Viscaria alpina

RHS Plant Profile
alpine catchfly
alpine catchfly John Fielding

Other common names

alpine campion, rock lychnis

Synonyms

Lychnis alpina 'Serpenticola'
Lychnis alpina subsp. americana
Lychnis alpina
Lychnis alpina var. serpentinicola
Viscaria alpina subsp. americana
Silene suecica

Alpine Rockery

A dwarf, tufted perennial to 15cm high with oblong to lance-shaped dark green leaves and dense, rounded, terminal clusters of purple-pink flowers in late spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
A genus of low-growing flowering plants with thin, ovate green foliage and clusters of pretty pink, white or purple flowers on sticky, upright stems. A deep taproot makes this a genus which can survive drought conditions
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Canada, N & C Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Well suited for rock gardens and troughs. Plant in moderately fertile, well drain soil in full sun or light shade. May be short-lived, but will often self-seed

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Sow as soon as ripe or in winter-spring. Seeds benefit from exposure to cold to break their dormancy

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden

Pruning

Deadhead to promote further flowering. Cut back in the autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free