Hornungia alpina
Chamois cress
Also known as Hutchinsinia alpina, Pritzelago alpina, Hutchinsinia affinis
- Height × spread
- 0.1m × 0.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes spreading, very slightly dome-shaped clumps, wider than high, creating a textured carpet of paired, delicate, slightly spoon-shaped leaves that are coloured a soft green when young, maturing to dark green. It flowers in spring and early summer when neat clusters of white, four-petalled flowers are held above the foliage. This is found in mountainous areas in Europe including the Alps and the Pyrenees, enjoying rocky and gravelly places. It is happiest when there is some lime in the soil. This is an excellent plant for a gravel garden or rock garden.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.1m
- Spread
- 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided in alternate years. Clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.