Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) is a compact, evergreen perennial boasting round clusters of pink to lavender (or sometimes white) flowers borne atop slender stalks that rise well above the foliage. Blooming profusely in mid to late spring, sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer.
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) is a compact, evergreen perennial boasting round clusters of pink to lavender (or sometimes white) flowers borne atop slender stalks that rise well above the foliage. Blooming profusely in mid to late spring, sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer. Sea Thrift forms a dense, mounded tuft of grass-like, dark green leaves that will spread slowly. A charming little plant that is ridiculously easy to grow and is perfect for edging walks or borders. The flowers can be used as cut flowers too.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm). Clumps will spread slowly and will need dividing only when the plant centers become bare.
- Best in full sun, in infertile, dry, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade. In richer soils the leaves tend to fall outwards leaving an open center. Drought tolerant once established.
- Virtually disease and pest free, it is deer resistant and attracts bees and butterflies.
- A great perennial plant for edging, border fronts, rock gardens, coastal gardens or massed as a ground cover for small spots.
- Deadheading may produce a second flush of flowers.
- Propagate by seed, division or basal cuttings
- Native to Europe, North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Armeria – Thrifts |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 6″ – 12″ (15cm – 30cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom, United States, Alaska, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |