Armeria pseudarmeria 'Sweet Dreams' [British Grown Evergreen Perennial Alpine]

This perennial has delicate pink flowers growing on tall stems over its vibrant evergreen foliage which grows in a tufted form. Hardy in most of the UK down to -15°C.

This low-maintenance perennial is happy even in poor soil as long as it drains well, and gets plenty of sun! It grows in tufts of evergreen, emerald foliage and produces flowers in a delicate pink colour which shoot out of the foliage in spring and summer. This plant is adapted to growing in rocky, coastal areas of Portugal, giving it the name 'Sea Thrift', or 'False Sea Thrift' as it is a different species to the usual Armeria maritima. Bring a slice of the shore to your garden or window box with these beautiful pink blooms.

Scientific Name
Armeria pseudarmeria 'Sweet Dreams' (Dianthus-like plant, false armeria, variety: Sweet Dreams)

Common Name
Sea Thrift, Thrift, Sea Pinks, Sea Pinks Dreameria, False Sea Thrift

Origin
Native to the west coast of Portugal

Pruning Tips
No pruning required, but if you deadhead the spent flowers it will encourage your plant to keep blooming until early autumn.

Wildlife Value
Popular with bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Positioning
Full sun (more than 6 hours per day), can handle exposed or sheltered spots.

Water
Water only in very dry weather; make sure it isn't at all soggy and its soil drains well!

Soil
Needs well-draining soil, and doesn't like to be sat in standing water. Any pH level is fine.

Food
Fertilise at least once a year in the growing season (spring/summer)

Pet-safe?
Yes- no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!

Sprouts Top Tips
This plant will grow up to half a meter in spread and height; if you want to divide it to propagate, early spring is a good time!

Pick your worst-quality soil to plant sea thrift in- it's really not picky and can fill an otherwise tricky spot with beautiful foliage and blooms!