Dune Cress Plant Care

Dune Cress (Cressa cretica) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Cressa genus. Dune Cress is native to northern and central Africa, southern Europe and western Asia, as well as parts of southeastern Asia and Australia. Dune Cress is also known as Mediterranean Saltwort.

Dune Cress displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dune Cress produces small white or pink funnel-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dune Cress every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dune Cress thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cressa cretica tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Dune Cress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dune Cress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dune Cress every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dune Cress is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dune Cress can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Dune Cress while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Dune Cress is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dune Cress can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cressa truxillensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dune Cress is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Dune Cress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Dune Cress is native to northern and central Africa, southern Europe and western Asia, as well as parts of southeastern Asia and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Dune Cress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.