Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Soldanella alpina

alpine snowbell

A perennial with leathery, rounded leaves and umbels of nodding purple to violet flowers 1.5cm in length in early spring

Other common names
alpine soldanella
blue moonwort
see morejewel of the Alps

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Soldanella are small, evergreen perennials with rosettes of rounded leaves, and umbels of nodding, fringed purple or white bell-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Pyrenees & Alps

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in full sun with some midday shade. Suitable for rock garden or alpine house. Protect from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.