Overview
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viscaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viscaria alpina dark-flowered grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildflower meadow.
About
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar within the genus Viscaria, known for its compact flowering habit and slender, oval green leaves. This deciduous plant produces clusters of dark flowers on sticky, upright stems and thrives in full sun across various aspects and exposures. It is suited to fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, tolerating a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for cottage gardens and wildflower meadows, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Viscaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Europe, Kazakhstan, and western Siberia. Molecular studies attempting to resolve relationships in the tribe Sileneae have found that Viscaria is closely genetically related to the genus Atocion, but is quite distinct from it morphologically.
Wikipedia contributors, "Viscaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viscaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Viscaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Viscaria alpina dark-flowered
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Viscaria alpina dark-flowered?
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viscaria alpina dark-flowered need?
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Viscaria alpina dark-flowered hardy in the UK?
Viscaria alpina dark-flowered has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Viscaria alpina dark-flowered?
Propagate by seed or by division.