About

Soldanella montana, the mountain tassel, is a clump-forming, evergreen alpine perennial with leathery, rounded, dark-green leaves and nodding, lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers on stems to 30 cm in early spring. A rewarding and ornamental alpine snowbell for a shaded, moist, well-drained rock garden or alpine trough.

About the genus

Soldanella are small, evergreen perennials producing rosettes of rounded leaves and umbels of nodding, fringed, purple or white bell-shaped flowers in early spring. Charming and rewarding alpine plants for a shaded, moist, well-drained rock garden or alpine trough.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toCentral & SW Alps, Pyrenees

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in full sun with some midday shade. Suitable for rock garden or alpine house. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Divide in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free