Sea thrift - Armeria maritima (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Sea thrift

Also known as: Sea cushion, Lady's cushion, Cliff rose, Sea grass

Growing naturally on the Mediterranean coast, the sea thrift (Armeria maritima) forms clumps or rounded mats of grassy green leaves, and can be planted in containers and rock gardens. Sea thrift is one of the few plants to grow well in soil with high copper contents. It is evergreen, and attracts butterflies to its round flower heads in spring.

Scientific classification

Species

Sea thrift (Armeria maritima)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 mm to 8 mm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Pink, White, Red

Flower Color

Green, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Sea thrift

Attributes of Sea thrift

Growth Rate

During the active growth seasons of spring, summer, and fall, sea thrift exhibits a moderate growth rate, resulting in gradual increases in plant height and foliage density. This speed optimally balances resource consumption with leaf production, and fosters healthier flowering. As seasons transition, sea thrift subtly adjusts its growth speed to align with varying environmental conditions, showcasing its adaptive qualities.

Distribution of Sea thrift

Distribution Map

Sea thrift, a rugged coastal plant, thrives natively in temperate areas across the Northern Hemisphere, notably along maritime regions. It has also been successfully introduced and cultivated in a variety of non-native locales, encompassing parts of Europe and Asia. This spread highlights sea thrift's adaptability to different environments beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Coastal salt marshes, pastures, maritime cliffs, sandy turf, coastal salt marshes, cliffs, mountain pastures

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Sea thrift is a coastal shrubby perennial and a prolific bloomer. It makes an incredibly attractive addition to rock gardens, as well as cottage, informal, and coastal gardens. It's well suited to front borders and bed positions, and can be used as a beautiful edging plant or a dense, shrubby ground cover. Because it is highly attractive to pollinators, sea thrift is also a superb addition to wildlife gardens.

Symbolism

Sympathy

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sea thrift, including the following common varieties :

Sea thrift 'Vindictive'Sea thrift 'Bloodstone'Sea thrift 'Nifty Thrifty'Sea thrift 'Alba'Sea thrift 'Victor Reiter'Sea thrift 'Splendens'

Toxicity

Sea thrift contains Quercetin, causing nausea, drooling, vomiting, colic, and diarrhea if ingested. Massive consumption may lead to kidney failure. Its sap causes photosensitivity and skin rash. Keep children and cognitively impaired people away.

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Quickly Identify Sea thrift

Dense turf-like clumps create rounded mat growth habit.

Bright pink or white, round flower heads with tubular flowers.

Grass-like, dark green leaves, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long.

Linear, slender leaves with parallel veins, thriving in coastal conditions.

Compact plant rarely exceeding 6 inches (15 cm) in height.

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Care Guide for Sea thrift

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sea thrift thrives in coastal environments, adapting to saline and moisture-rich conditions. It balances drought resistance with a need for consistent moisture. Weekly watering mimics natural habitat conditions, promoting vibrancy. Best grown outdoors, sea thrift flourishes in well-moistened sandy soils typical of coastal areas.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, sea thrift requires balanced nutrition fertilizers with equal NPK ratios or high phosphorus content. Fertilize quarterly, avoiding over-fertilization. Increase feeding in spring, reduce in winter. Dilute fertilizer to half-strength to prevent root burn for a flourishing sea thrift.

Pruning: Sea thrift features dense grass-like foliage and globe-shaped pink flowers. Pruning in early spring or late winter by deadheading and removing dead foliage promotes flowering, shape maintenance, and air circulation, reducing disease risk. Regular trimming supports new growth and overall health, ensuring a vigorous sea thrift.

Propagation: Sea thrift thrives when propagated through division in spring or autumn. It has moderate propagation difficulty; success is marked by new growth. Ensure regular watering and use well-drained soil for optimal results.

Repotting: Repot sea thrift every 2-3 years during spring to maintain its compact size and support growth. Use a slightly larger pot with good drainage. After repotting, provide bright light and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, promoting healthy recovery and growth.

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Images of Sea thrift

Attributes of Sea thrift

Distribution of Sea thrift

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Sea thrift

Care Guide for Sea thrift

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