Androsace septentrionalis Star Dust

Androsace septentrionalis 'Star Dust' is a small perennial alpine plant, has constellations of small white flowers in umbels, carried on slender erect stems, from May to June. Its basal rosette foliage is lanceolate and dentate. This charming alpine perennial has the ability to cover stones and occupy the smallest fissures filled with neglected soil, but it is delicate to cultivate. It works wonders in alpine rockeries, in dry stone walls, in a well-drained soil that does not dry out too much. If the conditions are to its liking, it readily self-seeds.

Androsace septentrionalis, also known as Sempervivum-leaved rock jasmine, belongs to the family Primulaceae, and is related to primroses. It is native to the Alps, where it is found between 1000 and 2000 m (3281 and 6562ft) altitude, on grassy slopes, scree and rocks. This perennial plant is evergreen, persisting throughout the year, even in winter.

'Star Dust' is a lovely variety that forms a small erect tuft, not exceeding 25 cm (10in) in height and 20 cm (8in) in width. The leaves, lanceolate and dentate, are single and gathered in basal rosettes. They are dark green and covered with a fine whitish down. The small flowers bloom in May-June, gathered in small umbels and carried above the foliage by hairy green stems. Each flower has 5 well-spread white petals around a yellow centre that slowly turns red.

Fairly easy to grow in alpine climates, this Androsace requires a rocky or gravelly soil, which is just moist to occasionally dry. It does not tolerate hot climates, heavy soils, or arid conditions. It finds its place in raised beds, rockeries, on a wall, or on a gravel slope. It can be associated with small plants similar to itself, which will not suffocate it: choose, for example, saxifrages, gentians, or even Edelweiss, which appreciate the same environments. This plant will delight an alpine plant enthusiast.