Overview
Heliosperma macranthum is a tufted, matforming alpine rockery in the genus Heliosperma, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Heliosperma macranthum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants.
About
Heliosperma macranthum is a cultivar of the Heliosperma genus, which comprises low-growing, mat-forming alpine perennials native to the mountainous regions of Western Europe. This tufted, mat-forming plant features evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage with branching stems bearing lance-shaped, dark green leaves. In spring and early summer, it produces small, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. Suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, and containers, it thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects with fertile, well-drained alkaline or neutral soils.
About the genus
Heliosperma is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. As such, it is closely related to the large genus Silene, but its members can be told apart from Silene by the crest of long papillae on the seeds. The majority of the species are narrow endemics from the Balkan Peninsula, but H.
Wikipedia contributors, "Heliosperma", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heliosperma
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heliosperma
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Heliosperma macranthum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Tufted, Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heliosperma macranthum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division of rooted offshoots
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails, Aphids, Glasshouse whitefly, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heliosperma macranthum?
Heliosperma macranthum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliosperma macranthum need?
Heliosperma macranthum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliosperma macranthum hardy in the UK?
Heliosperma macranthum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Heliosperma macranthum?
Seed, Division of rooted offshoots.