SafePlants

Armeria maritima: Sea Pink, Thrift, and More

Armeria maritima, a charming and resilient plant, is known by many common names, including sea pink, thrift, sea thrift, common thrift, and moss pink. Its popularity stems from its adaptability and attractive appearance in various garden settings.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has stiff, linear, grass-like, dark green leaves.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has stiff, linear, grass-like, dark green leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd.
• Family: Plumbaginaceae (Leadwort or Sea Lavender Family)
• Genus: Armeria (Thrift)
• Species: maritima (of the sea side)
• Synonyms: The provided text mentions several synonyms including A. elongata, A. vulgaris, A. andina, A chilensis, A elongata, A macloviana, A scabra, A sibirica, Statice chilensis S.
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies such as Armeria maritima (Miller) Willd. ssp. californica (Boiss.) Pors. are also recognized.

Distribution and Habitat

• Armeria maritima is native to coastal regions, particularly in Britain and northern Europe. It also occurs in southern Europe, Eurasia, and North America.
• It thrives on cliffs and seashores, tolerating wind and sea spray.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This evergreen perennial forms tufts or mats of strap-shaped or linear, needle-like leaves.
• It is a compact, low-growing plant forming a dense, mounded tuft that spreads.
• It produces long-stalked, dense clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers, typically deep pink but occasionally white.
• Erect scapes can reach up to 15cm.
• Some varieties, like 'Dusseldorf Pride', feature globular bright flowers on 4-8" stems.

Ecological Role

• Thrift can grow on soils containing heavy metals that are normally toxic to other plants.

Quirky Facts

• Prior to 1700, in Orkney, the roots were sliced, boiled in milk, and used to treat tuberculosis.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Purple-Edged Copper Butterfly (Lycaena hippothoe) has been observed resting on Armeria maritima.

Cultivation and Uses

• Sea pink makes excellent ground cover for gravel gardens, border edging, or planting in troughs.
• It is suitable for rock, seaside, or wall gardens.
• It is drought-tolerant and tolerates salt well.
• Historically, it has been used for cuts and rock gardens.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden offers a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• HowStuffWorks provides information on growing thrifts.
• GardenersHQ contains information on growing over 600 genera of plants.
• Forest Health Management International hosts images of Armeria maritima.