Aethionema Kotschyi

Aethionema kotschyi is a diminutive Lebanese stonecress, forming a tight evergreen cushion only a few centimetres high. Small, glaucous leaves create a neat mound that is smothered in clusters of pale pink, four-petalled flowers during spring, followed by attractive papery seed heads. Its miniature proportions make it especially valuable for troughs, alpine houses and narrow rock crevices where larger plants would dominate. Originating from dry mountain habitats of the eastern Mediterranean, it needs full sun, gritty soil and uncompromising drainage, particularly through a damp British winter.