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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Armeria maritima ‘Splendens’

Sea Thrift

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)