Aethionema oppositifolium

Aethionema oppositifolium is a small creeping perennial that forms a cushion, resembling a sedum. Its small greyish-green fleshy leaves are submerged in spring by clusters of small pale pink to lilac flowers. This hardy plant will thrive in rock gardens, alpine gardens, in the sun, and in well-drained soil, even limestone.

Aethionema oppositifolium is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, native to Turkey, the Caucasus, and Lebanon. In its natural environment, this small evergreen perennial grows on sunny slopes of limestone mountains, at high altitudes, and on cool and dry terrain. Forming prostrate and dense cushions of 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in height for the foliage, it slowly spreads in tufts of 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in), thanks to creeping stems that follow the contours of the ground. The leaves emerge as purple buds, then open into 5 to 10mm (1in) long, ovate to obovate, fleshy laminae, reminiscent of mouse ears. These leaves are a greyish-green colour, as if powdered, and persist more or less in winter. In March-April, the plant is literally covered with small flowers of pale pink to lilac, 1cm (1in) in diameter, revealing a yellow centre, arranged in clusters.

Aethionema oppositifolium is one of the plants that adapt well to alpine rock gardens. As such, it will thrive in specific conditions that we will seek to provide in the garden: rocky soil, sometimes dry, and always well-drained. In nature, it is often protected from freezing cold by snow, and is not afraid of scorching summer sun or wind. In the garden, it can be planted in a sunny rock garden, alongside androsaces, aubrietas, associated with Aurinia saxatilis, Iberis sempervirens, Campanula portenschlagiana, Saginas, or Alpine asters.