Hedgehog Broom

Living up to its common name, the Hedgehog Broom is a slow-growing, incredibly spiny, mound-forming shrublet that is a prized specimen for any UK alpine collection. Found naturally in the mountains of Spain and North Africa, it forms a dense, rounded hummock of stiff, blue-grey photosynthetic spines, with very few actual leaves. In late spring and early summer, the entire plant is transformed as it becomes smothered in clusters of pea-like, violet-blue flowers that emerge from the spiny interior. This plant is exceptionally hardy and drought-tolerant once established, but it demands the sunniest possible position to ripen its wood and ensure prolific flowering. In the UK, it is best grown in a deep crevice, a scree bed, or a large terracotta pot in an alpine house to protect it from excessive winter moisture. Its architectural form makes it a standout feature in a minimalist rock garden or a dedicated xeric planting scheme.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Sharply drained, poor stony soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.