Victor Reiter Armeria

‘Victor Reiter’ Armeria (Armeria maritima) is an especially compact selection covered with small round flower clusters. This cultivar is named after Victor Reiter Jr. (1903-1986), San Francisco’s most famous grower, collector, and hybridizer of plants and trees for many years, and one of the founders of the California Horticulture Society in the 1930s. The flowers are held on short stiff stems over a tidy mat of grassy, evergreen foliage. Don’t let its playful form fool you – this is a highly rugged perennial. Armeria is native to the northern hemisphere, including both Europe and North America. Its native range includes Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, where it thrives in gravely tundra and along coastal cliffs and beaches. In fact, Armeria needs well-drained soil, and is not suitable for rich, moisture-retentive loam or clay. It is well adapted to coastal growing conditions with salt spray, as well as inland gardens. Its compact size makes it perfect for rock gardens, containers, and the front of the border. Planting in large groups at the front of the flower border or as an edging plant to border walkways and paths. Extend the bloom time with occasional deadheading. Use this Sea Thrift for planting in large groups at the front of the flower border or as an edging plant to border walkways and paths. Recommended companion plants include bulbous ornamental onions (Allium), compact ‘Wee One’ Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and Greek yarrow (Achillea ageratifolia).