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BogsHerbaceous Perennial

Parnassia palustris

grass of Parnassus

A rosette-forming perennial to 20cm in height, with heart-shaped basal leaves and erect stems bearing star-shaped white flowers 2.5cm across, with greenish veins, in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Parnassia palustris var. tenuis

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Green
Summer Green White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Celastraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Parnassia are herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of ovate or heart-shaped leaves, with solitary bowl-shaped white or pale yellow flowers on upright leafy stems

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eurasia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, wet but not stagnant soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in autumn, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Rock garden
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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