Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Armeria maritima ‘Splendens’
Sea Thrift
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 inches
- Width
- 8 to 12 inches
- Flower color
- Vivid pink
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; deadheading after flowering can promote re-blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant
About this plant
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' is a delightful perennial plant cherished for its compact size and vibrant, globe-shaped flower clusters. Native to coastal regions of Europe, including the British Isles, this evergreen species features vivid pink flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer. The plant forms dense, grass-like tufts of dark green, linear leaves, creating a neat and tidy appearance. Flower stems rise above the foliage, bearing spherical heads composed of numerous tiny, densely packed flowers, adding a delightful splash of color to garden borders, rockeries, and containers. 'Splendens' thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is remarkably tolerant of salt spray, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. This plant requires minimal maintenance, benefiting from occasional deadheading to prolong flowering. Additionally, it is drought tolerant once established, making it a resilient and reliable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Coastal Gardens · Borders · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Sedums · Dianthus · Lavender · Creeping phlox · Blue fescues · Helianthemums
Design tip
Space individual plants evenly along sunny borders to create a repeating pattern of colorful blooms and tidy evergreen mounds. This simple rhythm adds structure to the garden while preventing the planting from feeling crowded or visually disorganized.