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Armeria

Common name: Thrift · Sea pinks · Sea thrift

Armeria is a genus of evergreen, cushion-forming perennials in the plumbago family, native mainly to the coasts and mountains of Europe and the Mediterranean, with some species in the Americas. Plants form dense tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves and send up wiry stems topped by globular heads of pink, white, or red flowers from spring into summer. Tough, salt- and drought-tolerant, they are grown as edging, rock garden, and seaside plants, and do well in containers.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; tolerates light shade but flowers less
Water Water sparingly; drought-tolerant once established, keep dry in winter
Soil Sandy or gritty, sharply drained, low-fertility soil; dislikes rich, wet clay
Hardiness Zones 4–8
Mature height 15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Pet safe Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; generally considered safe for cats and dogs
Propagation By division in spring or autumn, or from seed or basal cuttings

Fun facts

  • Armeria maritima is the official flower of the Faroe Islands.
  • The common name thrift is said to come from the plant's ability to thrive in poor, salty soil where little else grows.
  • Sea thrift often colonizes coastal cliffs and salt marshes and tolerates direct salt spray.
  • Its dense cushions were once used to edge the cliffs and turf of traditional cottage gardens.

The Armeria Patch

1 on xylery

Sodfather MM Looking a bit dramatic after repotting, but hanging in there. Sodfather MM Trimmed and tidied this morning. Sodfather MM New growth everywhere after the feed.
Browse all 1 plants

Common problems

    • Plant in gritty free-draining soil
    • Avoid mulching over the crown
    • Water sparingly in winter
    • Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring
    • Replant vigorous outer sections only
    • Discard the woody dead center
    • Replant divisions promptly into fresh soil
    • Remove infected leaves promptly
    • Space plants for good airflow
    • Avoid overhead watering
    • Move plant into full sun
    • Give at least six hours of direct sun
    • Cut back overhanging neighboring plants