Overview
Androsace helvetica is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Androsace, part of the Primulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Androsace helvetica 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 helvetica is a plant in the family Primulaceae. Androsace helvetica is widely distributed in the Alps, where it is absent from areas with siliceous bedrock and is rare and scattered in the south-eastern Alps east of the Dolomites. Several occurrences are known from the central Pyrenees. It is a characteristic species of alpine and subnival communities on dry and exposed limestone rocks or calcareous schists. 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 helvetica
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 helvetica 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 helvetica
- 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 helvetica?
Androsace helvetica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Androsace helvetica need?
Androsace helvetica 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 helvetica hardy in the UK?
Androsace helvetica 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 helvetica?
Seed, Root single rosettes as cuttings in early to mid-summer.
More in the Androsace genus
- Androsace albana
- Androsace cylindrica 'Bloodgood'
- Androsace incana
- Androsace mathildae
- Androsace muscoidea 'Dolpo Lilac'
- Androsace sarmentosa subsp. primuloides 'Brilliant'
- Androsace sarmentosa subsp. primuloides 'Conwy Gem'rock jasmine 'Conwy Gem'
- Androsace septentrionalis
