Frankenia laevis is a versatile alternative to grass with many benefits: it thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and is resistant to salt spray and extremely cold temperatures. It grows to a maximum height of 4 cm, so you can say goodbye to your lawnmower!
Our groundcovers require over 80% less watering and maintenance than a traditional lawn. Try it to believe it!
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Format
Half tray of 30 plants (3 m²)
Tray of 60 plants (6 m²)
Cell diameter: 5 cm
Family
Frankeniaceae
Type
Groundcover
Foliage
Green (red during winter)
Flower colour
Pale pink
Flowering period
May, June
Cold resistance
-15°C
Drought resistance
High
Salt spray resistance
Yes
Tread resistance
Moderate
Maximum height
4 cm
Exposure
Full sun, partial shade
DESCRIPTION OF FRANKENIA LAEVIS
Frankenia laevis is a hardy, unobtrusive groundcover. Between May and June, it is covered with pale pink flowers, and for the rest of the year, it retains a dense emerald-green carpet.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FRANKENIA LAEVIS
Among our alternative groundcovers, Frankenia laevis is by far the most adaptable in terms of light exposure: it thrives equally well in full sun and in shadier areas. It is ideal for filling the gaps between the joints of paths and walkways, as it will always remain very low and will not overgrow the paving.
Frankenia laevis is also one of the hardiest groundcovers in low temperatures: it can withstand temperatures down to -15°C! Although it is not an evergreen, this groundcover will surprise you in extremely cold weather: its tiny leaves will take on a distinctive reddish colour that will add a unique touch to your garden.
As for possible combinations, Frankenia laevis pairs very well with Verbena hybrida and Achillea crithmifolia. Remember that a varied groundcover tends to be more resistant and adaptable!
PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
As with most alternative groundcovers, the best time to plant Frankenia laevis is in early autumn. This allows you to make the most of the water provided by the approaching rainy season, although planting in spring is also suitable for the harmonious growth of the plants. If you plant the groundcover in spring, you will need to allow for a few extra waterings during the first summer to support the plants as they establish.
By following our recommended planting density (10 plants per square metre), the Frankenia groundcover will form a uniform cover within 8–12 months.
During the establishment phase, the groundcover will need to be watered infrequently but with abundant water. The frequency of watering Frankenia laevis during this initial phase should be assessed independently, ensuring that the soil is completely dry at a depth of 8–10 cm.
Once the groundcover has been established for one year, watering can be limited to once (or at most twice) a year. As for the maintenance of Frankenia laevis, we recommend cutting it 2 to 4 times a year.
FRANKENIA LAEVIS FOR SALE
Frankenia laevis is sold in trays of 60 cells. For optimal coverage, we recommend a density of 10 plants per square metre, so each tray is designed to cover 6 m².
You can achieve the area you need by combining 6 m² trays and half trays of 3 m² (30 plants). Remember that for areas larger than 100 m², we provide custom quotes tailored to your needs!
All you need is a tape measure and five minutes. Here’s how to figure out how many square meters (m²) you need for your lawn.
1. Measure the area to cover
Rectangle or square: length × width. Example: 5 m × 4 m = 20 m².
Triangle: base × height ÷ 2. Example: 6 m × 3 m ÷ 2 = 9 m².
Round flowerbed: radius × radius × 3.14. Example: 2 m radius → 2 × 2 × 3.14 = 12.5 m².
2. Irregularly shaped garden?
Divide it into rectangles and triangles, calculate each section, and add the results together. Then subtract areas that do not need to be planted: paths, patios, pools, and shrub beds.
3. Tools to help you
Tape measure or measuring wheel: the most accurate method, preferably with two people.
Google Maps on a computer: right-click on the garden → "Measure distance", then click along the edge until you close the shape. Google will show you the area in m².
Phone measurement app: iPhones have "Measure", and on Android you can find measurement apps that use the camera. Great for a quick estimate.
House floor plan: it often already includes the garden measurements.
By pacing it out: an adult step measures about 0.75 m. Useful for an initial calculation, but check it with a tape measure afterward.
4. Round up
Add an extra 5–10% for edges, curves, and small measurement errors. Then choose the next larger size or combine multiple sizes.
Example: 7 × 3 m garden = 21 m², minus a 1 × 3 m path = 18 m². With an extra 10%, you get about 20 m²: choose 24 m² or combine 12 + 6 + 3 m².
Still have questions?
Send us the measurements or a photo of the garden from the Contact page, or message us on WhatsApp: we’ll help you choose the right quantity.
Quick attachment
In bloom from April to October
Does not attract bees
Walkable and moderately passable by vehicles
Frankenia laevis is a versatile alternative to grass with many benefits: it thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and is resistant to salt spray and extremely cold temperatures. It grows to a maximum height of 4 cm, so you can say goodbye to your lawnmower!
Our groundcovers require over 80% less watering and maintenance than a traditional lawn. Try it to believe it!
Among our alternative groundcovers, Frankenia laevis is by far the most adaptable in terms of light exposure: it does equally well in both full sun and in more shaded areas. It is ideal for filling the spaces between the joints of paths and walkways, because it will always remain very low and will not overgrow the paving.
Frankenia laevis is also one of the hardiest groundcovers in low temperatures: just think that it can withstand down to -15°C! Although it is not an evergreen, this groundcover will surprise you in case of very intense cold: its tiny leaves will take on a very distinctive reddish color that will give a unique touch to your garden.
As for possible combinations, Frankenia laevis pairs very well with Verbena hybrida and Achillea crithmifolia. Don't forget that a variegated groundcover tends to be more resistant and adaptable!
As with most alternative lawns, the best time to plant Frankenia laevis is in early autumn. This choice allows you to make the most of the water provided by the approaching rainy season, but planting in spring is also suitable for the even growth of the young plants. If you plant the lawn in spring, you will need to allow for a little extra watering during the first summer to support the young plants as they establish.
By following our recommended planting density of 10 plants per square metre), the Frankenia lawn will fill in evenly within 8–12 months.
While establishing, the lawn will need to be watered infrequently but with plenty of water. During this initial stage, you should assess the watering needs of the Frankenia laevis yourself, ensuring that the soil is completely dry at a depth of 8–10 cm.
Once the lawn is a year old, watering can be limited to once (or at most twice) a year. As for maintaining the Frankenia laevis, we recommend mowing 2 to 4 times a year.
Frankenia laevis is sold in 60-cell trays. For optimal coverage, we recommend a density of 10 plants per square meter, so each tray is designed to cover 6 m².
You can cover the area you need by combining 6 m² trays and half trays of 3 m² (30 plants). Remember that for areas over 100 m², we provide custom quotes tailored to your needs!
Shipping
Italy: delivery within 48/72 hours of shipping.
International: delivery within a maximum of 5 days.
We ship from Monday to Wednesday: so that the plants only travel on weekdays and do not sit in the courier's warehouses over the weekend. Orders received from Thursday to Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.
Packaging designed for live plants, to ensure they arrive in good condition.
When you receive the delivery or hold-for-collection notice, please collect the package as soon as possible: plants suffer if they remain closed in the box for too long.
Returns and damaged plants
Right of withdrawal within 14 days of receipt, as provided for by the Consumer Code. The product must be returned intact and in its original packaging; return shipping costs are borne by the customer.
Plant arrived damaged? Please let us know within 7 days of receipt, with a few photos of the plant and the packaging: we will assess a replacement or refund together.
Treat yourself to a wildflower lawn that requires very little water and maintenance!
A traditional lawn is a fragile monoculture: it drinks thousands of liters of water every summer, needs mowing every week, and turns yellow as soon as you neglect it. An alternative lawn turns this logic on its head: instead of grasses, we use Mediterranean groundcovers selected in our nursery—low-growing, dense, and hardy plants born for hot, dry climates.
The result is a green, walkable carpet that blooms for months, withstands drought, salt spray, and frost, and reduces watering and maintenance by 80%. It is not an aesthetic compromise: it is a more beautiful, more vibrant lawn that is kinder to the environment.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG ROOT SYSTEM
Its strength? Its roots
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The 4 steps for planting
FIRST STEP
Prepare the soil
Prepare the soil by removing weeds and loosening the top 25–30 cm
STEP 2
Divide the seedlings
Remove the tray and separate the seedlings with a knife or scissors
STEP 3
Make them your home
Space 10 seedlings per m². Plant them well, making sure to cover the entire growing medium.
STEP 4
Irrigation
Water thoroughly until the soil is saturated.
The land
Divide the seedlings
Make them your own
Irrigation
Alternative Lawn vs. Traditional Lawn
Why our alternative lawns are so special
Alternative Lawns
Traditional lawn
Irrigation
1-2 times a year
3-5 times a week
Haircuts
2-6 times a year
About 1 every two weeks.
Flowering
2 months
None
Walkability
High
High
Fun facts and much more about our alternative lawns
Technical Data Sheet
Everything you need to know about the Frankenia laevis lawn
Format
Half tray of 30 plugs (3 sqm)
Tray of 60 plugs (6 sqm)
Cell diameter: 5 cm
Store owner replied:
Grazie per la recensione! Siamo felici di sapere che è soddisfatto. Ci tenga aggiornati sui risultati se le va e per qualsiasi dubbio o domanda non esiti a contattarci, saremo felici di poterla aiutare!
benissimo! piantine sorpredenti nell'aspetto ed in ottima salute. Complimenti.
Piante arrivate in ottimo state, sono state messe a dimora, sono vive. Ora aspetto solo che si espandono sul terreno e lo tappezzino. La persona che mi fa i lavori" Giardino su misura" farà una storia su Istagram quando le piante tra qualche mese avranno tappezzato parte del giardino.
Grazie
piantine perfettamente confezionate e integre. messe a dimora dopo 3 giorni sembra attecchiscano bene con i consigli forniti dall'assistenza. Prezzo apparentemente eccessivo ma plateau generoso per numero di piantine. Franchenia laevis appare più forte rispetto alla Erigeron karvinskianus ma da verificare nel tempo, anche in relazione alla capacità di propagarsi, che spero sia efficiente. molto soddisfatto finora
All plants arrived in excellent health and planted immediately in November (Sardinia). Despite the plants not having ideal growing conditions (very compacted, saline top soil, frequent footsteps, planted further apart than the recommended distances and four large dogs doing various dog activities over them), the plants are extremely resilient and have taken well. We have lost a few plants but only because the aforementioned dogs dug them up. Excellent product and I'll buy again when finances permit.
Queste piantine di Frankenia sono arrivate sane e ben confezionate. Non sono soddisfatta della piantumazione autunnale. Non sono cresciute per nulla. Per converso piantai la Lippia in marzo e in 2mesi avevo già un prato meraviglioso. Spero nella primavera.
Spedizione veloce e piantine super. Spedizione veloce e piantine perfettamente imballate. Disponibilità e rapidità nelle risposte anche via WhatsApp. Apprezzate le numerose risorse video sia sul sito sia quelle inviate via email come tutorial per la messa a dimora. Rapporto qualità/prezzo imbattibile, per il prato da me scelto.
E’ la seconda volta che acquisto l’anno scorso alcune piantine erano morte ma effettivamente ho piantato l’erba il giorno successivo all’arrivo e ho pensato fosse quella la causa ma ieri ho ricevuto il pacco e ho provveduto immediatamente a piantarla però purtroppo alcune piantine non promettono per niente bene. Sono solo radici e comunque le piante arrivano con le radici separate ma i rametti sono tutti ingarbugliati il che rende difficile separarle senza danneggiarle… stiamo a vedere quante si salvano
Ottimo. Ho tanto apprezzato la cortesia verso il cliente e la totale disponibilità nel trovare una soluzione ad un inconveniente che, ahimè, può capitare. Amo la natura e le piante e credo proprio che ricomprerò su questo sito. Consigliato.
Quello che Botanicaldrygarden promette lo mantiene. Le piantine ordinate arrivano ben imballate e tutte sane. Il prato si è costituito e gode di ottima salute
Ho scelto e piantato Frankenia. Grazie alle utili indicazioni mi è stato possibile scegliere la piantina più adatta al mio giardinetto. La consegna e' avvenuta nei tempi previsti.
Unici. Sono anni che compro le piante da Botanical Dry Garden con grandiosi risultati. Ho un giardino invidiato da tutti e praticamente non innaffiato. E i loro prati? Incredibili! Davvero grazie!
Prato. Spedizione veloce e imballaggio perfetto. Piantine belle e sane. Nel tempo potrò valutare la crescita, per ora sono un po’ rade, forse ne dovevo piantare di più?
