Armeria maritima 'Alba' - White Sea Thrift

Tall stems with small, white globed flowers rise above low mounded tuffs of blue-green grass-like foliage; heat and drought tolerant, an excellent addition to borders, beds, containers and fresh-cut arrangements

Height: 6 inches. Spread: 8 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 2a.

Ornamental features

White Sea Thrift has masses of beautiful balls of white flowers at the ends of the stems from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its tiny grassy leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the year.

Landscape

White Sea Thrift is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a mounded form. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Rock/Alpine Gardens, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

White Sea Thrift will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 8 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.