What hardiness zones is Armeria maritima suitable for?

Armeria maritima is sea thrift (sea pink), a compact mounding evergreen perennial growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall (in bloom) and 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) wide. Pink globular flower heads 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) on slender leafless stalks 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above the foliage in April-June (10 weeks with deadheading). Dark green narrow linear grass-like leaves forming a tight evergreen basal cushion. Cultivars in white ('Alba') and deep red ('Splendens'). In Plumbaginaceae. Maritima = of the sea. Native to European Atlantic coasts, the Mediterranean, and North American arctic and alpine regions. Adapted to poor soil, salt spray, and wind exposure. Requires sharp drainage — crown rot in wet winter soil or heavy clay. This wet-soil sensitivity is the primary limitation. Rich soil or overwatering causes loose floppy growth and reduces bloom. The tight cushion form may die out in the center on older plants — divide every 3-4 years. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Native to Europe (Atlantic coast, Mediterranean) and North America (arctic and alpine regions). Found on coastal cliffs, salt marshes, and alpine tundra.

Suggested Uses

Grown in rock gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens, wall crevices, and in containers of at least 1 gallon (3.8 L), spaced 9-15 inches (23-38 cm). Salt-tolerant. Sharp drainage. Poor lean soil. Evergreen cushion. Non-toxic. Native to North America and Europe. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by pink globular flower heads on slender leafless stalks above a tight evergreen cushion of dark green narrow linear grass-like leaves. The globular flower heads and the tight evergreen cushion form are diagnostic. In Plumbaginaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'

Width/Spread9" - 1'3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring

Mid spring to early summer (April-June). Pink (or cultivar colors) globular flower heads 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) on slender stalks. 10 weeks with deadheading. Bee- and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink (species type; also white and deep red cultivars), in globular (ball-shaped) flower heads 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) in diameter on slender leafless stalks 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above the foliage

Foliage Description

Dark green, narrow, linear, grass-like, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, forming a tight evergreen basal cushion

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained to sandy soil pH 6.0-7.5 — sharp drainage required (crown rot in wet soil). Do not enrich soil (causes loose floppy growth). Drought-tolerant once established. Salt-tolerant. Deadhead for extended bloom. Divide every 3-4 years. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower stalks to the base of the cushion for continued bloom. Remove dead or brown foliage from the evergreen cushion in early spring (March). Divide every 3-4 years when the center dies out.

Pruning Schedule

early springlate spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic