Plant of the Month for May 2017

Androsace sempervivoides

Description and General Information:

This Androsace species hails from the northwestern Himalayas, where it grows on grassy slopes and stable gravels above 3000 m.  Plants produce a low rosette of evergreen leaves, up to 2.5 cm across. In April (mild regions) to June (colder regions), mature rosettes will produce a tight umbel of pink flowers whose eyes change from yellow to red as the flowers age. The entire umbel may reach up to 2.5 cm across on stems up to 10 cm tall. The rosette then dies but not before it sends out several red stolons, each which ends in a new rosette.  In time, the plants can form a loose mat.

Cultivation:

This alpine prefers full sun in colder regions but appreciates afternoon shade in warmer.  The soil should be well-drained but with some organic content. It dislikes excess winter-wet.  It is not fussy about the soil pH.  This species is ideal for growing in troughs or similar containers.  It is hardy to zone 3.

Propagation:

Seeds and stolons

Seeds:

This species requires a stratification period of 8 weeks at 4 C.

Division:

This Androsace propagates asexually by producing stolons.  Once rooted, these can de detached from the mother plant.

Cuttings:

N/A

 

 

 

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