Thrift 'In the Red' Armeria maritima 'In the Red'

Water

The Sea Thrift 'In the Red' prefers moderate watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply, with about one gallon per week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Adjust the frequency based on weather conditions; during hot, dry periods, you may need to water more often, and during cool, wet periods, less often. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out, as Sea Thrift appreciates consistent moisture levels. Be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Sea Thrift 'In the Red' thrives in full sun locations where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but its flowering might be reduced. Ideally, position it in a spot where it can enjoy the morning sun and some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Sea Thrift 'In the Red' prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but it is not suited for extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are within the cooler range of its tolerance, avoiding prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.

Pruning

Sea Thrift 'In the Red' benefits from pruning to remove spent flower stalks and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune the flower stalks back to the base of the plant after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers. In late winter or early spring, prune the plant to remove dead or damaged foliage and to shape it, being careful not to cut into the crown. Regularly deadheading will also promote more blooms during the season.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Thrift, also known as sea pink, prefers well-draining sandy or gritty soil with good aeration and moderate fertility to flourish. The ideal soil pH for Thrift is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A soil mix for Thrift could be composed of equal parts sand, loam, and peat with a handful of perlite for improved drainage.

Repotting

Thrift does not need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container or the soil has become compacted, which is typically every 3-4 years.

Humidity & Misting

Thrift can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and generally prefers coastal or seaside conditions which suggests it is comfortable in environments that are not excessively dry. However, it does not require high humidity and will do well in average household conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Thrift by a sunny window in well-draining soil; water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant Thrift in full sun, well-draining soil; tolerates dry to moist conditions.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Armeria maritima 'In the Red', commonly known as Sea Thrift or Sea Pink, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when temperatures are suitable. Upon germination, the seedling develops a small rosette of narrow, dark reddish-green leaves close to the ground, engaging in photosynthesis and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it produces a clump of evergreen foliage and in late spring to early summer, it sends up sturdy, wiry stems topped with globular clusters of deep pink to reddish flowers. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects attracted to the blooms, the flowers develop into small seed capsules containing numerous seeds that, when mature, are dispersed by wind or other means to initiate new plants. Outside of the flowering period, Sea Thrift remains as a foliage clump, which can persist through mild winters, contributing to its perennial nature. Over time, the clump may spread slowly or be manually divided to propagate new plants that will continue the species’ life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Sea Thrift 'In the Red' is through division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall. The process involves gently removing the plant from the ground and carefully separating the clumps into smaller pieces, making sure that each new section has a part of the root system attached. It is important to replant the divisions immediately, maintaining the original planting depth and watering them thoroughly to help establish roots. The optimal size for each division is roughly the size of a fist or slightly larger, about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in diameter, to ensure that the plant has enough established root structure to support new growth.