Aethionema saxatile

RHS Plant Profile
candy mustard

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Synonyms

Aethionema cardiophyllum DC.
Aethionema graecum

Alpine Rockery
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A compact, evergreen perennial to 10cm tall with semi-erect to sprawling stems up to 30cm long bearing ovate to lanceolate, succulent, blue-green leaves and white or pink flowers to 1cm across from spring into early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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)
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
Matforming, Trailing
Genus
Aethionema can be annuals, evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs, with racemes of small pink or white flowers held above neat foliage
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mediterranean

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in well-drained, alkaline soil but will tolerate poor, acid soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free