Rock Jasmine
Androsace sarmentosa
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Androsace sarmentosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Mixed forests and grassy slopes at elevations of 2800 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Sikkim to Kashmir.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling and coarsening potency. A resolutive, it dries up serous fluids. It is used in the treatment of disorders from tumours, inflammations of fluids and other serous fluid disorders.
Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Other
Rating: 3
Can be used as a low-growing ground cover.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light or sandy alkaline soil of low nutrient status and with the addition of limestone chippings if necessary. Usually best in full sun, though in hot-summer areas it can be better if given some shade, especially from the hottest sun. Grows well on dry stone walls, or as a low ground cover, and tolerates hot humid summers.
Propagating it: Seed - requires a period of cold stratification. Where possible, the seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame - all watering should be from the bottom of the pot. The seed can take 2 years to germinate, prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in a partially shaded cold frame. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division of runners in early summer. Pot them up into a sandy compost and grow them on until they are well-rooted before planting them into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist