Aethionema capitatum

RHS Plant Profile
Turkish stone cress
Turkish stone cress RHS

Other common names

Turkish candytuft

Alpine Rockery

A semi-evergreen sub-shrub to 15cm in height, forming a compact mound of upright stems with small, narrow, blue-green orgrey-green leaves. Flowers pale lilac-pink, in terminal clusters in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Lebanon, Syria, Turkey

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

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free