Wormwood sea-blite Plant Care

Wormwood sea-blite (Suaeda vermiculata) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Suaeda genus.

Wormwood sea-blite displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wormwood sea-blite produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wormwood sea-blite every 7–14 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.

Wormwood sea-blite thrives in full sun.

Suaeda vermiculata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Wormwood sea-blite prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with high salinity tolerance. Good drainage is essential for Wormwood sea-blite to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wormwood sea-blite 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 and well-draining sandy soil with high salinity tolerance. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wormwood sea-blite is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Wormwood sea-blite can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Wormwood sea-blite 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.

Wormwood sea-blite is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Wormwood sea-blite can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sea blite plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Wormwood sea-blite 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.

Wormwood sea-blite grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Wormwood sea-blite as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.