In this article we would like to discuss a species that is in full bloom this season, at the beginning of spring. It is Rhodanthemum hosmariense.
Rhodanthemum hosmariense is a plant from the Asteraceae family native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
It is a creeping, compact and perennial shrub that can reach between 15/30 centimeters high by 30/40 wide, highly branched. It is a species that remains compact without needing severe pruning. Its leaves and branches are silver colored.
The white flowers rise above the foliage for a long period of time, with a peak of floral abundance in late winter. Composite flower, typical of the Asteraceae family, with very pronounced petals.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, showing resistance to strong frosts within the Mediterranean climate.
Rhodanthemum hosmariense has proven to be a very drought-tolerant plant. It only requires support watering during the 8-10 weeks after planting, once well rooted it requires no watering. It is recommended to plant this species in autumn, so that by the following summer it will be one hundred percent autonomous. It is advisable to cover the soil with some type of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent the appearance of unwanted weeds that may compete with it.
Its location should be in full sun, suitable for sustainable gardens and/or coastal gardens, as it also shows resistance to salinity and sea breeze. It is a species that grows well in our Mediterranean climate, but will only withstand winter rains well, without getting root fungi, if planted in an area with very good drainage, or on top of a mound.
In problematic areas with rabbit overpopulation we recommend looking for an alternative, as it is a species they particularly like. Or make some type of fencing during the first year of implementation, once the plant is adult and well developed, the damage that rabbits can cause will be minimal.
We can consider it a very functional species as it adapts to all types of gardens. It can be used as a low hedge and for dense masses of low height development. The recommended planting density is 3 to 5 plants per m2, or 4 to 5 per linear meter if seeking to achieve a border.
From Sala Graupera we consider this a highly recommended plant, as long as the mentioned recommendations are followed.