Soldanella villosa AGM

Pyrenean Snowbell Primulaceae

It is a particularly handsome species in cultivation, its relatively large leaves and hairy stems distinguishing it from many of the smaller, more typically alpine Soldanella. The flowers appear in spring, often emerging from amongst the foliage rather like little purple bells suspended on wires. In nature it is associated with moist, shaded habitats, including beech and oak woodland, stream margins, damp rock faces and wet hollows. Its restricted range also makes it an interesting species from a conservation perspective. 

In cultivation S. villosa appreciates the cool, woodland conditions suggested by its natural habitat: humus-rich, moisture-retentive but sharply drained soil, with full light or partial shade and protection from intense midday sun. It is particularly well suited to a shaded rock garden, alpine trough or cool alpine house. Avoid prolonged winter saturation, despite its preference for moisture, and give it some protection from excessive summer heat. The RHS rates it H6 and has awarded it an AGM. 

Height: 10–30 cm
Spread: 15–30 cm
Flowering: March–May
Hardiness: H6, approximately –20 to –15°C
Growing conditions: Humus-rich, moist but sharply drained soil; full sun with midday shade or partial shade. Particularly good in cool woodland conditions. Protect from excessive winter wet.
Range: Western Pyrenees and adjacent Cantabrian Mountains of France and northern Spain.
Habitat: Humid deciduous woodland, mossy rocks, stream margins, seepages and other cool, permanently moist habitats.
Habit: Evergreen, clump-forming perennial with rounded leaves and hairy flowering stems.
Flowers: Nodding, bell-shaped violet-purple flowers with finely fringed corolla lobes.
Conservation: A geographically restricted Pyrenean-Cantabrian endemic, regarded as vulnerable in Spain.
Garden use: Cool rock gardens, alpine troughs, woodland planting and alpine houses.