Scleranthus uniflorus
Scleranthus uniflorus · Caryophyllaceae
📷 brewbooks from near Seattle, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant scleranthus uniflorus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Scleranthus uniflorus
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Type
- Alpine perennial herb
- Adult size
- 5 cm tall
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and needle-like
- Flowering
- December to February (discreet flowers)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- Low, xerophytic plant
- Hardiness
- Very hardy
- Origin
- Alpine and subalpine zones
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Alpine plant with compact growth: cultivate in a pot or trough with perfect drainage. Water very moderately without wetting the center.
The common mistake
Watering from above and wetting the foliage: it rots immediately at the center.
The pro's trick
Grow it in a raised trough or on a sloped wall: natural drainage and all-around exposure create perfect conditions.
Care
Exposure and light
Place your Scleranthus uniflorus in full sun to encourage compact growth and abundant flowering. This little alpine tolerates direct sunlight very well and needs it to reach its full potential. Avoid partial shade, which would make the plant etiolated and less hardy.
Watering
Water moderately, especially during active growth periods. This alpine plant prefers a dry environment and dislikes stagnant moisture, which causes rot. In winter, drastically reduce watering. Well-drained soil is essential to avoid any water-related problems.
Soil preparation
Use very well-draining soil, poor to moderate in nutrients, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Enrich your potting mix with coarse sand and gravel to improve drainage. This alpine plant thrives in spartan conditions and hates rich or waterlogged soils.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove any dead or damaged parts in spring to maintain a neat shape. This tiny herb grows naturally in a cushion or small compact dome form.
Fertilization
Don't fertilize or use very little. This little alpine prefers poor conditions and overfeeding would risk encouraging soft growth and reducing hardiness. A very light compost application in early spring is more than enough.
Disease prevention
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root and collar rot, the main threat to this species. Watch for typical alpine pests (aphids, spider mites in dry conditions). Good air circulation around the foliage and absence of excess moisture reduce fungal risks.
Did you know?
Scleranthus uniflorus is a tiny alpine herb, endemic to mountainous regions, that naturally develops in rock crevices and scree slopes. Its name 'uniflorus' refers to its solitary and discreet flowers, so tiny they're easy to overlook. This plant is a champion of adaptation to hostile environments and remains highly sought after by alpine plant collectors for its spectacularly dwarf and hardy nature.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Smooth rupturewortHerniaria glabra
- Rock soapwortSaponaria ocymoides
- Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum
- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.