Johnston's sea-heath Plant Care

Johnston's sea-heath (Frankenia johnstonii) belongs to the Frankeniaceae family within the Frankenia genus. Johnston's sea-heath is native to southern Texas in the United States and northern Nuevo León in Mexico.

Johnston's sea-heath displays a low mat-forming shrub growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Johnston's sea-heath produces small pink or white flowers.

Johnston's sea-heath thrives in full sun.

Sandy, well-draining soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Johnston's sea-heath to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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.

Prune Johnston's sea-heath 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.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Johnston's sea-heath can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smooth sea-heath plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Johnston's sea-heath 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.