Sea Thrift

(Armeria maritima)

Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Armeria maritima, commonly known as Sea Thrift, is an evergreen perennial herb native to coastal regions, including sea cliffs, alpine grasslands, and sandy beaches in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters), forming dense, mounded tufts. Sea Thrift is characterized by its grass-like foliage and round clusters of small, vibrant pink, red, or white flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and continue into summer, providing a long season of visual interest.

Sea Thrift is valued for its low maintenance, tolerance to salt spray, and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, rockeries, and xeriscapes. It is also used in border fronts, edgings, and as ground cover. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils, and once established, it is drought-tolerant. While it is generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Sea Thrift is also suitable for container planting, where its compact size and showy flowers can be appreciated up close.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal regions, including sea cliffs, alpine grasslands, and sandy beaches

Other Names

Common Names: Marsh Daisy , Sea Cushion , Sea Daisy , Thrift Seapink , Sea Pink , Labrador Sea Thrift , Foxflower , Western Thrift , Engelskgræs , Gemeine Grasnelke

Scientific Names: Armeria maritima , Armeria maritima var. maritima , Armeria vulgaris var. maritima , Armeria pubigera subsp. depilata , Armeria maritima subsp. depilata , Statice vulgaris , Armeria maritima var. linkii , Armeria maritima var. pubigera , Armeria arctica , Armeria intermedia

GBIF Accepted Name: Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd.