Pterocephalus depressus

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Light: Full sun to mostly sunny

Mature Size: 3" tall | 10–15" wide

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Bloom Time: Late spring–summer

Water Needs: Low to moderate once established

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or clay soils

Growth Habit: Low-growing, mat-forming perennial

Flowers: Soft dusty-rose pincushion-like blooms rise above textured gray foliage, followed by attractive silvery seed heads

Ideal For: Rock gardens, xeriscapes, raised beds, containers, slopes, low-water landscapes

Evergreen: Semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates

Why We Love It:
Native to the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this compact perennial forms beautiful textured mats that bring subtle color and structure to dry gardens year-round. The dusty-rose flowers have a soft, refined look that pairs naturally with gravel and stone, while the silvery seed heads extend the season of interest well beyond bloom time. Tough, long-lived, and perfectly suited for sunny water-wise landscapes, it’s a standout choice for alpine and rock garden plantings where detail matters.

Additional Info:
Introduced in 2016, this low-maintenance perennial thrives in sharply drained soils and adapts well to sandy, gravelly, and even clay conditions provided drainage is good. Deer resistant and pollinator friendly. Best planted where slower-growing alpine plants will not be overwhelmed by more vigorous neighbors. Well adapted to higher elevations and dry western climates.

Photo: Panayoti Kelaidis