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.
Sea thrift is cheaper: about HUF 1,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 2,000 for 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. HUF 2,000 | approx. HUF 1,400 |
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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