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: Sempervivum 'Sunset' sits low beside the thrift with rosettes and pink flowers in July and August. Lavandula 'SuperBlue' adds blue flowers at 25 to 30 cm from June to August. Tanacetum 'Robinson's Giant Mix' rises behind with pink daisies in June and July, echoing the magenta thrift. Plant the group in full sun.

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.