Overview
Herniaria alpina is a mat-forming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Herniaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with semi evergreen or evergreen foliage. Herniaria alpina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, banks and slopes and ground cover.
About
Herniaria alpina is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Herniaria genus, known for its low-growing, mat-forming habit. It features lush, fleshy green leaves that provide a dense ground cover, with tiny greenish-yellow flowers that blend into the foliage. This semi-evergreen or evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and chalk, with well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is ideal for use in city gardens, rockeries, slopes, and as ground cover during spring and summer.
About the genus
Herniaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae known generally as ruptureworts. They are native to Eurasia and Africa but several species have been widely introduced to other continents. These are flat, mat-forming annual herbs.
Wikipedia contributors, "Herniaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Herniaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Herniaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Herniaria alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Mat-forming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen or Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Herniaria alpina
- Propagation
- Seed indoors in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Herniaria alpina?
Herniaria alpina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Herniaria alpina need?
Herniaria alpina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Herniaria alpina hardy in the UK?
Herniaria alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Herniaria alpina?
Seed indoors in spring or autumn.