This evergreen subshrub is probably a cross of A. armenum and A. grandiflorum. It is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes broccoli, cabbage, and asylum. Plants grow up to 8″ tall and form a compact, spreading mat with blue-grey leaves that are narrowly oblong and .5″ or more long. In late spring to early summer, dense terminal clusters of deep pink flowers 1/4″ wide appear . More tolerant of warm climates that the species, Warley rose stonecress is an excellent choice for a rock garden, dry wall or container. The genus name, Aethionema, comes from the ancient Greek words αἴθειν meaning to light up or kindle and νῆμα meaning thread or yarn. The specific epithet, warleyense, honors the garden at Warley Place, Essex, where the plant spontaneous arose.
Type: Evergreen subshrub
Bloom: Dense terminal clusters of deep pink flower with lighter veining from late spring to early summer.
Size: 8″ H x 12-18″ W
Light:Full sun
Soil:Average, moderately moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Shear after blooming to encourage compact bushy growth.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, flea beetles
Propagation: Division, semi-hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings
Companion Plants: Arenaria montana, Aster alpinus ‘Pinkie’, Campanula portenschlagiana
Karen Meyers