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Alpine RockeryConservatory Greenhouse

Acantholimon ulicinum

Ulex-like prickly thrift

A small, cushion-forming, evergreen sub-shrub with densely packed, grey-green, needle-like leaves and pink flowers borne in small clusters on short, upright stems in summer

Synonyms
Acantholimon echinus misapplied
Acantholimon androsaceum
see moreAcantholimon tournefortii
Acantholimon albanicum
Acantholimon creticum
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plumbaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Acantholimon are evergreen perennials forming dense mats of small, needle-like leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in short spikes or panicles in early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Turkey, Lebanon

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in full sun in very free-draining soil, such as an upright wall crevice, with protection from winter wet, or in an alpine house or frame in equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and coarse grit

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

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