Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima

Tufted blooms cluster like pink clouds over coastal dunes. Evergreen herbaceous perennial; common name: sea thrift.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial sun; tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
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Watering Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands cool coastal temperatures and light frost
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear, evergreen basal leaves forming tight, grass-like tufts
  • Flower: Globular clusters of tiny pink (rarely white) flowers atop slender, leafless stalks
  • Stem: Rigid, green flowering stems rising 15–30 cm above foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 6 weeks. Use low-strength fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to improve soil structure and add calcium
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage prolonged blooming through early summer
  • Trim back brown, damaged foliage in early spring to refresh dense tufts
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigor
  • Remove any yellowing basal leaves to improve airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for coastal gardens; rockery plant; cut flower for small arrangements