Armeria ‘Splendens’
Armeria ‘Splendens’ is a vibrant and compact evergreen perennial prized for its vivid magenta-pink flowers and neat, grassy foliage. Exceptionally easy to grow and tolerant of poor soils, this cheerful sea thrift is perfect for sunny borders, rockeries, gravel gardens, and containers. Hardy, low-maintenance, and attractive to pollinators, it provides long-lasting colour and year-round garden structure.
At a Glance
Type: Evergreen perennial
Common Name: Sea Thrift, Sea Pink
Flower Colour: Magenta-pink
Height: 20cm (0.6ft)
Spread: 20cm (0.6ft)
Flowering Time: May to June
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 to -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gritty soil; dislikes heavy or waterlogged ground
Vivid Pink Flowers All Summer
Armeria ‘Splendens’ lives up to its name with a stunning display of bright magenta-pink flowers. Blooming from late spring through to early autumn, the rounded flower heads are held on upright stems that rise above a low cushion of foliage. With regular deadheading, flowering continues for many weeks, bringing vibrant colour to even the driest corners of the garden.
Tidy, Compact Habit
This variety forms a neat, low mound of slender, evergreen leaves that resembles a small grass clump. Its tidy growth and modest size make it ideal for edging paths, softening the front of borders, or slotting into crevices in walls and paving. It’s also well-suited for alpine gardens and troughs where its shape and form can be fully appreciated.
Evergreen Year-Round Structure
Even when not in bloom, ‘Splendens’ provides attractive structure with its fine, evergreen foliage. The dense, grassy tuft adds texture to planting schemes throughout the year and helps to keep beds looking full and neat during the winter months.
Drought-Tolerant and Coastal-Hardy
Native to coastal environments, Armeria ‘Splendens’ is naturally suited to poor, dry soils and windy locations. It performs brilliantly in free-draining soil and full sun, and is ideal for exposed or difficult areas such as gravel gardens, raised beds, or seaside plots. Once established, it requires little water and is resilient in drought conditions.
Great for Pollinators
The brightly coloured flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Its long flowering season makes ‘Splendens’ a valuable nectar source from spring to late summer, supporting biodiversity in any wildlife-friendly garden.
Growing Tips
Watering: Water well after planting. Once established, only water during extended dry periods. Avoid soggy soils.
Feeding: Little to no feeding required in open ground. In pots, a light spring feed can support flowering.
Pruning: Remove faded flower stems to encourage continued blooming. Trim untidy foliage in early spring.
Potted: Ideal for pots, troughs, and containers with gritty, free-draining compost.
Propagation: Can be divided in spring or autumn, or raised from seed.
Hardy and Trouble-Free
Armeria ‘Splendens’ is fully hardy across the UK and resistant to most pests and diseases. It thrives with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking attractive, low-maintenance plants for sunny positions.
Companion Planting Ideas
For a vibrant and drought-tolerant display, pair ‘Splendens’ with other sun-loving perennials such as:
These companions complement Armeria’s growth habit and flowering season, and all thrive in similar growing conditions.
Why Choose Armeria ‘Splendens’?
With its bold pink blooms, compact form, and robust nature, Armeria ‘Splendens’ is a garden favourite that delivers colour and structure with ease. Whether you’re planting up a rockery, refreshing containers, or looking for a dependable edging plant, it’s a reliable performer that will return year after year.
Choose Armeria ‘Splendens’ for long-lasting pink colour, pollinator-friendly blooms, and effortless garden charm.
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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