(AKA Common Thrift, Maritime Thrift, Sea Pink, Sea Thrift)

May 1, 2008: we will discontinue this plant once this crop is gone. If you want some order now!

Evergreen mounds of grass-like leaves one and a half to six inches long. Spreading clumps with magnificent blooms of rose pink, ball-shaped clusters, 1/2" in diameter throughout an extended flowering season from Spring to Summer.

Prefers well drained soil and full sun (in southern zones it does best with afternoon shade). Requires little or no maintenence. The foliage makes this perennial attractive even when it is not flowering. Excellent for edging, particularly well-suited for planting among other tufted ground covers.

Small groups are excellent in island groupings. Holds its shape well (good for geometric patterns). Good cut flower. Commonly called sea thrift because it can be found growing along sea coasts in saline environments where few other plants can survive (highly salt tolerant). Tolerances: deer, slight slopes, wind, poor soil. Slow to moderate growth rate. Spacing 6-10", spreads 8-12" wide. Mature height 6"-12".

It is a popular garden flower that does especially well in gardens designed as xeriscapes or rock gardens. It is a compact perennial which grows in low clumps and sends up long stems from which globes of bright pink flowers blossom. In some cases purple, white or red flowers also occur.

The plant can be found in the wild in coastal areas across the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe. It is a common sight in British marshes. It can grow in dry, sandy, saline conditions such as those at beaches and salt marshes.