Armeria maritima – Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima is a hardy perennial plant that grows in clumps and flowers from spring to summer with shades of pink that are best seen en masse.

• Plant Family – Part of the Plumbaginaceae family or leadwort family. 
• Native to – These flowering plants are native to the coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Common Names – It is often called Sea Thrift or Sea Pink.  The word thrift evidently comes from an Old Norse word meaning to thrive. Very apt for this plant as it makes the very best of rather poor ground to produce a display that will lift the spirits.
• Flowers – The flower heads are formed in a round cluster on top of a thin but sturdy stem. The small flowers are various shades of pink. They remain upright on the thin stems to maintain a fine display.
• Foliage – The dark green, glossy needle-like leaves form a clump or carpet from which the flower stalks grow to form a canopy.
• Height and Spread – These are a low growing, ground cover plant that grow to a height of up to 18 inches, mostly shorter than that.  They tend to spread over time into a cluster and form a carpet that accentuates their beauty.
• Position – These plants thrive in full sun location with a well drained soil, from acidic to alkaline. This makes them ideal for a rock garden, coastal gardens, but can also fit into any well-drained border or even a living roof.

Overall, a plant that will cope with poor conditions to produce a flowering display and survive year on year with little maintenance.