Contents
1. Description
Stackhousia Pulvinaris is a low-growing, perennial flowering plant that is native to Australia. It is commonly known as Cushion Stackhousia or Alpine Stackhousia due to its cushion-like growth habit and preference for alpine and sub-alpine environments.The plant produces small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. These flowers are held on short stems above the foliage and are highly fragrant, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and containers.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Stackhousia |
3. Appearance
Stackhousia Pulvinaris is a small, compact plant that typically grows to around 10cm in height and 20cm in width. It has a dense, cushion-like growth habit with small, narrow leaves that are a grey-green color.The plant produces small, white flowers that are around 1cm in diameter. These flowers have five petals that are arranged in a star shape and are highly fragrant.
4. Care Guide
Water: Stackhousia Pulvinaris prefers moist, well-draining soil. It should be watered regularly, particularly during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth.Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.Sunlight: Stackhousia Pulvinaris prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot, dry climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Stackhousia Pulvinaris is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly draining soil.
6. Habitat
Stackhousia Pulvinaris is native to alpine and sub-alpine regions of Australia, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is often found growing in mountainous areas or on rocky outcroppings.
7. Question and Answer
Q: Can Stackhousia Pulvinaris be grown indoors?
A: While Stackhousia Pulvinaris can be grown indoors, it is not recommended as it prefers full sun to partial shade.Q: How often should Stackhousia Pulvinaris be watered?
A: Stackhousia Pulvinaris prefers moist, well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, particularly during the growing season. Care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Stackhousia Pulvinaris?
A: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.Q: Does Stackhousia Pulvinaris require heavy fertilization?
A: No, the plant does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth.
8. Related Plants
Other plants in the Stackhousia genus include:
- Stackhousia monogyna
- Stackhousia nutans
- Stackhousia pilosa
9. References
- “Stackhousia Pulvinaris.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, anpsa.org.au/s-pul.html.
- “Stackhousia Pulvinaris.” PlantNet, National Herbarium of New South Wales, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Stackhousia~pulvinaris.
