Aethionema grandiflorum Pulchellum Group

RHS Plant Profile
Persian stone cress Pulchellum Group
Persian stone cress Pulchellum Group John Fielding
Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery

An evergreen sub-shrub to 20cm in height, of rounded habit. Leaves narrow, blue-green. Small, pale to deep pink flowers are borne, in compact sprays at shoot tips in spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Aethionema can be annuals, evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs, with racemes of small pink or white flowers held above neat foliage
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Will tolerate poor, acid soils although growth will be more compact

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free