Hello again Kins folk.

If you look at your Membership Cards you notice that the Clan Plant is the “Sea Pink” which is also known as “Thrift”. Its Latin name is “Armeria Maritina”.

Do know much about the plant?

I’ve compiled a small amount of information about it that I hope will be of interest.

There are a few varieties worth growing, such as “Armeria Juniperifolia” or “Caespitosa”. Bevans variety flowers bright pink and “Alba” which flowers white, propagated by seed or division at the roots in early spring.

Its habitat is wide and varied. Its grown as an Alpine plant, and is also common in Cottage Gardens, its abundant on cliffs (though I wouldn’t recommend looking there for it). It grows about 4” (10 cm) high and has a spread of about 8” (20 cm).

The flowers are round bubbles supported by strong narrow slender stems. They don’t like damp or shade and will not survive in these conditions, They prefer sunny, windy, well drained locations. As the flowers die, always dead head (remove flowers) as this promotes stronger growth.

Flowering is from late May to Mid Summer. Established Thrifts/Sea Pinks have long deep roots and should not be moved.

They can be used in many ways, as Edging plants, on Rockeries, in large Tubs mixed with other plants.

It’s grown throughout Europe, Western Asia, North Africa and North America. Characteristically it’s Strong and Versatile, befitting of Clan Hunter I’m sure you will agree.

Until next time

Yours Aye

Dave