It has very narrow green or glaucous leaves forming a loosely tufted plant.

It has an epicalyx of bracteoles, meaning it has a group of specialised leaves at the base of the flower.

It is a plant of often calcareous (chalky) grassland but may also be found on rocky ground and occasionally on old mine spoil.

[6] It is widely used in horticulture with many cultivars such as 'Zing Rose',[7] sold as garden ornamental plants with flowers in a range of pink colours and sometimes darker green foliage.

[5] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.