Armeria maritima 'Morning Star Rose' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant rose pink globe shaped flower clusters atop grassy evergreen foliage. This seaside tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well drained soils, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and coastal plantings where it adds long lasting color and texture.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gritty soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer due to tough foliage
Native Status
Armeria maritima is native to coastal areas of Europe and North America, naturally thriving in sandy and rocky habitats. Cultivars like 'Morning Star Rose' retain the species’ salt and drought tolerance, ideal for maritime and exposed garden settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Pollinators
- Attracts bumblebees, honeybees, and native solitary bees seeking nectar from long lasting blooms.
Butterflies
- Painted Ladies and Cabbage Whites frequently visit the bright rose pink flower heads for nectar.
Beneficial Insects
- Hoverflies and lady beetles are drawn to the flowers helping to naturally control aphids and other pests nearby.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow full clump development and maintain airflow around plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rock gardens, coastal borders, container edges, and low maintenance sunny areas where color and texture are desired.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Silvery foliage and fragrant purple spikes harmonize with pink flower clusters for a classic cottage garden look.
- Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) - Fine textured blue foliage provides contrast to Armeria’s rose pink blooms.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - Low mat forming thyme adds fragrance and complements the compact clumps of Armeria.
- Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) - Rosette forming succulents provide winter interest and enhance rock garden composition.
- Sedum (Stonecrop) - Succulent groundcover offers texture and thrives in the same well drained, sunny conditions.