Heliosperma pusillum
A compact, evergreen perennial, forming a low, loose mat of branching stems bearing linear to lance-shaped green leaves. Sprays of small white or pink flowers are produced in late spring and early summmer
Synonyms
Silene quadrifida misappliedHeliosperma alpestre misapplied
see moreSilene pusilla
Heliosperma quadrifidum misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Matforming
- Genus
A genus of compact, mat-forming flowering alpine perennials, native to mountain ranges in Western Europe. Low-growing, branching green stems produce lance-shaped dark green foliage. Small, fragrant white star-shaped flowers appear in early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in a sunny spot in moist, gritty, neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage. Protect from excess winter wet. Ideal for a rockery, scree bed or alpine house
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails outdoors, and to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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