Armeria

If you have taken walks around the cliffs of the UK, then you will have probably seen our native thrift, exposed to the full force of the wind, growing in areas most other plants can't thrive. Low hummocks of narrow green leaves, with pompom-like heads of pink or white flowers. Going further afield there are approximately 80 different species, mostly from Mediterranean area. In a garden setting they are best suited to a rock garden, trough or pot culture. If they are happy, clumps will gradually spread, gently covering rocks, or cascading over the edges of walls, in a very organic way.

A valuable nectar plant for butterflies, moths and bees in particular, while the evergreen cushion growth-form helps conserve water and provides a protected environment for invertebrates on otherwise inhospitable rocks and scree.