Overview
Androsace brevis is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Androsace, part of the Primulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Androsace brevis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants.
About
Androsace brevis is an alpine plant in the family Primulaceae, a narrow endemic cushion plant that grows above 2000 m asl on rocky ridges and peaks in a restricted area in the Alps of Northern Italy (Lombardy) and adjacent Switzerland. Following IUCN criteria, its conservation status is Vulnerable (VU). The flowering period is very short, typically lasting about 2 weeks between the end of May and the beginning of June, immediately after snowmelt, when snow still occurs in the vicinity. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for rock garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Androsace brevis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Androsace
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Androsace brevis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Androsace brevis
- Propagation
- Seed, Root single rosettes as cuttings in early to mid-summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot under wet conditions
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Androsace brevis?
Androsace brevis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Androsace brevis need?
Androsace brevis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Androsace brevis hardy in the UK?
Androsace brevis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Androsace brevis?
Seed, Root single rosettes as cuttings in early to mid-summer.
More in the Androsace genus
- Androsace albana
- Androsace cylindrica 'Bloodgood'
- Androsace helvetica
- Androsace incana
- Androsace mathildae
- Androsace muscoidea 'Dolpo Lilac'
- Androsace sarmentosa subsp. primuloides 'Brilliant'
- Androsace sarmentosa subsp. primuloides 'Conwy Gem'rock jasmine 'Conwy Gem'