SafePlants

Armeria alliacea

Also known as Link Garlic Thrift or Jersey Thrift, Armeria alliacea is a compact perennial appreciated for its tidy appearance and vibrant pink flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has narrow, needle-like leaves.
• It grows from pure seed.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has narrow, needle-like leaves.
• It grows from pure seed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Armeria alliacea (Cav.) Hoffmanns. & Link
• Family: Plumbaginaceae
• Common Names: Link Garlic Thrift, Jersey Thrift, Sea Pink, Thrift, Sea Thrift, Plaintain Thrift, Armrie Faux-plantain
• Homotypic Synonyms: Statice alliacea Cav.
• Synonyms:
  • Armeria plantaginea subsp. castellana (Leresche) Nyman
  • Armeria allioides Boiss.
• Infraspecific Taxon Details:
  • Armeria alliacea subsp. occasiana (Bernis) Rivas Mart.
  • Armeria alliacea subsp. matritensis
  • Armeria alliacea subsp. ruscinonensis (Girard) O. Bols et Vigo
  • Armeria alliacea var. bilbilitana (Bernis) O.Bols & Vigo
  • Armeria alliacea var. heterophylla Pau ex Viciosa
  • Armeria maritima var. occasiana (Bernis) O. de Bolos & J. Vigo

Distribution and Habitat

• Armeria alliacea is commonly found in the western half of Europe.
• It is described as an Ibero-Levantine endemism, growing in pastures and thickets in the mountains of northern Alicante.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a low-growing, compact perennial.
• Forms neat tussocks of needle-like, evergreen leaves.
• Typically reaches 6-8 inches in height with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
• Produces ball-shaped pink flowers on stems that are approximately 1 foot tall.
• Flowering occurs from early spring into summer, especially when spent flowers are removed.
• Varieties like 'Pink Petite' reach only about 6 inches in height, while varieties like Pretty Petite are known for long flowering.

Cultivars

• 'Leucantha': Has white flowers.
• 'Pink Petite': A dwarf variety reaching only 6 inches in height.
• 'Pretty Petite' - A variety noted for long flowering period.

Ecological Role

• Member of Thrift (Genus Armeria).

Quirky Facts

• The name Armeria alliacea was validated in 1820 by Johann Jakob Roemer and Josef August Schultes.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Wikimedia Commons
• International Plant Names Index
• The European Nature Information System (EUNIS)
• Encyclopedia of Life
• NatureWatch NZ
• The Plant List
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• Australian Plant Name Index
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)