This dwarf sub-shrub has intricate spreading spiny tipped branches that form a mounded habit. It has hairy light green divided leaves and the lavender blue pea shaped flowers appear in small clusters over the plant from late spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Erinacea anthyllisis naturally found in the western Mediterranean and Morocco growing in mountainous regions on stony ridges and hillsides at an altitude from 700 m (2,296 ft) to 1,700 m (5,577 ft).

It prefers an open to exposed sunny position and grows in well drained, poor calcareous stony soils that are neutral tending alkaline and is drought and frost tolerant.

The Hedgehog Broom is grown for its colourful flowers and its mounded habit. It is planted in alpine gardens in rockeries or as a spill-over above retaining walls. It is also grown in pots and tubs or used along a front borders. It is suitable for low-mountain or coastal regions and establishes in 2-3 years and is long lived. This hardy sub-shrub can be planted in rock crevices or used in arid settings as a specimen for colour. ID 3619

Erinacea (er-in-uh-SEE-uh) anthyllis (an-THILL-iss)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)