Armeria 'Rubrifolia'

Armeria 'Rubrifolia': Dark Tufts, Hot Magenta Pops

Burgundy-black evergreen tufts topped with magenta-pink pompoms, like a punk rocker who still secretly loves pink. 'Rubrifolia' brings moody foliage to sunny, salty spots. DARK ROOTS, HOT PINK TIPS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'
• Common Name: Red-leaved Sea Thrift
• Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in) in flower
• Spread: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Flowers: Magenta-pink, rounded pompom heads
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Narrow, grass-like, evergreen leaves in deep purple to burgundy-black. They can turn greener in summer heat.
• Features: Coloured evergreen foliage, salt tolerant

Where to Plant: Use it as a small accent at the front of a bed, as edging, in a trough or tucked into a rock wall, where the dark tufts stand out against pale gravel. It tolerates salt, so it's a good candidate for the curbside strip or the edge of a salted walk.

Companion Plants: Use the burgundy leaves of 'Rubrifolia' at the front of a hot, dry bed with reds and gold behind. Iris pumila 'Lady in Red' opens soft red dwarf iris at 30 cm in May and June, alongside the thrift. Coreopsis UpTick™ Gold adds golden daisies at 30 to 36 cm from June to September. Dianthus Rockin'™ Red brings vivid red, fringed flowers at 45 to 60 cm from June to September. Panicum Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' adds red-turning blades at about 90 cm in bloom.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in lean, gritty, well-drained soil. Heavy clay, rich soil or a soggy fall can rot the centre of the crown, so raise the bed or add grit if your soil is dense. Water through the first season, then only in prolonged drought. Remove spent flower stems at the base to keep it neat and encourage some repeat bloom. Don't cut the evergreen foliage back in fall. Divide in spring if the clump starts to hollow out in the middle.

History: Armeria maritima grows wild on sea cliffs, coastal marshes and mountain slopes in the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and its name means of the sea. 'Rubrifolia' is a selection grown for its unusually dark foliage.

Final Thoughts: Plant it at the front of a dry, sunny bed and enjoy the colour all year. Leave the watering can inside. THE SEASIDE BAD BOY YOU WERE WARNED ABOUT.