Carpathian Snowbell

The Snowbells are among the most evocative of all alpine plants, often found flowering in the wild right at the edge of melting snow-patches. Soldanella carpatica forms small clumps of leathery, kidney-shaped, evergreen leaves that are dark green above and often purple-tinted beneath. In early spring, delicate, wiry stems carry nodding, funnel-shaped, violet-blue flowers with deeply fringed petals that look like fine lace. In the UK, it is a plant for the cool, shady part of the rock garden or for a moist, north-facing trough. It specifically requires a site that stays moist throughout the growing season but has perfect drainage. It is also a favourite for an alpine house, where the exquisite detail of the flowers can be enjoyed without them being battered by spring winds. It is extremely hardy to cold but hates the combination of heat and drought. A mulch of fine grit helps to keep the roots cool and the leaves clean from soil splash.

Sun: Partial shade.

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

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.