About
This semi-evergreen perennial forms a mat and typically reaches a height of 5 cm. It features clumps of grey-green, hairy leaves that can grow up to 10 mm in length. From late spring through summer, it produces panicles of shallow, trumpet-shaped white flowers, which are veined and have a hint of pink.
About the genus
Acanthophyllum comprises approximately 75 species of compact, perennial plants that resemble shrubs. These plants feature spiny foliage and produce flowers in shades of pink or white.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Native to
- Pakistan to Tibet & Himalaya
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in light, sharply-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Dislikes winter wet.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in winter or in a cold frame in spring; propagate by root cuttings in late winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to stem rots