This short perennial stays well under a foot and is grown for its fragrant, scarlet-red flowers.  The spiky leaves are blue-grey throughout the year and contrast well with the blooms.  The blooms are held above the foliage on stems and bloom in spring, reblooming if the spent blossoms are removed.

This plant works well for small gardens, at the front of borders, and as a groundcover.  It grows best in full sun.  It will tolerate heat and some drought and prefers well-drained soils.  It will not tolerate poorly drained soils.