Sea Thrift
Armeria maritima
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Pl. 0B13 — Armeria maritima
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a perennial subshrub and herb native to coastal regions of France, Spain, Alaska, and other parts of Europe. Known for its ornamental value due to its delicate pink or white flowers, it thrives in dry to moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH range of 4.7–7.5. This plant is hardy in zones 3-9 and can reach heights of up to 0.1 meters. Its edible parts include the leaves and roots, making it useful for culinary purposes as well. Sea Thrift's light and airy appearance, combined with its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions, makes it a versatile addition to gardens and coastal landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Sea Thrift?
Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a perennial subshrub and herb native to coastal regions of France, Spain, Alaska, and other parts of Europe. Known for its ornamental value due to its delicate pink or white flowers, it thrives in dry to moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH range of 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Thrift thrives in well-drained to moist soils with a pH between 4.7 and 7.5, preferring light (sandy) or medium soil types. It is hardy from zones 3-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Propagate Sea Thrift through division in early spring or by sowing seeds directly in the garden. The edible parts include leaves and roots, which can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
4.7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Thrift for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Thrift as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 4.7 and 7.5, and ensure good sunlight exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme weather.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering during dry spells, and deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to protect from frost, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to deadhead.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima) are edible. Typically, the leaves are used fresh or dried for flavoring in salads and teas. The roots can be consumed raw or cooked as a vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific instructions are not provided in the data.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandGermanyHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Sakhalin, Aleutian Is., Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Magadan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0b1303b8-9fc2-4c7a-a1a6-59ab5782057b
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