Aethionema grandiflorum

RHS Plant Profile
Persian stone cress
Persian stone cress Dorling Kindersley 2003

Synonyms

Aethionema pulchellum

Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Shrubs

An evergreen sub-shrub to 30cm in height, of rounded habit. Leaves narrow, blue-green. Flowers small, pink, in compact sprays at shoot tips. Fruit a small, flat capsule

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
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
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
Iran, Iraq, Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Will tolerate poor, acid soils although growth will be more compact

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free