Armeria

Though there are several species of sea pink, only one is commonly grown throughout much of North America-Armeria maritima. This perennial forms a low mound of dark green leaves and bears pink or white flowers in rounded heads during the summer. The plants' dark foliage is attractive even when not the plants aren't in bloom. Sea pinks are good ground covers.

Plant facts

• Common name: Sea pink
• Botanical name: Armeria spp.
• Zones: 3 to 9, depending on species
• Size: Up to 2 feet tall, depending on species
• From: Areas of Europe and Asia
• Family: Plumbaginaceae (leadwort family)

Growing conditions

• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Moisture: The plants need adequate soil moisture but good drainage is very important.

Care

• Mulch: Lay a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plants. Use winter mulch in cold-winter areas only after the soil has frozen.
• Pruning: Cut plants back in autumn after freezing temperatures arrive or in spring before plants begin to grow.
• Fertilizer: Fertilizer is generally not necessary in soils that are rich in organic matter. If desired, use a balanced fertilizer in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Divide plants in spring.
• Seed: Sow seed in a cold frame or sheltered spot in the garden in autumn. The seeds should germinate in spring.

Problems:

• Aphids: These small insects often appear in large numbers on new growth. Spray them off daily with a stream of water; they will not attack a plant after being knocked off. Use an insecticidal soap or neem-oil-based spray if infestations are severe.

Garden note

• The plants are tolerant of salt spray and grow well in coastal gardens.

Selections

• Armeria juniperifolia: Grows about 3 inches tall with spiny leaves and pink flowers. Zones 5 to 7.
• Armeria maritima ‘Alba': Grows to about 8 inches tall and blooms with clusters of white flower heads in early summer. Zones 3 to 9.
• Armeria maritima ‘Bloodstone': Grows to about 8 inches tall and blooms with clusters of dark rosy-red flowers in early summer. Zones 3 to 9.
• Armeria maritima ‘Cottontail': Grows to about 6 inches tall and blooms with clusters of white in early summer. Zones 3 to 9.
• Armeria maritima ‘Dusseldorf Pride': Grows to about 8 inches tall and blooms with clusters of rosy flower heads in early summer. Zones 3 to 9.
• Armeria maritima ‘Splendens': Grows to about 12 inches tall and blooms with clusters of wine-red flower heads in late spring and early summer. Zones 3 to 9.
• Armeria maritima ‘Vindictive': Grows to about 6 inches tall and blooms with clusters of pink flower heads in early summer. Zones 3 to 9.