Sea Lavender Thrift
Armeria maritima
Sea Lavender Thrift is a charming coastal perennial forming dense mounds of grass-like foliage topped with spherical pink to lavender flower clusters on slender stems.
Plumbaginaceae (Sea Lavender or Leadwort family)
Mid to late spring (April-June), sporadic summer blooms
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: sea lavenders and armerias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Featured on the British threepence coin (1937-1952) symbolizing thriftiness - getting a lot for little money. Chosen as the county flower of the Isles of Scilly by Plantlife in 2002. The plant's ability to thrive on windswept coastal cliffs with minimal nutrients embodies the virtue of making do with little. One cultivar ('Vindictive') has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit. The plant represents the beauty and tenacity of coastal ecosystems. In Canada, certain subspecies have vulnerable conservation status.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun, tolerates partial shade
Water
Low; drought-tolerant once established, intolerant of wet soils
Soil
Poor, Infertile, Sandy, Rocky, Gravelly, Very well-drained, Lean
Expert Growing Tips
Must have excellent drainage; dies in heavy clay or wet soils
Thrives in poor, lean soils; too-rich soil causes rot
Highly tolerant of salt spray and wind
Grows from deep woody taproot
Deadhead to prolong blooming season
Divide only when centers become bare
Tolerates hard frosts and coastal exposure
May rot during prolonged wet, cool fall weather
Cut back dead foliage in spring, not fall (evergreen)
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Edging for borders and pathways
- Coastal and seaside gardens
- Containers and trough gardens
- Xeriscaping and low-water gardens
- Ground cover in dry areas
- Front of perennial borders
Traditional Uses
- Rarely used in modern herbal medicine
- Traditionally used as an antibiotic
- Dried flowering plant used for obesity, urinary infections, nervous disorders
- Caution: Should not be used as external poultice (may cause dermatitis)
- Note: Plant absorbs and binds heavy metals from soil (all parts toxic)
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sea Lavender Thrift
Why is it called thrift?
The name 'thrift' refers to the plant's ability to thrive in poor conditions with minimal resources, embodying the virtue of thriftiness. It was featured on British threepence coins for this reason.
Is sea thrift hard to grow?
Sea Thrift is easy to grow if you provide excellent drainage and lean soil. It struggles in heavy clay, rich soils, or wet conditions but thrives in poor, well-drained sites with full sun.
Is sea thrift deer resistant?
Yes, Sea Thrift is generally deer resistant and also tolerates salt spray, wind, drought, and poor soil, making it excellent for challenging coastal gardens.
How long does sea thrift bloom?
Sea Thrift blooms profusely in mid to late spring (April-June) with possible sporadic additional flowering through summer, especially with regular deadheading.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Sea Lavender
Limonium spp.
Sea Lavender is a versatile perennial known for its airy sprays of papery flowers. Despite its name, it's not related to true lavender. Valued for fresh and dried arrangements, it brings delicate texture to gardens.
Armeria
Armeria maritima
Armeria is a hardy coastal perennial forming neat cushions of grass-like foliage topped with globe-shaped flower heads. It symbolizes endurance, sympathy, and remembrance, thriving in harsh seaside conditions.
Anacyclus
Anacyclus pyrethrum (and other spp.)
Anacyclus is a low-growing perennial with daisy-like flowers that have white petals with red undersides. It symbolizes resilience, hidden beauty, and adaptation.