Ammobium calyceroides
spiny sandflower
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
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
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