Key Facts
- A low cushion forming perennial adapted to high mountain sites
- Produces small five petaled flowers in a compact cluster above the foliage
- Native to rocky habitats of the European Alps
- Works well in rock gardens, crevices, and alpine troughs
- Prefers very free draining gritty or rocky soil
- Tolerates exposure to cold winter conditions in mountain climates
Alpine Rock-Jasmine is a tiny cushion forming perennial from the European Alps prized for its compact habit and small star shaped flowers. It performs best in rock gardens and troughs where free draining gritty soil and cool summers keep the cushions healthy.
Identification
This species forms a very low cushion 1 to 5 centimetres high and slowly spreads to 5 to 20 centimetres across as plants age. Small five petaled flowers appear in compact clusters above the foliage in late spring to mid summer, producing a neat, carpeted look when in bloom.
Best uses and where to grow
Use Alpine Rock-Jasmine in rock gardens, crevices, alpine troughs and shallow containers where its tiny cushions can be appreciated up close. It tolerates exposure to cold mountain winters but does not suit hot, humid lowland sites without afternoon shade and careful drainage management.
Soil and light
Plant in very free draining gritty or rocky soil with low organic matter, often on neutral to calcareous substrates where it naturally occurs. Provide full sun in cool climates and give some afternoon shade or protection from intense heat in warm lowland gardens to prevent stress and thinning of the cushion.
Planting and spacing
Set plants into gritty mix or crevices at the same depth as they grew in the pot and firm soil around the roots gently. Space individual cushions roughly the expected mature spread apart, about 5 to 20 centimetres, to allow each plant room to expand slowly without crowding.
Watering and winter care
Keep moisture low and water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry quickly between waterings to avoid rot. Alpine Rock-Jasmine tolerates cold winters typical of mountain climates but prefers cool summers, so reduce water and protect from prolonged wet, warm conditions that encourage crown and root disease.
After flowering and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to tidy the cushion and prevent debris from holding moisture against the foliage. Avoid heavy feeding and thick mulches that retain water. Established cushions expand slowly over several seasons and rarely need frequent disturbance, so divide only when necessary and handle roots carefully.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in cool conditions, or by dividing older cushions and potting on small offsets in spring. Seed may require a period of cold stratification and divisions should be made gently to avoid damage to the tight root system. Offsets provide the quickest way to increase plants for rockery displays.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Alpine Rock-Jasmine grow?
- It grows slowly, with cushions expanding over multiple seasons to reach about 5 to 20 centimetres across when mature.
- What soil does it need?
- Very free draining gritty or rocky soil with low organic content and often a neutral to calcareous character suits it best to prevent rot.
- How much sun does it need?
- Full sun in cool climates produces the best cushions; in warmer lowland sites provide morning sun and some afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.
- What are its hardiness limits?
- Garden cultivation is likely suitable in USDA zones 4 to 7, though actual performance depends on winter exposure and summer heat in your area.
- How should I propagate it?
- Use seed sown in cool conditions or divide established cushions and pot on offsets in spring. Handle divisions carefully to protect the tight root system.
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