Also known as Thrift · 512 saves
Armeria
Armeria, the genus most gardeners know as thrift. We track 15 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Armeria varieties
Browse all 15 Armeria varieties →
3 species of Armeria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Armeria in Sow
Save the Armeria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Armeria
Whats common across all Armeria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 15 most-grown of them.
The Armeria year
- DivideMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to renew vigor
- DeadheadJune–August100% of varieties
Snip spent flower stalks at the base to promote continuous blooming
- Spring CleanupMarch73% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts
- PlantApril, May, October and November33% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil in spring or early fall
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering ❌
What goes wrong with Armeria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use neem oil or horticultural oil |
| Deer | Foliage or flower scapes chewed down, though the plant is highly resistant and rarely suffers severe damage. | Protect young plants with temporary netting if local browsing pressure is exceptionally high. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Armeria
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Use a sharp spade to separate sections.
- Plant divisions in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Wait 4-6 weeks for establishment.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 6 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once established.
Armeria questions
How many types of Armeria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 15 distinct Armeria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 512 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Armeria grow in?
Across its varieties, Armeria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Armeria bloom?
Most Armeria varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Armeria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.