Shrub
Beach Elder
Iva imbricata
Varieties We Carry
StandardIva imbricata
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$4.95
1 galFrom$7.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-4 feet × 2-4 feet
About Beach Elder
Seashore Elder (Iva imbricata) is a native coastal shrub found on barrier island dunes and beaches from Virginia to Texas, with fleshy, salt-tolerant succulent-like leaves and small inconspicuous flower heads. It is a critical dune stabilizer and is highly adapted to harsh coastal conditions including salt spray and shifting sand. Starting at $4.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Beach Elder (Seashore Elder) requires full sun and is ideally suited to NE Florida's coastal dune and barrier island environments. It is highly tolerant of salt spray and reflected heat, making it one of the most coastal-adapted native shrubs for zone 9b.
Water
Once established, Beach Elder is very drought tolerant and thrives on natural rainfall in coastal NE Florida. Do not overwater — it is adapted to dry, porous sandy soils and will decline with consistently wet roots.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in dry, well-drained sandy soil typical of NE Florida dunes and barrier islands. No supplemental fertilization is needed for established plants; excess nutrients can reduce its compact, wind-resistant form and coastal hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Beach Elder a good plant for St. Augustine?
Beach Elder is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.