Cottage pink and Sea thrift are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, ground cover, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Dianthus plumarius 30 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
An old cottage garden favourite: its grey, grassy leaves form a dense cushion all year, and in early summer it is covered in fringed, clove-scented…
Armeria maritima 20 cm × 30 cm after 10 years
A low, dense evergreen cushion of grass-like leaves, topped in late spring by pink or white flower globes on thin stalks. Use it in rock gardens, as…
Cottage pink grows larger: 30 cm × 50 cm after ten years, against 20 cm × 30 cm for Sea thrift.
Cottage pink is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Sea thrift.
Sea thrift tolerates drought better than Cottage pink.
Sea thrift needs less water than Cottage pink.
Sea thrift needs less care than Cottage pink.
|
Feature
|
Cottage pink
|
Sea thrift
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 50 cm | 20 cm × 30 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–60 cm × 30–60 cm | 15–30 cm × 15–30 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Sandy, Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–August, pink, white, red | May–July, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Low |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 25 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €4 | approx. €4.90 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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