Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Thrift (Armeria maritima).
This plant has several common names including: thrift, sea pink, cliff rose, cushion pink, lady’s cushion, lady’s pincushion, marsh daisy, sea gilliflower or sea grass.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: thrift, sea pink, cliff rose, cushion pink, lady’s cushion, lady’s pincushion, marsh daisy, sea gilliflower, sea grass
Scientific name: Armeria maritima
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Mat forming
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Ground Cover, Hedging & Screens
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Thrift (Armeria maritima) – Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Armeria to consider:
See all Armeria
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Thrift (Armeria maritima), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Armeria maritima likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Thrift (Armeria maritima) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Thrift (Armeria maritima) – Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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