Splendens Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima 'Splendens')
Armeria mah-RIT-ih-mah SPLEN-denz

Evergreen Perennial Mounded, Clump-Forming in the Plumbaginaceae Family
A brighter-flowered selection of Sea Thrift, forming a low, dense mound of evergreen grass-like foliage topped with vivid rose-pink flower globes on slender stems in late spring.

'Splendens' is a long-popular selection of Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) prized for flowers that are noticeably brighter and more vivid than the straight species — rounded, rose-pink to deep pink clusters held on slender, wiry stems above a dense, low mound of dark green, grass-like evergreen foliage. Blooms open in mid-to-late spring, with sporadic repeat flowering into summer, especially if spent flower stems are deadheaded.

Like other forms of sea thrift, it thrives in lean, dry, well-drained soil and full sun, tolerating some afternoon shade. It struggles in rich, consistently moist, or heavy clay soil, where the foliage mound is prone to rot. Individual flowers are fully bisexual; Armeria's well-known heterostyly (a self-incompatibility system based on flower structure) does not make plants functionally male or female.

Pros

  • Vivid rose-pink flowers, showier than the straight species
  • Long bloom season with sporadic rebloom into summer if deadheaded
  • Evergreen, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant once established
  • Deer and rabbit resistant; attractive to bees

Cons

  • Resents rich, moist, or heavy clay soil — foliage mats can rot
  • Slow to spread; not practical as a large-scale groundcover
  • Clumps can die out in the center over time and need dividing
Highlights Bred for noticeably brighter rose-pink flowers than the species, held above tidy, dense mounds of evergreen grass-like foliage.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 6 - 12 inches tall. 6 - 12 inches wide.
Growth Rate Slow
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Dry : Dry to Moist
Zones 3a - 9b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Dry, Evergreen, Full Sun, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial Full Sun Perennials, Pink or Red Flowering Perennials, Small Perennials, Spring Blooming Perennials
Bloom Period April to June, sporadic rebloom
Flower Color Bright Rose-Pink
Foliage Color Dark Green
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Pairs well with other well-drained, sun-loving companions such as sedum, dianthus, lavender, and low ornamental grasses.
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Pricing and Availability History

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Past Availability
2025 : 04/13 - 10/04
2024 : 05/01 - 10/05
2023 : 04/13 - 05/21

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

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