About

Soldanella villosa, the Pyrenean snowbell, is a clump-forming, evergreen alpine perennial producing circular, mid-green leaves and nodding, bell-shaped, fringed, purple flowers on hairy stems above the leaves in spring. A beautiful and rewarding 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 pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

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 toPyrenees

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 seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free