Plant of the day is: Androsace helvetica or rock-jasmine
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/androsace
Had to do this as a plant of the day when I looked up some pictures a little while ago. They are absolutely stunning. It's really easy to fall for a lot of these "cushion" plants as they're called. I HIGHLY recommend a google image search for this one, some really good stuff there. Basically it'll blow your mind that a plant, let alone such a beautiful plant, can inhabit such a hostile environment.
Let me Google that for you!
Description: Clump forming alpine perennial. White flowers, short stalked with yellow throats. Leaves are elliptical, grey-green and slightly hairy. All good features for a dry handlin' plant.
Taxonomy: So this is a member of the Androsace genus which is the second largest genus in the Primulaceae family second only to the type genus, Primula. Has about 110 species in the genus and if phylogenetics gets its way there may be several more added in the future. Theoretically it orginated as an annual. These are a member of the moss section of Androsaces.
Habitat: The Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees to keep it short. It lives on very rocky outcroppings, very very rocky.
Culture: See above, it likes plenty of light (face it south). Most things I've read about planting them out in the garden recommend alkaline/limestone areas tucked between rocks. Plenty of water in the summer helps as long as there is spectacular drainage. Not the easiest of plants to grow but it can be done with a little attention to detail. Avoiding water on the foliage as much as possible may help, but that can be tricky.
Side bar: If growing from seed (cutting?!) we're talking an excessive amount of drainage is needed here. A very gritty soil with a topdressing of grit/pea gravel/...sometime will help keep moisture off the crown of the plant.
See...grow it on ze rock!
Enjoy.
Dug between two rocks. Just like it likes.
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