Out of the roughly 200 species of Thrift (Armeria) out there, about 50 do really well in temperate climates. A few of them even hail from the Alps, so they’re used to some pretty rugged conditions! But for the most part, these little beauties are total sun-worshipers.
Pick a Sunny Spot
If you want your Thrift to really thrive, it needs plenty of daily sunshine. When you’re picking a spot in your garden, go for the sunniest area you’ve got. The great news is that these plants are incredibly tough, so don’t be afraid to put them in an exposed area—they don’t mind strong winds at all. In fact, you’ll often hear them called “Sea Thrift” or “Sea Pinks” because they grow wild along coastlines. They’re built to handle all kinds of weather, so there’s no need to worry about finding a sheltered or protected corner for them.
The Right Soil
While they aren’t picky about the weather, Thrift can be a bit more particular about the soil they’re planted in. Again, their seaside roots give us a clue: they don’t actually need super rich, nutrient-heavy soil. What they *do* need is excellent drainage. Thrift hates having “wet feet,” and sitting in soggy soil is a quick way to trigger root rot. If you have heavy or clay-like soil, make sure to mix in some sand to loosen things up before you plant.
A Low-Maintenance Favorite
As long as they have enough sun and well-draining soil, Thrift is pretty much a “set it and forget it” plant. You really only need to water them regularly right after they’re first planted. The same goes for fertilizer—they’re light feeders. Unless your soil is extremely poor, you probably won’t need to fertilize at all. If you want to give them a little boost, just mix some mature compost into the soil when you first put them in the ground. Plus, you’ll be happy to hear that regular pruning isn’t necessary either.
When you’re looking for the perfect home for your Thrift, just keep these two things in mind:
- A bright, sunny location.
- Well-draining soil.
