Chaenorrhinum origanifolium ssp crassifolium

Perennial of the Plantaginaceae family, this subspecies is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, where it colonizes the cliffs and crevices of sunny limestone rocks, mainly in the mountain ranges of central and eastern Spain. It represents the most xerophilous and rupicolous form of the origanifolium group.

It forms dense, rounded cushions, intimately anchored in the rock crevices, reaching 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter for a modest height of 8 to 15 centimeters. The leaves are small, oval, thick and fleshy, dark green, almost invisible under the floral mass at the peak of flowering. The calyces, distinctly reddish-brown at maturity, form a characteristic colored background between the flowers.

The bilabiate flowers, of miniature linaria type, are pale lilac to medium lilac, with a white to pale yellow palate and darker veins visible on the lobes, giving each corolla a delicately veined appearance. The flowering is remarkably dense, completely covering the foliage.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July depending on altitude and exposure. In cultivation, it can bloom as early as April in warm and well-exposed situations.

It requires a limestone substrate, very well-drained, in full sun, and excellent winter protection against stagnant moisture. Its cultivation in a vertical crevice of a limestone wall, which replicates its natural habitat, suits it perfectly.