About
A large and diverse genus of thistle-like, perennial herbs from mountain habitats in Eurasia and the Himalaya with rosettes of simple to pinnately-lobed, often woolly leaves and terminal, rounded, purple to white, button-like or thistle-shaped flower-heads in summer. Several species, especially the woolly S. gossypiphora from the high Himalaya, are grown as curiosities in specialist alpine collections.
About the genus
Townsendia are dwarf perennial plants with tufts of very narrow linear leaves, and comparatively large daisy-like flowers with many rays, white, rose-purple or violet
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toNW USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in gritty, sharply draining soil in full sun, with protection from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSow seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame. Propagate regularly as they are generally short-lived
Pest resistanceSusceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free