Dryas octopetala
mountain avens
An evergreen shrub forming a wide mat to 10cm in height, of small, shiny, oak-like leaves with white undersides. Flowers opening in late spring and early summer are 4cm in width, with about eight oblong petals, followed by silky fruiting heads
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Green | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Dryas are prostrate evergreen shrubs with small, leathery dark green leaves and solitary, usually 8-petalled flowers followed by attractive fluffy seed-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Easily cultivated carpeting plant in sun or partial shade with a well-drained soil. Useful for rock garden, wall or border edge
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Gravel garden
- Garden edging
- Wall side borders
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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