Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 15cm/6in, width: 30cm/12in

Armeria rnaritima or sea thrift (above) is a familiar wild plant of coastal areas from which a number of attractive garden varieties; have been developed. The perennial plants make neat hummocks and the long-lasting flower-heads - like pinks in form: and usually pink in colour - are carried high on slender stems. The species A. caespitosa, by contrast, bears almost stemless flowers.

GROWING Plant between autumn and spring in well-drained, soil in full sun. Snip off flower-heads as they fade.

PROPAGATION Lift, divide and replant in spring.

VARIETIES A. maritima: `Alba', white; `Vindictive', deep rose red; `Merlin', deep pink. A. caespitosa: `Bevan's Variety', deep pink.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Rust.