Juniper-leaved Thrift

A diminutive and charming species from the mountains of Spain, this thrift forms tight, prickly-looking mounds of needle-like, dark green leaves that resemble a tiny juniper bush. In late spring, the foliage is almost entirely obscured by a profusion of stemless or very short-stemmed rounded flower heads in a soft, clear pink. It is an ideal plant for the connoisseur's trough, a crevice garden, or the tightest of pockets in a dry-stone wall. In the UK, it is fully hardy (H4) but absolutely demands perfect drainage and a sunny site. It is particularly susceptible to 'balding' in the centre if the soil is too rich or if it stays too wet during the winter months. To keep the hummock tight and healthy, it should be grown in a very gritty medium with minimal organic matter, mimicking the harsh mountain environments where it naturally thrives.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or sandy soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.