Armeria maritima, commonly called thrift or sea pink, is a compact, low-growing plant which forms a dense, mounded tuft of stiff, linear, grass-like, dark green leaves (to 4" tall). Tufts will spread slowly to 8-12" wide. Tiny, pink to white flowers bloom in mid spring in globular clusters (3/4-1" wide) atop slender, naked stalks rising well above the foliage to 6-10" tall. Sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer. Flower clusters are subtended by purplish, papery bracts.
‘Alba’ is noted for its grass-like foliage and globular white flower heads. Tiny white flowers bloom in mid-spring in globular clusters (each to 1" diameter) atop slender naked stalks rising above the foliage to 5” tall.
Best in full sun, in infertile, dry, well-drained soils. In richer soils the leaves tend to fall outwards leaving an open center. Drought tolerant once established.
