About

Acantholimon venustum is a compact, evergreen sub-shrub that forms a cushion-like shape. It features tightly clustered, grey-green, needle-shaped foliage. In summer, the plant produces pink flowers that appear on short, upright spikes, which are later replaced by light, papery seed heads.

About the genus

Acantholimon consists of evergreen perennials that create thick mats of narrow, needle-like foliage. In early summer, they produce funnel-shaped blooms arranged in short spikes or panicles.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native to
W Asia

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow outdoors in full sun in very free-draining soil, such as an upright wall crevice, with protection from winter wet, or in an alpine house or frame in equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and coarse grit
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer
Pest resistance
Generally problem free
Disease resistance
Generally problem free