About

Androsace villosa is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that forms dense mats or cushions. Its rosettes feature small leaves, which are densely covered with long, soft hairs on their undersides. In spring, it produces tight clusters of three to seven white flowers, each with a yellow center that may develop a reddish tint as they mature. The flower stems typically reach a height of 2-3 cm.

About the genus

Androsace comprises annuals, biennials, or evergreen perennials that create mat-like or dense cushion formations. The flowers, which are typically salver-shaped, can appear individually or in clusters known as umbels.

Growing conditions

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

Plant type
Alpine Rockery
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native to
Europe Asia (Mts.)

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in gritty, well-drained soil in a wall crevice, rock garden, scree or trough
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or root single rosettes as cuttings in early to mid-summer. Water cuttings from below to avoid wetting foliage
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May suffer from fungal problems under wet conditions