Pink flowerheads carried over a low evergreen cushion of deep green leaves, rarely more than a foot high: this is sea thrift (Armeria maritima), a coastal perennial grown for rock gardens, edges, ground cover and even flowering lawns. Give it full sun and free-draining, rather acidic soil, and it blooms for a large part of the year.
| Name | Armeria maritima |
|---|---|
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Type | perennial |
| Height | 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Soil | rather acidic and well drained |
| Foliage | evergreen |
| Flowering | late spring to late autumn |
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.
The sowing of armeria or sea thrift is best done in spring, after any risk of freezing has disappeared.
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.
Armeria can be raised from seed, planted from nursery pots or split from an established clump, and each route has its own moment in the year. Use the table to find the job that matches the season you are in.
| Task | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing seed | Late spring, once frosts are over | Sow in a well-draining mix blended with heath soil and water regularly but sparingly |
| Transplanting seedlings | The following autumn | Move the young plants from their pots out into the ground |
| Planting pot-grown plants | Spring or autumn | Choose a sunny spot and avoid planting during high temperatures |
| Dividing clumps | Spring or autumn | Split the crown to make new plants |
| Pruning (optional) | Late winter to early spring | Trim lightly to encourage flowering and keep the mound tidy |
None of this is demanding: pruning in particular is a bonus rather than a chore.
It 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.
This 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.
Full sun location is required to produce beautiful flowers.
