Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'
perennial

Red Leaf Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

6 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

European coasts

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Clumping perennial with attractive red leaves and pink flowers, commonly found in coastal areas. The red-leaved form of sea thrift, offering a distinctive color variation compared to typical green forms.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant foliage and flowers, ideal for low-maintenance borders.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant, requires minimal watering once established.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are large enough to handle, typically after 6 weeks.
  4. Water deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
  6. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Pro Tip

Use sandy or gritty soil to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for optimal flowering ☀️
  • Water moderately, avoiding waterlogged soil 💧
  • Prune dead or faded flowers to promote reblooming
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
  • Fertilize in early spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
  • Refrain from pruning in late fall to prevent damage from frost
  • Don’t expose to shade as it reduces flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged borderRock garden accentDrought-tolerant groundcover

Companion Plants

Sedum Lavender Artemisia Echinacea Thyme

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Leaf Sea Thrift questions

What zones can Red Leaf Sea Thrift grow in?

Red Leaf Sea Thrift is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Leaf Sea Thrift deer resistant?

Yes — Red Leaf Sea Thrift is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Leaf Sea Thrift bloom?

Red Leaf Sea Thrift typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Leaf Sea Thrift need full sun?

Red Leaf Sea Thrift does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Red Leaf Sea Thrift drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Leaf Sea Thrift handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Red Leaf Sea Thrift with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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