Androsace hausmannii- a challenge!
This androsace is often ignored by growers because they find that it produces irregular growth, where its leaves are uneven sized and the flowers small. It does however yield plenty of seed for further attempts at good cultivation!
Our picture was taken 30 years ago by George Smith in the Dolomites of Italy where the bulk of its world population is to be found. Here it forms attractive cushions which never grow very large but which are delightful. It is a high alpine species growing at 2000-3000m, mostly in limestone rock crevices but seeding into nearby screes as well. It requires a lean compost containing around 75% 2-4 mm. grit or more. The leaf distortion is probably caused by very small aphids, living under the lower leaves, which will only be found with a hand-lens. They must be removed immediately to avoid damage.
A small group of these plants in a trough or pan can be very attractive and a real challenge to grow well.
David Mowle
[ A. axillaris ] [A. baltistanica ] [A. hausmannii] [A. hirtella] [A. x marpensis] [A. minor] [A. sarmentosa] [A. SQAE265] [A. yargongensis]
