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Complete guide to sea thrift care

Ice cream in your hand, sand between your toes, take home the seaside with a sea thrift.

A close-up detail photo of a pink flowering sea thrift on a white studio background

Armeria maritima, also known as sea thrift, is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for gardens, rockeries and coastal areas. These hardy plants are native to coastal regions of Europe and North America and are loved for their attractive flowers and evergreen foliage. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, caring for armeria maritima is easy if you follow a few simple guidelines:

  • Pick a sunny spot. The more sun it's exposed to, the better the showing of flowers.
  • Don't worry about shielding it with taller plants as this plant is very happy taking a battering from the wind.
  • Remember to pinch off old flowers to keep it looking tidy and to promote new growth.

About sea thrifts

This sea-faring fellow can typically be found by rocky ocean shores, usually up high on a cliff. Nicknamed 'thrift', we call him Tim, and he’s the superhero of flowering plants. Don't be fooled by the delicate appearance - this plant has a background living up on mountain sides, so it’s perfect for anything from wind prone gardens to sky-scraping balconies. Throughout spring and summer, sea thrifts bloom bright, cup-shaped flowers on top of evergreen tufts of grass. As a perennial, they'll come back for more every year, making them an excellent addition to a low-maintenance urban garden.

A sea thrift in a black concrete decorative pot on an outdoor table in a garden

How much light does my sea thrift need?

When it comes to caring for your armeria maritima, the first step is to choose the right location. These plants prefer well-draining soil and full sunlight, so it's important to choose a spot that get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If your garden has heavy soil or poor drainage, consider planting your armeria maritima in a raised bed or container.

How often should I water my sea thrift?

Armeria maritima is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't need a lot of water or fertiliser. During the growing season, water your plants deeply once a week, making sure to avoid getting water on the foliage. If you’re going through a long dry spell, you may need to water more often.

Should I fertilise my sea thrift?

Fertiliser isn’t necessary for armeria maritima (they’re used to pretty rough conditions), but if you want to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms, you can feed your plants with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, as over-fertilising can damage the plant.

Do I need to prune or deadhead my sea thrift?

To keep your armeria maritima looking neat and tidy, you should deadhead the spent blooms regularly. This will not only improve the appearance of the plant but will also encourage it to produce more flowers. To deadhead, simply snip off the spent blooms with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.

As well as deadheading, you should also prune your Armeria maritima once a year to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Do this in the early spring before new growth begins.

Common sea thrift pests and diseases

Armeria maritima is a hardy plant that’s relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can be susceptible to certain issues. One common problem is root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent this, make sure your plants are growing in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Another issue that can affect armeria maritima is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent this, make sure your plants have good air circulation and avoid getting water on the foliage.

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