Ptilotrichum spinosum Rubrum

Ptilotrichum spinosum, sometimes called Spiny Alyssum, is a Mediterranean undershrub ideal for dry and rocky gardens, in not too cold a climate. This compact plant is appreciated for its pink spring flowering, its cushion-like habit, and its slightly greyish green evergreen foliage. It works well in rockeries, borders, and gravel gardens.

Ptilotrichum spinosum, also known as Hormathophylla spinosa or Alyssum spinosum, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is native to Mediterranean regions, particularly southeastern Spain, as well as North Africa (Algeria and Morocco). 'Rubrum' is a selection with dark pink flowers. It is an undershrub that forms a dense, spiny bush about 30 cm in all directions on average. Its growth is moderate, and its habit is highly branched, in a "cushion" shape, with interlaced branches ending in thorns. Its small leaves are evergreen in winter, elongated, linear, 1 to 2 cm long, and grey-green. The flowers, which appear in spring, between May and June, are small, pink, and grouped in tight clusters that contrast beautifully with the greyish foliage. The woody branches provide a strong and enduring structure, even outside the flowering period. Although Spiny Alyssum is mainly appreciated for its foliage and flowering, its interlaced, thorny branches also contribute to its "prickly" charm.

Ptilotrichum spinosum 'Rubrum' is perfect for dry Mediterranean gardens, especially in rockeries and borders where its adaptation to dry conditions can be fully exploited. This shrub can be used to stabilise soils in rocky terrain or as ground cover in arid locations. Pair it with other Mediterranean plants such as Santolina chamaecyparissus (Cotton Lavender), Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (True Lavender), Thymus capitatus (Headed Thyme), and Helichrysum italicum (Italian Everlasting).