Perennial
Sea Thrift
Armeria maritima
Monrovia® varieties
Traits
Varieties We Carry
Pseud Drmr Hypnotic DreamsArmeria pseudarmeriaMonroviaDreamlandArmeria pseudarmeriaMonroviaVivid DreamsArmeria pseudarmeriaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
#1MonroviaFrom$15.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size6-12 inches × 6-12 inches
About Sea Thrift
Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) is a compact, mat-forming perennial native to cool coastal and alpine regions, forming a dense cushion of grass-like dark green leaves with globe-shaped pink or white flower heads in spring. While rated hardy to zone 9 in some references, it is poorly adapted to NE Florida's summer heat and humidity (AHS Heat Zone 9–10) and is likely to decline or die after its first summer. Best treated as a cool-season annual or replaced with a more heat-tolerant alternative. Starting at $15.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Care essentials
Light
Sea thrift prefers full sun with good air circulation. In NE Florida's hot, humid summers, afternoon shade may prolong its life but will not solve its fundamental heat intolerance — this species is best suited to cooler temperate climates.
Water
Low water needs; drought tolerant in suitable cool-season climates. In NE Florida's summer heat and humidity, crown rot in the center of the mound is a serious risk regardless of watering frequency. Excellent drainage is essential if attempted here.
Soil & Fertilizer
Requires infertile, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. Rich or moisture-retentive soils cause crown rot. Avoid fertilizing. In NE Florida, sea thrift is marginal at best — it may perform as a cool-season annual in winter and decline or die in summer heat and humidity. AHS Heat Zone rating (4) is far below zone 9b conditions.
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Common questions
Is Sea Thrift a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sea Thrift is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 6-12 inches × 6-12 inches.