acantholimon halophylum

Acantholimon halophylum was attractive from the get-go. They formed a very neat clump of prickly leaves, like a dianthus but much more uniform, almost perfect half spheres of olive green. Planted a few years ago, the first year was just foliage, the next year there were a few flowers. I admit that they were a little disappointing compared the the showy pink flowers of Acantholimon hohenackeri that I had at my old house. I couldn't find those again, but Agua Fria Nursery had these instead. A. halophylum may not have showy flowers, but the little umbrellas of white that are the bracts left after the bloom has faded, are much more impressive. In my garden, the bracts form a bright spot of white that glow in the sunlight. Visitors to my garden always comment when they see them, not only about how unusual they are, but how eye catching. That bright white has been there since early June, and will last through the winter, a much more impressive length of show than any flowers. The bracts close when it rains, then open again when they dry out, in a charming manner. The plants are amazingly drought tolerant, even though they are planted in almost pure sand, and other drought tolerant plants suffer in this location. Don't be dismayed by the diminutive little tuft of prickly foliage if you ever are lucky enough to see this at a nursery. Just buy it. On the other hand, leave them for me. I wish I had about 10 more.