Phuopsis stylosa 'Pretty pink'

Caucasian crosswort

This very useful mat former bears fresh green leaves and pink pin-cushion flowers.

It is found in the dry hills and dunes around the Caspian Sea just north of Tehran and will make very quick ground cover for dry sunny soil.

Beth Chatto uses and recommends this plant for edging borders in gravel gardens and dry conditions, although as she writes, "Such an easy colourful plant - but it must be curbed, cut well back after flowering to rescue whatever may be smothered beneath its ebullient growth".

What she doesn’t mention is the very pungent, fox-like smell of the aromatic leaves. It's only very pronounced in hot weather but to avoid any unpleasantness don't plant too close to where windows might be open in summer.

Photo: Blackstem Plants

£ 6.50