About

Cyananthus microphyllus is a low-growing perennial that produces a dense mat of slender stems adorned with small, oval leaves. In late summer, it bears individual funnel-shaped flowers that measure approximately 2.5 cm across, displaying a violet-blue hue at their tips.

About the genus

Cyananthus are perennial herbs that grow in a mat-like formation. They feature small leaves that can be either entire or lobed. The plants produce solitary flowers at the tips of their stems, which are funnel-shaped and have five rounded lobes. These flowers can be blue, purple, yellow, or white.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Alpine Rockery
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native to
N India, Nepal

Care notes

Cultivation
Prefers poor to moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil in partial shade.
Pruning
Cut back old flowering stems as they fade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open cold frame as soon as ripe, or from softwood cuttings in late spring or summer
Pest resistance
Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids when grown under glass
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free