One of the first "proper" alpines I bought in the early 1970s, I still think Armeria juniperifolia Bevan's variety is a great plant. Much more compact than our native Thrift it forms a neat low mound and in the spring erupts into rose pink pom poms. When the flowers die the papery bracts remain often through the winter so that I only snip them off as the new buds start to show.
It grew fine in the rock garden for many years until some ants decided to nest under it and evn then I was able to salvage small bits off it. However I think it does look better in a trough or other small container.
I have also tried the white variety that I found a bit shy flowering and the miniature compact form but that died over the winter after I'd bought it so I think I'll stick with this form.
