Thrift ( Armeria maritima) is a member of the Plumbaginaceae family. Cushions of clover-like, pink Thrift are a familiar sight of cliffs, shingle beaches and sand dunes around the UK.

Also known as ‘Cliff Clover’, it makes a good garden plant. Pollination is by various insects including beesand Lepidoptera.

Each flower has white to pink petals which are followed by papery seed heads. It grows best in full sun in lean, very well-drained soil. The plants are drought tolerant and do not tolerate moist soil.

In Gaelic thrift is known as tonna chladaich, meaning ‘beach wave’. In Welsh it is called clustog fair, Mary’s pillow. It is also known as Sea Pink, Sea Thrift, Rock Rose and Our Ladies Cushion. Thrift was used as an emblem on the threepenny-bit between 1937 and 1953 – the Mint no doubt aware of the double meaning in its name.

Thrift is the county flower of the Isles of Scilly. Pembokreshire and the Isle of Bute and in the Language of Flowers thrift stands for sympathy.