Armeria maritima aka Thrift Seapink

Taxonomy

Armeria maritima, also known as thrift, sea thrift, or sea pink, is a compact evergreen perennial that belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. This low-growing plant forms clumps and produces long stems that bear vibrant globes of bright pink flowers, although purple, white, or red flowers may also be present. It is a popular choice for gardens and is cultivated as both a garden and cut flower, having been distributed worldwide. Thrift thrives in xeriscapes or rock gardens and is an excellent plant for attracting pollinating insects. With its linear, grass-like leaves, it adds a touch of color to any garden or home. Native to northern Europe, North America, and Asia, this plant blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing its small clusters of pink, magenta, or white flowers. Its adaptability and ease of growth make it a favorite among experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

Common names

Thrift Seapink, Thrift, Marsh Daisy

How to care for Thrift Seapink

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Thrift Seapink, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Thrift Seapink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Thrift Seapink loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Thrift Seapink requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Thrift is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Thrift Seapink plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Thrift Seapink is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Thrift Seapink displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Thrift Seapink’s native range is W. Europe, including Britain, from Iceland to N. Spain.


More info:
Wikipedia