About this product

Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'

Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'

Confirmed format: 9cm potted alpine

Plant Highlights

• Deep burgundy evergreen foliage

• Bright pink flower heads from late spring into summer

• Compact, clump-forming habit

• Ideal for rockeries, edging and containers

• Drought tolerant once established

Overview

Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia', commonly known as Sea Thrift, is a compact evergreen alpine prized for its striking burgundy-purple, grass-like foliage and cheerful rounded heads of bright pink flowers. Blooming from late spring into summer, the flowers are carried on slender stems above the foliage, creating a colourful display that contrasts beautifully with the dark leaves.

Its naturally neat, mound-forming habit makes it an excellent choice for the front of sunny borders, gravel gardens, rockeries and alpine troughs. It also performs well in containers where its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, even when not in flower.

Why We Love It

• Rich burgundy foliage provides colour throughout the year.

• Bright pink flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects.

• Compact growth is perfect for smaller spaces.

• Excellent tolerance of dry, sunny conditions once established.

• Ideal for coastal and exposed gardens.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a sunny, open position where it receives plenty of direct light. It is particularly well suited to rockeries, raised beds, gravel gardens and coastal planting.

Watering

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, this plant is drought tolerant and generally only requires watering during prolonged dry spells. Container-grown plants should be checked more frequently in warm weather.

Soil

Grow in free-draining soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal, and incorporating horticultural grit can improve drainage where necessary.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy in Irish gardens. Good drainage is essential during winter, especially in heavier soils, to keep the evergreen crown healthy.

Routine Care

Remove faded flower stems to encourage a tidy appearance and possible repeat flowering. Divide mature clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour. Remove any damaged foliage in late winter if required.

Perfect For

• Rockeries and alpine gardens.

• Gravel and coastal planting.

• Front of sunny borders.

• Patio pots and alpine troughs.

• Pollinator-friendly gardens.

Good to Know

The cultivar is correctly known as 'Rubrifolia', although it is sometimes listed in the trade as 'Rubifolia'. Its evergreen burgundy foliage provides attractive colour throughout the year, making it valuable even when not in flower.

Product Information

• Botanical identity: Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia'

• Supplied in a 9cm nursery pot.