Deep Red Pom-Poms Over Tidy Grassy Tufts

Bloodstone Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima 'Bloodstone') is a charming, compact perennial that forms a neat, evergreen tuft of grassy foliage topped in late spring with rich, deep red, ball-shaped flowers on slender stems. Tough as nails, it thrives in the hot, dry, lean, well-drained spots, including salty roadsides, that defeat most plants. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly, it's a perfect little gem for rock gardens, edging, and containers in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan.

Landscape Uses

Use Bloodstone in rock gardens, troughs, edging, and the front of sunny borders, and along walks and driveways where salt and drought are issues. It pairs beautifully with sedum, hens-and-chicks, and other small sun lovers.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained spot.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill (avoid heavy, rich soil), water in, and mulch lightly with grit or gravel. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites.

Watering

First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish, avoiding soggy soil.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's highly drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering, which can rot the crown.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; sea thrift prefers dry conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it stay evergreen?
The grassy foliage is largely evergreen, providing year-round texture.

Will it tolerate salt?
Yes, as a seaside native it handles road salt and tough, lean soils well.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 perennial, fully hardy statewide.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid sea thrift.

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Pair Bloodstone with Dusseldorf Pride Sea Thrift, sedum, and hens-and-chicks for a colorful, low-water rock or edging garden.