Overview

Petrophytum caespitosum is a plant with a mat-forming habit in the genus Petrophytum, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Petrophytum caespitosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include alpine garden, rock garden and trough planting.

About

Petrophytum caespitosum, commonly known as mat rock spiraea, is a mat-forming evergreen plant from the Rosaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for alpine gardens, rock gardens, and trough planting. This cultivar is of particular interest in spring and summer. It requires watering during establishment and can be propagated by seed or division.

About the genus

Petrophytum is a small genus of plants in the rose family known as the rock spiraeas or rockmats. These are low mat-forming shrubs which send up erect stems bearing spike inflorescences of flowers. The brushy flowers are white and have many stamens and hairy, thready pistils.

Wikipedia contributors, "Petrophytum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Petrophytum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Petrophytum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Petrophytum caespitosum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Mat-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Alpine garden, rock garden, trough planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Petrophytum caespitosum

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions