With larger, longer-lasting flowers than the more familiar A. maritima cultivars, this Thrift is a low-maintenance pleasure for sunny to lightly shaded gardens. The 1-inch pompons of deepest red make stellar fresh or dried cut-flowers, and if deadheaded promptly after its heavy spring bloom, this plant will repeat intermittently all summer.

Winner of the 2009 Fleuroselect Gold Medal award, Ballerina Red is gloriously colorful and productive. Its blooms make long-lasting cuts, and really stand out in the sun-soaked garden. The foliage is evergreen on compact plants, perfect for edging as well as the front of the border.

Ballerina Red is best in sunny, dry conditions. It makes a fine addition to a rockery, and doesn't mind soil that dries out a bit between waterings. Deadhead promptly for heaviest rebloom. Zones 5-9.