Armeria, sea thrift

Armeria near the sea

Armeria, also called sea thrift, is a superb plant that makes for great lawns.

Armeria facts, a summary list

NameArmeria maritima
FamilyPlumbaginaceae
Type – perennial

Height – 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)
Exposure – full sun
Soil – rather acidic and well drained

Foliage – evergreen
Flowering – May to November

Since it is appreciated for its appealing blooming and the deep green of its leaves, Armeria is the ideal perennial for rocky ground and edges.

Planting, sowing armeria

Sowing armeria

The sowing of armeria or sea thrift is best done in spring, after any risk of freezing has disappeared.

  • Use soil mix blended in with heath soil.
  • Double-check that the substrate drains well.
  • Water regularly but not too much.
  • Transplant to the ground in the following fall.

Planting armeria

For specimens purchased in nursery pots, it is preferable to plant your armeria in spring or in fall in a sunny spot.

Out of these two seasons, simply avoid high temperatures to plant your sea thrift.

Pruning and caring for armeria

Uses, care and maintenance for armeriaIt isn’t really a requirement to prune.

Annual pruning is eventually possible at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring, proceed lightly in order to stimulate the blooming and keep the mounding shape.

All there is to know about the armeria

Armeria does well in draining soilThis perennial, native to Europe, propounds beautiful blooming for a large part of the year.

The pink of its flowers is highlighted by the intense green of its leaves, which makes it a remarkable and appreciated plant.

Sea thrift is a rock plant that is suited also to edges, and it is very often used for ground cover.

Some even use it as a flower-bearing lawn where regular grass has tried and failed to grow…

Armeria essentially grows along the coast, even in places where sea spray and wind usually make life tough for vegetation.

Smart tip about armeria

Full sun location is required to produce beautiful flowers.


Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois):
Sea thrift near the coast by Peter under Pixabay license
Boulders with armeria by Judy Dean under © CC BY 2.0
Cute armeria clump by xulescu_g under © CC BY-SA 2.0