Family: Plumbaginaceae
Common Name: Thrift, Sea Pink

Native to northern temperate regions, these small perennials occur naturally on exposed cliffs, mountains and coastal fringes. They grow well in seaside gardens and are also useful as edging plants.

Species

A. maritima, native to the Mediterranean, is a very old cottage garden plant. The narrow, grayish green leaves form a neat, ball-like mass, and rounded heads of white to deep pink flowers appear on erect stems to 30 cm (12 in) tall. There are numerous cultivars with variously coloured flowers.

Cultivation

Good air circulation and free drainage are essential, otherwise basal rot will occur. Plant in a sandy soil and propagate from seed in autumn or semi-ripe cuttings in the summer.

Climate

Zone 4 and above for A. maritima.