Telesonix Jamesii

Telesonix jamesii, now accepted as Boykinia jamesii, is a rare Rocky Mountain alpine forming a low cushion of leathery, scalloped leaves. In early spring, short stems carry heads of comparatively large five-petalled flowers in cherry red to purple-red, each centred by a fresh green eye. The bold colour and neat foliage are striking in a trough or crevice garden. Restricted to high rocky habitats in Colorado and New Mexico, it has conservation interest and must be grown only from responsibly propagated seed, with cool roots and constant moisture.