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Armeria Maritime (family Plumbaginaceae) is non-invasive and is known by several common names, including common thrift and thrift sea pink. It grows into a small mounding evergreen perennial. A natural along the coast where it can bloom between Spring and Fall, sea thrift grows best in lean, well drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant and not tolerant of heavy clay soils. Low-maintenance virtually no fertilizing or supplemental watering once all plants are established.
Commonly known for its vibrant cushion of grassy foliage and round flower heads, sea thrift thrives with judicious trimming. Promptly deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Cut back foliage in spring to maintain a compact form. Prune any time as needed to remove dead or damaged leaves. Our Xeriscape garden, was planted by a Master Gardener 20 years ago (2004). I fully expect our Thrift will probably live on in to the future another 20 years.
Our Thrifts may die back during the winter months but will regrow from dormant roots the next season. It is native to most of Europe, from Portugal north to southern Scotland and southern Finland, and east to Ukraine and the Caucasus. It grows well in arid Texas US. Its bright clusters of blooms attracts butterflies and the sturdy stem makes them a great landing pad. Armeria are deer resistant, drought tolerant, and seaside/salt tolerant.
Thrift is a perennial and flowers mainly from April to July, but can hang on until early autumn. It is also commonly known as 'Sea-pink' and 'Cliff Clover' and makes an excellent garden plant for well-drained, sandy soils, providing nectar for a range of insects. Good for lizards, birds and other Texas critters.
This year our Thrift mound has grown to 2' x 2' (60 x 60cm) and tallest blooms are about 1' to 2' feet (30 to 60cm). Blooms are about 4" (10cm) diameter.