Armeria 'Morning Star Deep Rose' - Sea Thrift

This compact plant is great in rock and alpine gardens; attractive clusters of deep rose-pink flowers rise above glossy, grassy foliage forming a neat and attractive plant; will tolerate areas affected by salt and heat

Height: 6 inches. Spread: 12 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Morning Star Deep Rose Sea Thrift has masses of beautiful balls of rose flowers at the ends of the stems from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its small glossy grassy leaves remain emerald green in color throughout the year.

Landscape

Morning Star Deep Rose Sea Thrift is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Rock/Alpine Gardens, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Morning Star Deep Rose Sea Thrift will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.