About
Eriogonum caespitosum, the mat buckwheat, is a compact, cushion-forming perennial from western North America producing flat mats of silvery-grey, hairy leaves and stalked clusters of tiny, bright-yellow flowers in summer. A charming and ornamental alpine for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or trough.
About the genus
Eriogonum, the buckwheats, are annuals, perennials and shrubs from western North America producing clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink or red in papery involucres. Popular drought-tolerant plants for sunny, well-drained rock gardens and borders in dry climates.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excess winter wet. When grown under glass water from underneath only. Suitable for a rock garden, trough or alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free