Overview
Petrocosmea kerrii is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Petrocosmea, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Petrocosmea kerrii grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Petrocosmea kerrii is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae, sometimes cultivated as a houseplant. In the past, it has been erroneously placed in the genus Damrongia. It was first described by William Grant Craib in 1918. It is divided into two subspecies: P. k. var. crinita W. T. Wang P. k. var. kerrii. It is native to Southern Asia, China South-Central, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include patio and container plants. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Petrocosmea kerrii
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Petrocosmea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Petrocosmea kerrii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Petrocosmea kerrii
- Propagation
- Seed, leaf cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse whitefly, mealybugs, scale insects, tarsonemid mites
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to mildew, crown, leaf, stem, and root rots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Petrocosmea kerrii?
Petrocosmea kerrii prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Petrocosmea kerrii need?
Petrocosmea kerrii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Petrocosmea kerrii hardy in the UK?
Petrocosmea kerrii has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Petrocosmea kerrii?
Seed, leaf cuttings.
More in the Petrocosmea genus
- Petrocosmea flaccida
- Petrocosmea 'Rosemary Platz'petrocosmea 'Rosemary Platz'
- Petrocosmea rosettifolia C.Y. Wu ex H.W.L.