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Acantholimon forms interesting spikes above a prickly blue-green cushion.

Plumbaginaceae

A cushion of stiff, evergreen, lanceolate leaves somewhat resembling Armeria. Pink flowers rise above the clump in paniculate spikes that leave interesting parchment-like calyxes after bloom that last into the fall.

Plant Type: perennial

Plant Form or Habit: cushion mound or small clump

Plant Use: Rock gardens, on south-facing walls

Propagation:

division
stem cuttings

Flower Color:

pink

Bloom Period:

late spring
early summer
mid-summer

Width: Minimum: 4 inches     Maximum: 6 inches

Foliage Texture: medium

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4

Water Requirements: average

Additional Comments: Requires well-drained soil and adequate water. Seed propagation and plant culture itself can be tricky. More success may come with propagation from cuttings from august to late winter. Jelitto and Schacht recommend spreading sand under an established plant to encourage rooting near branch tips, then dividing the next year.