The common thrush (Armeria) is particularly common on the European coasts (Armeria maritima) or in the Alpine region (A. alpina), where the robust, pile-forming perennial also thrives in extreme locations. The tiny flowers are arranged in spherical umbels about three to four centimeters in size. Pink-flowering varieties are very common, but purple, white or delicate pink flowers also occur.
How do you properly care for grass carnations?
Caring for carnations means planting them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, watering sparingly, applying minimal fertilizer in spring, cutting after flowering and dividing for propagation. They are hardy and need protection from moisture to avoid disease.
Which location is ideal for thrush?
Carnations prefer a full sun location with well-drained soil.
What planting distance should be maintained?
You should plant a maximum of 25 plants per square meter.
How often do I have to water the carnation?
Carnations have a very high tolerance to drought, but are very sensitive to moisture - especially waterlogging. For this reason, you should choose a location that is as dry as possible, even in winter.
When and with what should you fertilize grass cloves?
Fertilization is actually not necessary. However, you can provide the plants with some liquid complete fertilizer (e.g. perennial fertilizer) at the beginning of the growing season.
How and when can you cut grass cloves?
To extend the flowering period, you should clean the plants after flowering. For larger plantings, this is very easy to do with lawn edge shears or even with the rotating line of a lawn edge trimmer (€34.00 on Amazon).
How can thrushes be propagated?
Carnations delight with their constant growth. The cushions can be divided very easily, even small sections grow easily and quickly form complete new plants. Division season is throughout the summer until around the beginning of September. Usually there are enough cuttings, but propagating cuttings in June or July also brings very good results.
Are thrush hardy?
Yes, thrushes are absolutely hardy and do not require any additional protection. Problems can only arise in very wet winters, as the plants are quite sensitive to moisture.
Which diseases/pests commonly occur in grass carnations?
In unfavorable locations, problems with fungal diseases can quickly arise, but preventative spraying can be carried out against them. However, it is best to plant the plants where they feel comfortable.
Which varieties are particularly recommended?
In addition to the popular white form “Alba”, the bright crimson, comparatively large-flowered “Düsseldorfer Stolz” – which is even replanted in autumn – is also quite well known. The pink “Röschen”, which is also characterized by particularly fine foliage, is also charming.
Tip
The armeria varieties with long stems in particular make very good cut flowers.
