Overview

Armeria maritima 'Alba' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Armeria, part of the Plumbaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1 m tall. Armeria maritima 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and banks and slopes. It is native to Flanders.

About

Armeria maritima 'Alba' is a compact evergreen perennial in the Plumbaginaceae that forms low clumps and sends up long stems bearing globe-shaped flowerheads. Flowering in the UK runs from May to August. The species produces heads commonly in pink, with white, purple and red occurring at times. It suits open, free-draining positions such as rock gardens and gravel beds.

About the genus

Armeria is a genus of flowering plants. These plants are sometimes known as lady's cushion, thrift, or sea pink. The genus counts over a hundred species, mostly native to the Mediterranean, although Armeria maritima is an exception, being distributed along the coasts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Ireland, parts of the United Kingdom such as Cornwall, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales.

Wikipedia contributors, "Armeria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Armeria

In the garden

A member of the genus Armeria in the Plumbaginaceae, Armeria maritima 'Alba' grows as a tight, evergreen mound that lifts its round flowerheads well above the foliage on wiry stalks. The Latin name maritima reflects the species’ association with coastal and exposed sites; flower colours in the species group include pink, white, purple and red, and flowering in the UK is from May to August. Choose an open, sharply drained spot for planting: gravel, sand-rich mixes or a raised bed help prevent the root crown from sitting in moisture. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils as persistent wet at the roots reduces vigour and can lead to decline. Positioning where air circulates freely will keep the low clump healthy. Use Armeria maritima 'Alba' on rockeries, gravel borders, maritime schemes and the front of borders where the low evergreen cushion contrasts with taller plants; the long stems carry the spherical heads well above the leaves to give a clear floral display through the summer months. Retain or remove spent stems to taste, taking care not to damage the evergreen crown when trimming.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Armeria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Armeria maritima 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.1 m

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes

Native to

Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Armeria maritima 'Alba'

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; suitable for rock gardens and coastal conditions

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in late winter if needed

Propagation

Seed, Division in spring, Basal cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

More in the Armeria genus

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