Parnassia palustris
grass of Parnassus
A rosette-forming perennial to 20cm in height, with heart-shaped basal leaves and erect stems bearing star-shaped white flowers 2.5cm across, with greenish veins, in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Parnassia are herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of ovate or heart-shaped leaves, with solitary bowl-shaped white or pale yellow flowers on upright leafy stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, wet but not stagnant soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in autumn, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Rock garden
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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