Smooth Douglasia

A beautiful and somewhat rare member of the Primulaceae family, this plant is native to the mountain ranges of North America. It forms dense, flat cushions of dark green, glossy, evergreen rosettes. In early spring, it produces clusters of bright, vivid pink to reddish flowers that are remarkably similar to some of the high-alpine Androsaces. In the UK, it is a plant for the connoisseur, often grown in a cool, north-facing rock crevice or in a gritty trough. It dislikes the high heat of midday sun and prefers a site that mimics its mountain home—cool, moist air but with perfect drainage at the roots. It is completely hardy to frost but can be sensitive to the combination of wet and warm winters. When it flowers well, it is one of the most spectacular of all mat-forming alpines. Gritty top-dressing is essential to keep the lower leaves from rotting and to maintain the tight habit of the mound.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Gritty, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.