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Alpine RockeryConservatory Greenhouse

Acantholimon venustum

beautiful prickly thrift

A small, cushion-forming, evergreen sub-shrub with densely packed, grey-green, needle-like leaves and pink flowers borne in short, upright spikes in summer, followed by papery seed heads

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plumbaginaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Acantholimon are evergreen perennials forming dense mats of small, needle-like leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in short spikes or panicles in early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in full sun in very free-draining soil, such as an upright wall crevice, with protection from winter wet, or in an alpine house or frame in equal parts loam-based potting compost and coarse grit

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Gravel garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.