand Verbena Plant Care
Abronia maritima Nutt. ex S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This coastal beauty is known for its succulent, thick, grey-green leaves that form rosettes. Originally from the sandy shores of California, Abronia maritima is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in sandy, salty conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sand Verbena?
Water Sand Verbena every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sand Verbena Native To?
What Is the Sand Verbena?
Sand Verbena (Abronia maritima) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Abronia genus. Sand Verbena is native to the coastlines of southern California, including the Channel Islands, and northern Baja California. Sand Verbena is also known as Sea Sand Verbena.
Sand Verbena displays a low mat-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sand Verbena produces clusters of small, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sand Verbena?
Abronia maritima requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sand Verbena Need?
Sand Verbena thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sand Verbena Prefer?
Abronia maritima grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Sand Verbena prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sand Verbena?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Sand Verbena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sand Verbena?
Feed Sand Verbena every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sand Verbena?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sand Verbena?
Sand Verbena can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine sand verbena plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sand Verbena Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sand Verbena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sand Verbena?
Sand Verbena is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sand Verbena Need?
Sand Verbena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Sand Verbena is native to the coastlines of southern California, including the Channel Islands, and northern Baja California. In cooler regions, grow Sand Verbena as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sand Verbena is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Abronia genus — compare its care with other Abronia species on PlantoScan.
Abronia is part of the Nyctaginaceae plant family — browse all Nyctaginaceae genera and species.
Sand Verbena thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Abronia Species
Other Abronia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Abronia maritima Nutt. ex S.Watson, family Nyctaginaceae (first published in Bot. California 2: 44 (1880)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sand Verbena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Rupert Clayton, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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