Overview
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum is a perennial in the genus Aethionema, part of the Brassicaceae family. Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and alkaline soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to Europe and West Asia (especially Turkey).
About
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum is a stonecress in the Brassicaceae that produces erect racemes of cruciform flowers. In the UK it blooms from April to June. Originating on sunny limestone mountainsides of Europe and West Asia, especially Turkey, it favours well‑drained alkaline ground. Plants are typically perennial but can be short‑lived, and bear ovate to linear leaves.
About the genus
Aethionema is a genus of flowering plants within the family Brassicaceae. They are known as stonecresses. Stonecresses originate from sunny limestone mountainsides in Europe and West Asia, especially Turkey.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aethionema", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aethionema
In the garden
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum belongs to the stonecresses (genus Aethionema) within the Brassicaceae and has its origins on sunny, calcareous mountainsides in Europe and West Asia, particularly Turkey. The plant bears ovate to narrowly linear leaves and carries upright racemes of cruciform flowers in shades recorded across the genus, appearing in the UK from April to June. Give this subspecies a sunny, sharply drained spot on alkaline or neutral substrates so conditions resemble its native limestone sites. It performs best in rock gardens, crevices in dry stone walls or gravel beds where roots do not sit wet; poor drainage is the main cause of decline. Plants are typically perennial but may behave as short‑lived perennials or annuals in cultivation, so plan for periodic replacement rather than indefinite longevity. Use Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum where a compact, early‑season display is required on exposed dry crevices, wall tops or in gravel containers. Expect the racemes to open in spring, providing concentrated colour from April to June that sits well against pale stone or lime mortar.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aethionema
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, alkaline
- Soil pH
- alkaline
- Soil moisture
- well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- Europe, West Asia (especially Turkey)
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained alkaline soil in full sun; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum?
Grow in well-drained alkaline soil in full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum?
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum need?
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum grows best in well-drained and alkaline soil. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum hardy in the UK?
Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Aethionema sax. subsp. corinthiacum?
Seed, cuttings.