Alpine catchfly
Viscaria alpina · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant alpine catchfly: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 20 to 30 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20°C and below)
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous regions of Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly alkaline, poor to average
Care
Light
Place your alpine catchfly in direct sunlight, for at least 6 hours per day. This charming plant develops best in bright conditions that encourage generous flowering. In very hot regions, a bit of afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period, then reduce after flowering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings: this alpine plant prefers rather dry conditions. In winter, minimal watering is sufficient.
Soil and Drainage
Very well-drained soil is essential: prioritize a mix enriched with gravel or sand. This species fears waterlogging and excess water. Adding limestone or wood ash can be appreciated.
Fertilizing
Apply very diluted fertilizer in early spring, just once or twice. This alpine plant naturally tolerates poor soils: excess fertilizer makes the foliage too vigorous at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly deadhead spent flowers to extend flowering. Clean up dead foliage after winter. Light pruning before the growing season resumes can help maintain a compact shape.
Diseases and Prevention
Root rot is the main risk if humidity is excessive. Ensure perfect drainage. Otherwise, this robust plant is hardly affected by diseases or pests in appropriate conditions.
Did you know?
The alpine catchfly gets its Latin name from the Greek word 'lychnos' meaning lamp: the brilliance of its small bright pink flowers would once light up alpine gardens. This mountain plant embodies botanical resilience, capable of flowering on the rocky scree of the Alps at altitudes where few other species venture.
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.