Armeria maritima

Habit: this low growing evergreen perennial forms a compacted mound of densely tufted, dark-green grass like leaves one and a half to six inches long.  Pink to lavender flowers are clustered together in round groups which are held above the leaves by a leafless 6 in (15 cm) stalk.  Flowers are pink to light purple and bloom in the spring, April-May.

Ecology: found along the coast on bluffs and low-elevation mountains in Washington, Oregon, California and Canada.  Occasionally found inland along rivers and meadows.

Growing Conditions: full sun along the coast to partial shade inland, prefers dry infertile soils, with plenty of drainage.  Only drought tolerant near the coast. Too much moisture can cause this plant to rot.

Good for the rock garden, xeriscapes or used as a ground cover in small spaces.