Soldanella alpina
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Soldanella alpina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Mountain pasturelands, close to the snow and glacier line.
Europe - Pyrenees and the Alps.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the root is laxative. It is harvested in the summer and dried for later use.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained humus-rich neutral to slightly acid soil. Requires an open position with a cool aspect and shade from strong midday sun. Plants may require some protection from winter wet. In gardens, slugs will often destroy the flowering shoots at ground level early in the year. The plant has become very rare in the wild due to over collection.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold greenhouse. The seed has a limited viability. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist