Alpine pink is a short lived, herbaceous perennial native to to the Alps of eastern Austria. It is a member of the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae, that also includes baby’s breath, Lychnis, and soapwort. The plant forms a loose clump of grass green leaves that have a prominent midrib and are one inch long and 1/5 inch wide, The scentless flowers have five fringed petals surrounding a white central disc. They are about 1 ½ inches wide and appear singly in late spring for four to six weeks. The small size of the plants make is a good choice for crevices in pavement or walls, as well as for use as an edging in rock gardens. A white variety is also available.
Type: Short lived herbaceous perennial
Bloom:Pink flowers with five fringed flowers borne singly in late spring
Size: 3-6” H x 12” W
Light: Full sun with afternoon shade in warm climates
Soil: Average, dry, very well-drained, slightly alkaline
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Slugs, crown rot
Propagation: Seed; division spring or fall
Companion plants: Bellflowers (Campanula spp.) thymes (Thymus spp.), dwarf yarrows, coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
Karen Meyers