For Australian gardeners seeking vibrant colour with minimal effort, the humble Armeria, or Thrift, presents an ideal solution, with the new Dreameria Collection offering a spectacular twist for contemporary landscapes.
What Makes Armerias a Garden Standout
Armerias are delightful perennial plants belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. They are celebrated for their bright, globe-shaped flowers and naturally compact growth habit, which makes them perfectly suited for the modern gardener.
When planted en masse along pathways or the front edges of garden beds, these little balls of colour create a strikingly beautiful display that catches the eye.
Originating from dry, hot regions stretching from Portugal to southern Germany, armerias are exceptionally well-adapted to the climate in Western Australia. Their common name, Thrift, aptly reflects their natural ability to thrive in hotter, more demanding environments.
The Dreameria Collection: A 20-Year Breeding Triumph
The plant world has seen more than 80 recognised species of Armeria, but recent breeding efforts have culminated in the development of the exceptional Dreameria Collection.
This specific range is the result of a dedicated 20-year breeding program, producing plants that are a significant upgrade from their wild cousins. The Dreameria varieties feature tightly mounded, dry-tolerant forms, making them ideally suited for rockeries and coastal gardens.
What truly sets them apart are the masses of large, globe-shaped blooms held on long, upright stems. This characteristic not only makes them stand out vividly in any garden setting but also turns them into excellent candidates for creating long-lasting cut flower arrangements.
Growing and Caring for Your Armerias
Renowned for their low-maintenance requirements, Armerias are the ideal choice for novice gardeners. They adapt beautifully to a variety of garden styles, including cottage, formal, and the ever-popular small garden.
For the most dramatic effect, position your Armerias at the front of garden beds, allowing their spherical flowers to take centre stage. They form an attractive, fuss-free edge along pathways or walls.
Maintenance is straightforward: a simple deadheading as the flowers fade is all that's needed to keep them looking their best. You can find Armerias in a joyful range of colours, including deep pink, pale pink, cerise, white, mauve, and pale purple.
While they can tolerate some shade, Armerias produce the most abundant blooms when grown in full sun. Their compact size, typically reaching just 15cm-30cm in height and spreading 40cm-60cm wide, makes them perfect for pots, balconies, and other compact spaces.
To encourage a vibrant spring display, fertilise your plants in late winter. With proper care, many Armerias will reward you by continuing to flower well into the summer months.
The Dreameria Collection is now available at leading garden centres including Waldecks, Dawsons, Guilford Garden Centre, Miaflora, Garden Elegance, and Bunnings.
Sabrina Hahn's Expert Gardening Tips
Tip of the week: Use a good quality potting mix with added compost and slow-release fertiliser to get the best display from your plants. Always use a wetting agent on potted plants throughout the summer months to ensure even water distribution.
Three essential jobs to do in your garden now:
- Consider turning your verge into a habitat haven for birds, lizards, and insects. For greater success, choose native plants from Western Australia.
- Hydrozone your garden by grouping plants with similar water requirements together. This strategic approach makes watering far more efficient.
- Always have water bowls around the garden at three different levels to suit different species of wildlife visiting your outdoor space.
Do you have a gardening question for Sabrina? To submit a question for her Green With Envy column inside Saturday’s The West Australian, write to Ask Sabrina, GPO Box D162, Perth, 6001 or email home@wanews.com.au. Please be sure to include your full name and suburb. Please note that due to the high volume of questions, not all submissions can be answered.
