Armeria maritima

Common Names

Sea Thrift, Sea Pink, Thrift, Cliff Rose, Cushion Pink, Marsh Daisy, Common Thrift, Maritime Thrift, California Seapink, Interior Seapink, Siberian Sea Thrift, Lady's Pincushion, Lady's Cushion, Sea Gilliflower, Sea Grass

Summary

Sea thrift is an evergreen, compact perennial native to temperate coastal areas of the Northern Hemisphere. It forms dense tufts of dark green, grass-like foliage with globe-shaped flower heads on slender stems that bloom pink, white, or purple from mid-spring to late spring. Nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, and the plant is drought- and salt-tolerant with wind tolerance.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and lean, well-drained soils (sandy or rocky). It is hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and tolerates coastal conditions. Propagation is by seed or division, and deadheading extends blooms. It can be used as ground cover, edging, rock gardens, borders, or containers, and is pest- and disease-free, suitable for xeriscapes and coastal landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy and dry.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Pink to white, with lavender and purple variations.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green (including bright green and dark green; evergreen)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Basal cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators