Overview
Pinguicula alpina is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Pinguicula, part of the Lentibulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pinguicula alpina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include houseplants.
About
Pinguicula alpina, also known as the alpine butterwort, is a species of carnivorous plant native to high latitudes throughout Eurasia. It is one of the most widespread Pinguicula species, being found in mountainous regions from Iceland to the Himalayas. Native to cold climates, it is a temperate species, forming prostrate rosettes of green to red leaves and white flowers in the summer and a tight hibernaculum during a period of winter dormancy in the winter. Like all members of the genus, P. alpina uses mucilaginous glands covering the surface of its summer leaves to attract, trap, and digest arthropod prey. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include houseplants. It tolerates neutral and acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pinguicula alpina
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pinguicula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Pinguicula alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pinguicula alpina
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, surface sown on damp sphagnum moss at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by division, removing offsets in late winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pinguicula alpina?
Pinguicula alpina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pinguicula alpina need?
Pinguicula alpina grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Pinguicula alpina hardy in the UK?
Pinguicula alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Pinguicula alpina?
Propagate by seed, surface sown on damp sphagnum moss at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by division, removing offsets in late winter.
More in the Pinguicula genus
- Pinguicula heterophylla
- Pinguicula macrophylla
- Pinguicula moranensisMexican long-spurred butterwort
- Pinguicula primuliflora
- Pinguicula 'Florian'
- Pinguicula 'Fraser Beaut'
- Pinguicula reticulata
- Pinguicula villosa