Aethionema schistosum (Persian Stonecress)
Aethionema schistosum forms a symetrical mound of blue-green leaves covered with fragrant, pale pink flowers in spring. The color and fragrance remind me of cotton candy.
Aethionema schistosum is a wonderful rock garden plant. It tolerates drought and poor soil, including alkaline soil. It needs well-drained soil to overwinter. It won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Sowing Aethionema schistosum Seeds
Start aethionema seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for 3 weeks. Full sun. Well-drained soil.