Armeria maritima (Thrift, False Sea Pink)

Enhance garden beds and walkways with perennial Sea Thrift.

Its evergreen grass-like leaves form a dense 4” tall mat of greenery. Small round clusters of pink or white flowers are held high above the foliage on fine stems. You’ll enjoy the bees and butterflies that come to visit the flowers that brighten your garden in mid spring through early summer.

Sea Thrift is native to coastal areas making them suitable to gardens exposed to salt water spray and deicing salts.

Known botanically as Armeria maritima, sea thrift is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.  Avoid growing these in rich damp soil that causes the center of the plant to rot.

Sea thrift is not aggressive, and deer tend to leave it be. Plant it in rock gardens, troughs and along walkways. And cut a few flowers to enjoy in a bouquet.

A bit more information:  Lift and divide the clump every few years when the center begins to die out. This encourages healthy new growth and keeps the planting looking its best.