Armeria maritima
Common name: Thrift · Sea pink · Sea thrift
Armeria maritima is a compact evergreen perennial native to the coastal cliffs, salt marshes and alpine meadows of Europe and the Pacific coast of North America. It forms dense, tufted cushions of narrow, grass-like leaves, and in late spring it sends up wiry stems topped with globular, pom-pom heads of pink to white flowers. Its toughness against salt spray, wind and drought makes it a favourite of seaside gardens, rock gardens and border edging.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun; flowers poorly in shade
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water sparingly and never let the crown sit wet
Soil
Gritty, sharply drained, low-humus mix; rots in rich or waterlogged soil
Hardiness
Zones 4–8
Mature height
15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Pet safe
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; generally considered safe around cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
By division in spring or from seed; basal cuttings also root readily
Fun facts
- It is the county flower of the Isles of Scilly and the official flower of the Faroe Islands.
- The name "thrift" refers to its thrifty ability to thrive in poor, thin soils where little else grows.
- Thrift once appeared on the reverse of the British threepence coin issued from 1937 until 1967.
- Its cushion-forming habit and leathery leaves are adaptations to the wind-battered, salt-laden cliffs it calls home.