ARMERIA. Sea pink. The sea pinks are tightly clumping perennials, forming tussocks of grassy or needle-like leaves. The tiny blossoms are borne in dense round heads above the foliage, on naked stems. Colors range from deep red to white. They have long been used in rock gardens, bank plantings and foregrounds of perennial borders. Give them a sunny spot, well drained soil, and moderate to occasional watering when established. The following should be hardy to 0oF or below.
juniperifolia (caespitosa). This is as tight a cushion as I have seen, rising barely off the ground with tiny needle-like leaves. Heads of bright pink blossoms cover the plant in spring.
maritima. This world traveler is found on both European and Californian shores. It has grass-like leaves and usually 8-12" flower stems. A continual parade of new selections is making its way to California. ‘Dusseldorf Pride’ is one of the best of recent years, a dense hummock bearing 6-8" stems of glowing, rose-colored blossoms from spring to fall. ‘Alba‘ is a small form with white flowers.