Sea thrift (Armeria maritima)
Also known as: Sea cushion, Lady's cushion, Cliff rose, Sea grass
Armeria maritima, commonly known as Sea Thrift or Sea Pink, naturally thrives along the Mediterranean coast. This plant forms dense clumps or mats of slender, grassy green foliage and is well-suited for containers and rock gardens. Remarkably tolerant of high copper content in soil, Sea Thrift remains evergreen year-round and draws butterflies with its spherical flower clusters in the spring.
In This Article
Attributes of Sea thrift
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
5 mm to 8 mm
Flower Color
Pink White Red
Images of Sea thrift
Quickly Identify Sea thrift
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Dense turf-like clumps create rounded mat growth habit.
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Bright pink or white, round flower heads with tubular flowers.
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Grass-like, dark green leaves, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long.
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Linear, slender leaves with parallel veins, thriving in coastal conditions.
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Compact plant rarely exceeding 6 inches (15 cm) in height.
Scientific Classification of Sea thrift
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Leadwort
Genus
Thrifts
Species
Sea thrift
Planting and Growing of Sea thrift
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 3 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Terracotta
How to Water Sea thrift?
Armeria maritima requires just enough water to keep the soil slightly moist. Aim to provide around 250 ml of water per watering session, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This helps to mimic its native coastal environments where it thrives with minimal but consistent moisture.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Sea thrift?
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What should I do if my Sea thrift is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Sea thrift?
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How to save an overwatered Sea thrift?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sea thrift?
Armeria maritima ideally thrives in areas with full sun or partial sun exposure. Adequate sunlight encourages vibrant flower production and maintains compact, healthy foliage throughout the growing season.
Ideal Sunlight Quantity
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Protection from Intense Heat
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Observing Plant Behavior
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Sea thrift?
Armeria maritima thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health, ensuring vibrant foliage and blooms.
What Soil is Best for Sea thrift?
Armeria maritima thrives best in well-drained soils to prevent root rot. Ensuring good drainage helps maintain optimal growth and reduces the risk of overwatering, which can negatively impact the health of the plant. This plant prefers soil with moderate fertility levels. Too rich in nutrients, and it may result in excessive foliage with reduced flowering, while low fertility may hinder its growth potential. While some organic matter is beneficial, Armeria maritima does not require overly rich, organic soils. Maintaining minimal organic content helps in mimicking its natural coastal habitat, enhancing its resilience.
How to Fertilize Sea thrift?
For Armeria maritima, you should use a balanced all-purpose fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can lead to salt build-up, which harms the plant. The precise amount depends on the product used, but typically a light feeding is desirable.
How to Prune Sea thrift?
To encourage continuous blooming, regularly remove spent flowers. Using sharp scissors, snip the flower stems just above the foliage. This helps in redirecting the plant's energy towards new growth. Inspect the plant for any dead or discolored leaves. Trim these leaves at their base to maintain the plant's overall health and aesthetic appeal throughout the growing seasons.
How to Propagate Sea thrift plant?
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Before planting seeds or divided plants, prepare the soil by removing weeds and ensuring it's well-draining. Incorporate organic matter for added nutrients, and level the soil to avoid water pooling.
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For seed propagation, sow the seeds thinly in seed trays filled with moist, well-draining soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them completely, as they require light to germinate.
3
For division propagation, remove the plant from its pot or ground carefully. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots attached. Replant immediately in prepared soil.
How to Repot Sea thrift plant?
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Armeria maritima shows it needs repotting when its roots grow out of the drainage holes, or when the plant appears overcrowded. Another signal is slowed growth or the soil becoming compacted. The best time to repot is in spring, as this is when the plant is preparing for active growth, allowing it to establish itself quickly in its new environment.
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Select a pot that is just one size larger than the current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture, which can lead to root rot, while a pot that is too small will restrict growth. The material of the pot is also crucial; terracotta pots are excellent as they allow for better air circulation for the roots, which helps prevent waterlogging.
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Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix which mimics Armeria maritima's natural habitat. A mixture of cactus potting mix with added grit or sand is ideal. This type of soil ensures adequate drainage, preventing root rot and providing the plant with the aeration it needs for healthy growth.
Toxicity of Sea thrift
Is Sea thrift toxic to humans?
Sea thrift encompasses phytochemicals like Quercetin, which can induce stomach irritation when consumed. While it is not exceedingly hazardous unless consumed in large quantities, doing so can lead to kidney failure solely from Quercetin. Consumption of sea thrift can result in nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting, colicky pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, the sap of the plant possesses potent irritating qualities that may trigger photosensitivity and skin rashes. It is advisable to keep children and individuals with cognitive impairments away from this plant.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
