Rock Jasmine Androsace carnea
ABOUT
Androsace carnea, commonly known as Pink Rock Jasmine, is an alpine plant recognized for its charming and delicate appearance. It's characterized by its compact rosettes of small, rounded leaves that are green and occasionally have a slightly hairy texture. The appearance of the leaves can give the plant a soft, velvety look. Blooming primarily in spring and early summer, the Pink Rock Jasmine produces clusters of bright pink flowers that are small and shaped like a cup or bell, each with a yellow center that adds a delightful contrast to the petals. These blossoms are held above the foliage on slender stems, forming an attractive mound that is visually appealing in rock gardens and alpine settings. Overall, the Pink Rock Jasmine has a cushion-like form, presenting as a low-growing mound that adds a splash of color to its natural setting. Its delicate appearance belies a tough constitution that is well-adapted to mountainous and rocky environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Reddish Rockjasmine
Common names
Androsace bryoides, Douglasia carnei, Primula bryoides.
ToxicityTo humans
Androsace carnea, commonly known as Rock Jasmine, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information on the plant's potential poisonous effects after ingestion. In general, unless a plant is known to be toxic, symptoms of plant poisoning can potentially include gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In the absence of specific toxicity data for Rock Jasmine, it is prudent to avoid ingesting it and to consult with a medical professional or poison control center if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Rock Jasmine is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, the lack of comprehensive data on the plant's effects after ingestion suggests caution. Many plants that are not harmful to humans can be toxic to animals, and vice versa. If a pet ingests Rock Jasmine, it's advisable to observe for any signs of illness and consult with a veterinarian. Symptoms of general plant poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, lack of appetite, and lethargy. If any of these symptoms occur after your pet consumes any part of the Rock Jasmine plant, immediate veterinary attention should be sought.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.16 feet (5 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Androsace carnea, commonly known as Rock Jasmine, offers beautiful pink to deep carmine flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Rock Jasmine attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Rock Garden Enhancement: This plant is well-suited for rock gardens due to its small size and ability to grow in rocky substrates, adding variety to such specialized landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Rock Jasmine is known for being a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established, which can be ideal for gardeners seeking plants that do not require a lot of attention.
- Cold Tolerant: It is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for alpine and subalpine gardens, or regions with cooler climates.
- Ground Cover: With its mat-forming habit, it serves as an effective ground cover, helping to control erosion and suppress weeds.
- Alpine Cushion: Rock Jasmine forms cushion-like tufts that are characteristic of alpine plants, offering a unique texture to garden displays.
- Container Gardening: Because of its compact size, Androsace carnea is suitable for container gardening, allowing for versatility in garden design and the option to move plants as needed.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rock Garden Aesthetics: Androsace carnea, commonly known as rock jasmine, is often used in rock gardens for its cushion-like growth habit and attractive pink blossoms that enhance the naturalistic setting.
- Alpine Troughs: This alpine plant is suitable for planting in troughs or containers where its compact growth can be appreciated up close.
- Ground Cover: Due to its low-growing nature, it can be used as ground cover in sunny spots with well-drained soil, providing a splash of color and helping to reduce weed growth.
- Border Edging: Rock jasmine can be planted along the edges of flower beds, providing a neat border that contrasts nicely with taller plants behind it.
- Fairy Gardens: They are a charming addition to fairy gardens due to their petite size and flowering which adds an enchanting touch to these miniature landscapes.
- Photography: Its delicate flowers make rock jasmine a popular subject for macro photography, used to showcase the beauty of alpine flora.
- Visualization in Art: Artists may use rock jasmine as a reference for paintings or drawings that portray alpine scenes or as inspiration for botanical illustration work.
- Education: Rock jasmine can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens to illustrate plant adaptations in alpine environments.
- Companion Planting: It can be paired with other alpine plants that have similar growing requirements, creating a diverse habitat for beneficial insects.
- Gardening Workshops: Rock jasmine can be featured in gardening workshops that focus on the care and propagation of alpine species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rock Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rock Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty in Simplicity: Androsace carnea, commonly known as Rock Jasmine, often symbolizes the idea of finding beauty in the simplest aspects of life due to its minimalist floral structure and growth in unassuming locations.
- Resilience: Rock Jasmine is able to thrive in rocky, alpine environments, which makes it a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome challenging conditions.
- Adaptability: Given its ability to adapt to high altitudes and less fertile soils, Rock Jasmine represents adaptability and the capacity to flourish in less than ideal circumstances.
- Purity: The delicate white and pink flowers of Androsace carnea convey a sense of purity and innocence, often associated with the untouched beauty of high mountain terrains where it naturally occurs.
- Serenity: Rock Jasmine is often found in peaceful, serene settings, symbolizing tranquility and the quest for calmness in one’s life.
WaterRock jasmine, Androsace carnea, should be watered moderately ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in spring and summer, water it with approximately 8-16 ounces of water per week, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and give only minimal water in winter, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid root rot from standing water.
LightRock jasmine thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It is best positioned in a spot where it receives morning sun and is protected from the harsh afternoon sunlight to avoid scorching the foliage. They perform well in a north-facing window or a shaded east-facing location where they get gentle morning light.
TemperatureRock jasmine prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should not be subjected to frost. Keep Rock jasmine away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations for optimal growth.
PruningPrune Rock jasmine to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant, promoting a more compact growth habit. The best time to prune is after the blooming period, usually in late spring or early summer. Pruning can be done every year or every other year, depending on the plant's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRock Jasmine thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slight preference for alkalinity; combine equal parts loam, sand, and peat with added grit like perlite for drainage. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingRock Jasmine doesn't need frequent repotting, typically every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its container. It prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingRock Jasmine prefers moderate humidity levels; aim for around 40-50% which is typical of indoor environments and usually adequate for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors for Rock Jasmine.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil for Rock Jasmine.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAndrosace carnea, commonly known as Pink Rock Jasmine, begins its life as a seed, typically dispersing in spring or summer and requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a small rosette of leaves as it establishes a root system. As a perennial, it enters a vegetative stage where it grows and matures, often forming tight mats or cushions of foliage in alpine or subalpine environments. During the flowering stage, usually from late spring to early summer, Pink Rock Jasmine produces clusters of small pink flowers with a yellow eye, attracting pollinators. Following pollination, the plant sets seed within a capsule that eventually dries and opens to release seeds for dispersal. In the winter, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, with above-ground parts dying back, but it will regrow from its perennial rootstock when conditions become favorable again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Rock Jasmine (Androsace carnea) is commonly propagated through seed sowing. Seeds can be sown in pots or trays filled with a well-draining soil mix, typically in late winter to early spring. To improve germination rates, it is often recommended to mix the tiny seeds with fine sand to ensure even distribution when sowing. Once scattered on the soil surface, they should be lightly covered with a thin layer of soil or fine grit. The pot or tray needs to be kept moist and should be placed in a cold frame or similarly protected environment until germination occurs, which could take several weeks. After seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out in their final positions.
