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 December
1999
 Ruellia
'Black Beauty'
November
1999
Daphne
arbuscula
October
1999
Tulipa
schrenkii
September
1999
Machaeranthera
colorodoensis
August
1999
Veronica
spicata nana
July
1999
Campanula
garganica
June
1999
Saponaria
X Olivana
May
1999
Phlox
bifida
 April
1999
Aethionema
oppositifolium
March
1999
Cyclamen
coum
February
1999
Moneses
uniflora
January
1999
Eritrichum
nanum
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2003
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2002
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2001
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2000
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1998
Archive
1997
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Plant
of the Month
April
1999
Aethionema
oppositifolium
by Chuck Griffith
Aethionema
oppositifolium (Pers.)
Hedge (syn. Eunomia
oppositifolia (Pers.) DC.) is among the hardiest of
rock garden plants. Coming from Lebanon and the Caucasus one
would not expect it to be so but it does withstand summer
humidity, summer drought, winters to at least USDA zone 4
and winter sun.
The leaves
are almost like a sedum: rounded, somewhat fleshy with a
grayish cast. The plant holds its leaves closely to its
stems as it hugs the ground, spreading to a foot or more in
size usually without reaching for the sky for more than an
inch. Even when done blooming the leaves give the plant has
a distinctive look.
First to
bloom in the spring along with the Drabas, the flowers start
as dark purple buds that look like berries. Then the blooms
open up with yellow stamens in the throat between the four
pink tinged white petals. The plant gives itself over to
blooming with obvious enthusiasm, almost hiding its leaves.
Even standing above the plant, one may notice a scent.
Kneeling close, the odor reminds one of spices from the
kitchen.
Aethionema
oppositifolium, in spite of its much sought after
alpine characteristics (dense and floriferous) is not a
difficult plant, but it does appreciate a well draining soil
such as in sand and scree beds. The rewards of starting with
this plant are enough to get one addicted to rock gardening,
eventually trying more difficult plants and getting other
gardeners started with these miniatures.
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