Thrift Armeria 'Joystick Red' (Joystick Series)

Water

Thrift, also known as sea pink, including the Armeria 'Joystick Red', requires moderate watering, generally about 1 inch of water per week. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. During the growing season, check the soil moisture regularly and water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during the dormant season, and ensure proper drainage as stagnant water can harm the plant. Water the plant with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water spread evenly around the plant base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal issues.

Light

Thrift thrives best in full sunlight, so place Armeria 'Joystick Red' in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, too little light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth. Avoiding harsh midday sun in extremely hot climates can prevent scorching, but generally, it prefers bright conditions.

Temperature

Thrift, including Armeria 'Joystick Red', prefers cooler temperatures and can survive in conditions as low as 20°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F, which encourages robust growth and flowering. However, it's quite hardy and can tolerate brief periods of extreme cold or heat as long as the fluctuation is not prolonged.

Pruning

Thrift, such as Armeria 'Joystick Red', benefits from pruning to remove spent flower stems and encourage a tidy growth habit. Deadhead the faded flowers promptly to promote further blooming throughout the season. In late autumn or early spring, trim back any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed when the plant appears untidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Thrift 'Joystick Red' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of sand, loam, and compost to promote good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Thrift is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A recipe for the best soil mix would be 2 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part compost.

Repotting

Thrift 'Joystick Red' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Thrift 'Joystick Red' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity similar to its native coastal and mountain habitats. No specific humidity adjustments are typically necessary.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 15cm apart.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Sea Thrift 'Joystick Red' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-draining soil, typically during the spring or fall. Upon germination, which takes a few weeks, the seedlings develop a rosette of grass-like leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, it progresses to the flowering stage usually in late spring to early summer, producing globular flower heads atop sturdy, upright stems. After pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules, concluding the reproductive stage. These seeds then disperse, naturally through wind or animal activity, or are collected for propagation, to start a new life cycle. Once established, Sea Thrift 'Joystick Red' will go through periods of dormancy during colder seasons, resuming active growth as temperatures rise.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Armeria 'Joystick Red', commonly known as Sea Thrift or Sea Pink, is through division. This technique is typically performed in early spring or after the blooming period in late summer to early fall. To propagate Sea Thrift through division, one should carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller segments, ensuring that each new section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, spaced about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. It's crucial to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.