Contents
Description
Androsace Alpina, commonly known as Alpine rock-jasmine, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family. This perennial plant is native to the Alps and other mountain ranges in Europe and Asia. It is a low-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 10cm and produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The plant has a compact, cushion-like form and is often grown for its ornamental value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Androsace |
Appearance
The Androsace Alpina plant is a small, low-growing plant with a compact, cushion-like form. The leaves of the plant are small, oval-shaped, and grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are approximately 1cm in diameter and have five petals. The flowers are held above the foliage on short, wiry stems.
Care Guide
Androsace Alpina is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some care guidelines:
- Water: Androsace Alpina prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Androsace Alpina prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not flower as well.
- Hardiness Zones: Androsace Alpina is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Androsace Alpina is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves. It is often caused by high humidity and poor air circulation.
Habitat
Androsace Alpina is native to the Alps and other mountain ranges in Europe and Asia. It grows in rocky, alpine meadows and on rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. It is adapted to withstand cold temperatures and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Androsace Alpina be grown indoors?
A: Androsace Alpina is a hardy plant that prefers to be grown outdoors. It can be grown in pots and containers, but it will not thrive indoors.
Q: How often should I water Androsace Alpina?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best soil type for Androsace Alpina?
A: Androsace Alpina prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How do I propagate Androsace Alpina?
A: Androsace Alpina can be propagated by seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in the spring, and division should be done in the fall.
Related Plants
- Androsace carnea
- Androsace chamaejasme
- Androsace helvetica
- Androsace sempervivoides
References
- “Androsace Alpina,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed October 15, 2021, <www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=c338>.
- “Androsace Alpina,” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed October 15, 2021, <www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/821/Androsace-alpina/Details>.
- “Androsace Alpina,” Plants for a Future, accessed October 15, 2021, <www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Androsace+alpina>.
