Golden Drop

An architectural and unusual alpine, Onosma alboroseum is a woody-based evergreen sub-shrub that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to the UK rockery. It is characterized by its linear, grey-green leaves which are covered in stiff, bristly hairs, giving the plant a tactile, silvery appearance. From late spring, it produces beautiful, nodding, tubular flowers that emerge white or pale cream and gradually age to a delicate rose-pink or purple, often with several colours appearing on the same cyme. Reaching about 20cm in height, it has a semi-prostrate habit that looks best when allowed to drape over the edge of a raised bed or a dry stone wall. It requires a very sunny, sheltered spot and must have sharply drained soil, as it is particularly susceptible to winter wet around the crown. It is a classic choice for a 'hot' south-facing rock garden or a large trough where its pendant blooms can be appreciated at eye level.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral gritty loam.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.