About
Diapensia lapponica is a compact, cushion-forming, evergreen sub-shrub from arctic and alpine habitats of the Northern Hemisphere, producing dense mats of tiny, leathery leaves and solitary, white, cup-shaped flowers in late spring. A specialist alpine plant for a very well-drained, sunny trough or alpine house.
About the genus
Diapensia are compact, cushion-forming, evergreen sub-shrubs from arctic and alpine habitats of the Northern Hemisphere, producing tight mats of small, leathery leaves and solitary or few white, cup-shaped flowers. Specialist plants for very well-drained, sunny rock gardens or alpine houses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toC & S Europe
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt