Resurrection Plant

A fascinating member of the Gesneriaceae family, this plant is native to the Balkan mountains. It forms flat rosettes of dark green, leathery, hairy leaves that are remarkably similar to Ramonda. In late spring, it produces clusters of nodding, tubular, lilac-blue flowers with a white throat and yellow spotting. Its common name comes from its ability to survive extreme desiccation; during dry spells, the leaves curl up and turn brown, appearing dead, only to 'resurrect' and turn green again within hours of rainfall. In the UK, it is best grown in a vertical crevice on a north-facing wall or in a cool, shady spot in the rockery where it never sits in direct midday sun. It requires a compost rich in organic matter but with excellent drainage. It is a perfect plant for those difficult-to-fill shady corners of an alpine garden and provides a stunning floral display that is rare in shade-loving alpines. It is very hardy once established.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.