Compact and uniform plants produce cushion-shaped, grassy foliage and long, strong stems topped with long lasting pom-pom globes in shades of red. Height and Spread 30cm. Flowers June to September. Full sun, well-drained soil. Hardy. Attracts bees.
Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ is a beautiful, compact perennial that produces vibrant red pom-pom blooms and adds striking colour to your garden. With its uniform growth and strong stems, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting bees and other pollinators. Follow this guide to ensure your Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ flourishes throughout the year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ is in spring, once the soil has warmed up. This gives the plant ample time to establish roots before the growing season begins, leading to a vibrant display of blooms.
Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is another suitable planting time. This allows the plant to settle in before winter dormancy, ensuring a strong and healthy start when the new growing season arrives.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. Choose a location that receives ample sunlight for the best results.
Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Armeria. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. If your soil tends to retain moisture, consider adding grit or sand to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of the plant. This allows the roots to expand and establish properly.
Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter such as compost into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage. Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ will thrive in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage, so make sure the area is well-prepared before planting.
Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it down to eliminate any air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water your Armeria thoroughly after planting. This will help the soil settle and encourage the roots to establish. Ensure that the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Armeria is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water the plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to maintain a balanced watering routine.
Dormant Season: In winter, reduce watering significantly. Armeria requires minimal moisture during the dormant season, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to provide Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. This will support new growth and encourage a vibrant display of blooms.
Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help maintain the vigour of your Armeria throughout the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regular deadheading of spent flowers will prolong the blooming period of your Armeria. Removing faded flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms, ensuring it remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Autumn Pruning: Once the flowering season has ended, cut back the plant to just above the ground. This prepares the plant for dormancy and promotes healthy growth in the following year.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature, providing an ideal environment for the plant’s roots.
Winter: In colder weather, adding a light layer of mulch will protect the roots of your Armeria from frost. Be sure not to over-mulch, as this can create conditions that encourage excessive moisture retention.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ has sturdy stems and a compact growth habit, so staking is rarely necessary. However, if grown in a particularly windy area, you may want to stake the plant to prevent damage to the stems.
Final Tips
Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ is a stunning, low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant red pom-pom blooms to your garden from June to September. By planting it in full sun, well-drained soil, and following the care tips outlined above, your Armeria will thrive and attract beneficial pollinators like bees. Incorporate this beautiful, hardy plant into your garden for a reliable and eye-catching display year after year.
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Henry Lima (verified owner) –
Chunky plants covered on buds and blooms