Masses of small white trumpet-shaped flowers, blushed pink over a loose, spreading mound of grey-green leaves from May to August. Perfect for growing in alpine gardens, rockeries and edges of borders. Height 60cm. Spread 30cm. Full sun/part shade. Hardy.
A charming, low-growing perennial, Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ forms a spreading mound of grey-green foliage topped with delicate white trumpet-shaped flowers blushed with pink. Blooming from May to August, this hardy alpine is perfect for rock gardens, alpine beds, and the front of sunny borders. Reaching up to 60cm high and 30cm wide, it adds soft texture and long-lasting colour to the garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ is in spring. This allows the roots to establish before the flowering period begins, encouraging healthy, vigorous growth.
Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn. This gives your Acanthophyllum time to settle into the soil before the cooler months, setting it up for strong development come spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Choose a bright spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day to encourage the best flowering results.
Soil: Plant in well-drained, gritty or sandy soil. Acanthophyllum dislikes heavy, water-retentive soils. Improve drainage by mixing in horticultural grit or coarse sand when preparing the site.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
Enhance the Soil: Add compost and horticultural grit to enrich and improve drainage.
Positioning the Plant: Place your Acanthophyllum into the hole so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill and Firm: Gently backfill around the root ball and firm down the soil to eliminate air pockets.
Water Thoroughly: Water well after planting and allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Needs
Growing Season: Water Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ moderately during dry spells, especially during its flowering period. Allow the soil to dry between watering.
Dormant Period: Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant. Reduce watering significantly outside of the growing season.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering.
Mid-Season Boost: A second light feed in mid-summer can extend the flowering period.
Pruning & Maintenance
Deadheading: Regularly remove faded blooms to encourage continued flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
Trimming: Lightly trim back after flowering if necessary to maintain a compact shape.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Apply a light mulch of gravel or fine bark around the base of Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ in spring to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter Mulch (Optional): In colder climates, a dry mulch layer can offer root protection, although this hardy plant is generally resilient.
Placement & Display Tips
Acanthophyllum looks beautiful in alpine gardens, gravel beds, and rockeries. It’s also an excellent choice for edging pathways or softening the front of sunny borders. Its compact growth habit and prolonged blooming season make it a reliable and decorative ground cover.
Final Tips
Acanthophyllum cerastoides ‘Pretty Maid’ is a fuss-free, hardy perennial that rewards gardeners with charming flowers and neat foliage. With full sun, free-draining soil, and minimal care, it will return each year with delicate blooms from late spring through summer. Plant your Acanthophyllum in groups for maximum impact and enjoy the subtle beauty it brings to your garden.
Select options 
’Pretty%20Maid’){kind=link}
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.