Ammobium calyceroides

RHS Plant Profile
spiny sandflower

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Synonyms

Nablonium calyceroides

Herbaceous Perennial
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A low-growing, rhizomatus perennial to around 8cm in height, native to Tasmania, forming a rosette of lance-shaped, succulent-like, glossy green leaves with a slightly spiny surface. A rounded inflorescence grows from the centre of the rosette, comprised of small, four-petalled pale lilac-white flowers from May to June. May be grown in pots and containers

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Ammobium are upright annuals, usually grown as annuals, with simple, white-hairy leaves, and stiff, winged stems bearing clusters of papery everlasting flowerheads to 2.5cm across, in summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained cactus and succulent soil or soil mixed with a third gravel. Keep well-watered in hot weather but reduce watering in winter. If container-grown, choose a shallow but wide pot

Propagation

May be difficult to propagate from seed as the seeds have a short lifespan. May be propagated by division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free