Versatile and colorful, the sea thrush (bot. Armeria maritima) decorates rock gardens, heathland, dry stone walls and even graves. The carnation is also extremely easy to care for. You're sure to find a nice spot in your garden for this attractive little perennial.
How do you properly care for Armeria maritima (sea thrush)?
Caring for theArmeria maritima includes a sunny, airy location, permeable, rather dry and poor soil, moderate watering, and fertilization in spring and after flowering. After the first flowering, cut the carnation back vigorously to encourage new flower growth.
Location and soil
The thrush loves a sunny location, but doesn't necessarily need a lot of warmth. Even strong winds do not harm it, because many species come from coastal areas, as the name suggests.
The ideal soil for thrush is well-drained, sandy-loamy and has a pH value between five and seven. You can compensate for excessive lime content with peat or ericaceous soil. Sand or fine grit, on the other hand, loosens it up a little and ensures the necessary permeability.
Watering and fertilizing
During planting, which is possible throughout the entire growing season, mix some horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) and/or mature compost into the soil. Your grass carnation does not need any more fertilizer this year, its nutrient requirements are only moderate.
Water your freshly planted carnation well. Water the plant regularly in the first few days and possibly weeks afterwards. If the grass has grown well, reduce the frequency and amount of water. The soil should now always dry slightly between each watering. Using rainwater is ideal.
The carnation in winter
The sea thrush is considered hardy. Although it can tolerate temperatures of up to -20 °C, a little winter protection is still appropriate. This is how you prevent cold frost from damaging your thrush. A light cover with leaves or brushwood is sufficient.
The carnation as grave planting
Because it is really easy to care for, stays quite low and forms decorative cushions on its own, the carnation is very suitable for planting and/or bordering graves. There are numerous different varieties that bloom in different colors, so you have all the options for individual design.
The most important things in brief:
- sunny, airy location
- permeable, rather dry and poor soil
- water moderately
- fertilize in spring and after flowering
Tip
Cut your carnation back heavily after the first flowering so that the plant has the opportunity to bloom again.
