Armeria

Armeria Plants – Best In NZ!

Growing flowering plants such as Armeria (commonly known as Sea Thrift) delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a wide range of Armeria plants of all sizes and colours that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right Sea Thrift plant for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Armeria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Armeria Questions

1. What is Armeria?

Armeria, also known as thrift or sea pink, is a genus of flowering plants in the Plumbaginaceae family. It is native to coastal regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. Armeria plants are known for their small, dense clusters of flowers in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and red.

2. What are the different types of Armeria?

There are over 20 different species of Armeria, and some of the most popular include:

• Armeria maritima: This species is known for its salt tolerance and its ability to thrive in coastal conditions.
• Armeria pseudarmeria: This species is known for its large, showy flowers in a variety of colours.
• Armeria juniperifolia: This species is known for its narrow, evergreen leaves and colourful flowers.
• Armeria caespitosa: This species is known for its low-growing, mat-forming growth habit.

3. What conditions do Armeria need to grow?

Armeria plants prefer full sun or partial shade and a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils but perform best on a loam soil. Armeria plants are also tolerant of dry periods but certainly benefit from regular watering during the growing season. They also need to be well-watered after planting until they are well settled and actively growing.

4. How do I plant Armeria?

To plant an Armeria, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and plant the Armeria at the same depth as it was growing in the pot. Fill the hole with soil and gently firm the plant in during the process. Water the plant once it is in and scatter fertiliser across the top of the soil. The best fertiliser is: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

5. When do Armeria flower?

Arenaria plants typically flower in the spring and summer. However, the exact timing of flowering will vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

6. Does Armeria come back each year?

Armeria is a perennial plant in warmer climates, but it is grown as an annual in colder climates. In warmer climates it will come back each year, but it may need to be protected from frosts. In colder climates, it will die back in autumn and need to be replanted in the spring.

7. Do Armerias like sun or shade?

Armerias prefer full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day to flower well. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to plant them in a spot where they will get some afternoon shade to protect them from the hottest part of the day. They can tolerate some shade, but they will not flower as profusely as they would in full sun. If you must plant in shade, choose a spot that receives at least four hours of sunlight per day or eight hours of dappled light.

8. What are the Armeria flowers in New Zealand?

Armeria flowers in New Zealand are commonly referred to as Sea Thrift or Thrift. These small, compact plants belong to the Armeria genus and are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have been introduced and naturalized in various parts of New Zealand, adding a touch of beauty to gardens and rockeries.

Here's what you should know about Armeria flowers in New Zealand:

Characteristics:

• Appearance:
  • Cushion-like foliage often forming a dense mat.
  • Globe-shaped flower heads in various colors like pink, white, purple, and red.
  • Flower stalks reach 10-20 cm in height.
  • Flowering period typically extends from late spring to summer.
• Varieties:
  • Several species have been naturalized in New Zealand, including:
    • Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
    • Armeria pseudarmeria (Thrift)
    • Armeria juniperifolia (Sea Pink)
• Growing conditions:
  • Thrive in full sun or partial shade.
  • Prefer well-drained soil.
  • Moderate water requirements.

Uses:

• Ornamental plants: Grown in gardens, borders, rockeries, and containers.
• Ground cover: Excellent for preventing erosion and adding color to landscaping.
• Attractive to pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers.

9. Is Armeria plant annual or perennial?

The answer to whether Armeria is an annual or perennial depends on the specific species and the climate it's grown in. Generally speaking:

• Most Armeria species are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. However, their lifespan can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
• Some species, like Armeria juniperifolia, can be short-lived perennials lasting only 2-3 years.
• In colder climates, some Armeria species may behave like annuals, dying back in winter and needing to be replanted each spring.

10. Can I split Armeria?

Yes, you can split Armeria. It is the best way to propagate new plants as well as promoting healthy growth and preventing overcrowding in your garden. The best time for splitting is anytime except summer. Temperatures are generally too hot at this time of year and failure rates can be high.

11. Is phlox the same as thrift?

Phlox and thrift are not the same plants, although they share some similarities:

Similarities:

• Both are flowering plants with low-growing, mounding habits.
• Both prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Both are relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

Differences:

• Family: Phlox belongs to the Polemoniaceae family, while thrift (or Sea Thrift) belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family.
• Flowers: Phlox typically has flat, five-petaled flowers in various colors, while thrift has globe-shaped flower heads with small, star-shaped flowers.
• Foliage: Phlox has needle-like or linear leaves, while thrift has fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves.
• Growth rate: Phlox generally spreads faster than thrift.
• Lifespan: Most phlox species are perennials, while some thrift species may be short-lived perennials or even annuals.

12. Where does the Armeria plant come from?

The Armeria plant, also known as thrift or sea thrift, originates from diverse regions across the northern hemisphere. Its native range includes:

• Europe: Found throughout Europe, particularly in coastal regions and mountainous areas.
• Asia: Occurs in some parts of Asia, including Turkey, Iran, and the Himalayas.
• Northern Africa: Found in coastal areas of northern Africa, such as Morocco.
• North America: Several species are native to North America, particularly along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska.

While the exact origin of the genus Armeria is uncertain, it's believed to have evolved in the Mediterranean region and then spread to other parts of the world through natural processes like seed dispersal by wind and animals.