Armeria maritima
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Size at maturity: short, round clumps with spring flowers that stand 6-12" tall
- Canopy layer: groundcover
- Light requirements: full sun
- Moisture requirements: dry soil
- Special features: drought tolerant, evergreen
This compact evergreen plant is ideal for dry, well-drained or sandy areas of your yard - such as a rock garden. In mid-spring it produces small, globe-shaped pink to lavender (or sometimes white) flowers. Since it is evergreen, it should not be cut back to the ground in fall like many other perennials as that will affect spring bloom. Don't baby this beauty - it will not tolerate supplemental water, nor soils that are too-rich or heavy.
Photo Credit 1: "Armeria maritima" by Gilles San Martin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo Credit 2: "Armeria maritima" by anro0002 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo Credit 3: "Thrift - Strandnellik - Armeria Maritima" by randihausken is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo Credit 4: "Thrift (Armeria maritima)" by Phil Sellens is licensed under CC BY 2.0