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ShrubsAlpine Rockery

Erinacea anthyllis

hedgehog broom

A dwarf shrub forming a dense hummock to 30cm in height, with very sparse, small leaves. Flowers 2cm in length, purplish-blue, in small clusters from late spring to early summer

Other common names
blue broom
branch thorn
see morehedgehog plant
rushy kidney vetch
Synonyms
Erinacea pungens
Anthyllis erinacea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Erinacea are dwarf, spiny, evergreen subshrubs with simple or trifoliate leaves and pea-like blue flowers borne in small clusters in the leaf axils

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, gritty, very well-drained soil in full sun. Long-lived and slow-growing

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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