The very undemanding thrift (Armeria) thrives almost everywhere where other perennials cannot be established - extreme conditions such as sandy, stony or even salty soil do not harm the plant at all. The thrift - which, despite its name, does not belong to the carnations but to the leadwort family - is also absolutely insensitive to cold.
Thrifts are absolutely hardy
Overwinter thrift properly
Thrifts are absolutely hardy and usually do very well without any winter protection. On the contrary, because winter protection (e.g. by covering it with leaves or similar) only leads to the loss of the actually evergreen leaves. It only makes sense to protect the plant from the too bright winter sun when there is frost, because in such a case the thrift threatens to die of thirst. Kahlfrost is ground-level frost in which the plants are not protected by a covering of snow. In such a case, water evaporates from the leaves, while the plant cannot draw fresh water from the frozen soil - it threatens to wither.
What to do with root rot?
In damp or even wet winters, on the other hand, there is a risk of waterlogging with subsequent root rot. Although the thrift is extremely robust with regard to numerous conditions, it just does not tolerate moisture at all. For this reason, the plant belongs in a dry location from the outset - rock or heath gardens are ideal. You can recognize (threatening) root rot by the limp, hanging, yellowish leaves. Often the plants cannot be saved, but you can try:
- Prune the perennial vigorously.
- Dig up the plant and remove any rotten and damaged roots.
- Carefully remove the old soil - root rot is caused by a fungus.
- Replant the thrifts trimmed in this way in a new, drier location.
If the infestation is not too advanced, with a little luck the plant will sprout again.
tips
Thrifts can not only be planted in rock and heath gardens, but also thrive very well on dry stone walls and similarly inhospitable substrates.