Family: Primulaceae
Common Name: Rock Jasmine

There are over 100 species of these small plants native to temperate areas of the northern hemisphere. These delicate, evergreen perennials are suitable only for cool regions. Commonly grown in rock gardens, they have tiny primula-like flowers. Many rock jasmines form mounds or cushions of growth.

Species

A. lanuginosa, zone 6, native to the Himalayas, is a low trailing plant, with rosettes of silvery gray leaves and tight heads of pale pink flowers in mid to late summer. It grows to about 15 cm (6 in) high.

A. pubescens, zone 5, from the Pyrenees, is a cushion-forming, small species rarely growing more than 6-8 cm (2½-3 in) high. White flowers with a green or yellow eye appear in late spring to early summer.

A. sarmentosa, zone 3, forms mats of hairy rosettes, with heads of pale pink flowers on short stems. It grows to about 8 cm (3 in) high, with a spread of some 25 cm (10 in).

Cultivation

Plant in a well-drained, gritty soil, or scree, in full sun. In winter, the soil can be allowed to dry out before watering and the foliage must be kept dry. Propagate from cuttings taken in spring or by dividing the clumps.

Climate

Very hardy; suited to zones 3 to 6.