How big does Sea thrift grow?

About 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 15–30 cm.

What soil does Sea thrift grow in?

It tolerates these soils: sandy, average garden soil.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Sea thrift flower?

Flowering: May–July, pink, white.

How much water does Sea thrift need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Sea thrift cost?

It sells for roughly €4 to €7 in local shops, depending on size.

Sea thrift

Armeria maritima

Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) is a perennial that reaches 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.

Illustration of Sea thrift — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 edging, in gravel beds and in pots, in a sunny spot with lean, free-draining soil: it copes very well with drought and salt and hardly needs watering. Avoid rich, moist or heavy soil, where the centre of the cushion rots.

Watch out for

In rich, damp or clay soil, or when overwatered, the centre of the cushion rots and the plant dies. In the hot summers of Central Europe it can also brown from the centre, especially in muggy, wet spells; lean, gritty soil and dividing the clump every two or three years help. Old cushions go bare in the middle on their own. Aphids and slugs are seldom a problem.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 15–30 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Sandy, Average garden soil
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–July, pink, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	25 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
10-20 cm	approx. €4
20-40 cm	approx. €7
size not stated	approx. €4 – €4.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Evergreen plants Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Rock garden plants

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