Overview
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Armeria, part of the Plumbaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Armeria maritima 'Splendens' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include rock garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover and garden edging. It is native to Flanders.
About
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' (thrift 'Splendens') is an evergreen, clump-forming herbaceous perennial suited to alpine and rockery settings. This cultivar grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is drought resistant. Preferring full sun and able to tolerate both exposed and sheltered positions, 'Splendens' is native to Flanders and offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Armeria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Garden edging
- Native to
- Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Armeria maritima 'Splendens'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage in late winter to early spring to maintain tidy appearance.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Armeria maritima 'Splendens'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Armeria maritima 'Splendens'?
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Armeria maritima 'Splendens' need?
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Armeria maritima 'Splendens'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage in late winter to early spring to maintain tidy appearance.
How big does Armeria maritima 'Splendens' grow?
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Armeria maritima 'Splendens' hardy in the UK?
Armeria maritima 'Splendens' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Armeria maritima 'Splendens'?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
