Overview

Ptilostemon afer is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Ptilostemon, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ptilostemon afer grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include drought-tolerant borders and mediterranean-style gardens.

About

Ptilostemon afer is a clump-forming deciduous cultivar within the genus Ptilostemon, part of the Asteraceae family. It thrives in full sun on south-facing, exposed sites, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for drought-tolerant borders and Mediterranean-style gardens. This cultivar is of interest in spring and summer and can be propagated by division or basal cuttings taken in early to mid-spring.

About the genus

Ptilostemon is a genus of thistle in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae. It includes 15 species native to the Mediterranean Basin and the Caucasus.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ptilostemon

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Ptilostemon afer size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Drought-tolerant borders, Mediterranean-style gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ptilostemon afer

Propagation

Division in spring, basal cuttings in early to mid-spring

Pest resistance

Resistant to common pests

Disease resistance

Resistant to common diseases

Frequently asked questions