Woolly Rockjasmine Androsace lanuginosa
ABOUT
Androsace lanuginosa, commonly known as the woolly rock jasmine, is a perennial plant that boasts a delicate and attractive appearance. The most striking feature of this plant is its soft, woolly foliage, from which it derives its name. Leaves of the woolly rock jasmine are arranged in a dense rosette, giving the plant a compact and cushioned look. These leaves are typically light to mid-green in color and may have a slightly hairy texture, contributing to the ‘woolly’ characteristic. During its blooming period, the woolly rock jasmine produces clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers. The flowers are usually a soft pink or white color and are borne on slender stems that rise above the foliage. These stems hold the dainty blooms aloft, creating a delicate contrast against the plant's dense leafy base. The overall appearance of the plant is one of gentle beauty, often praised for its subtle charm and ability to soften rock garden landscapes or act as graceful ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Woolly Rockjasmine
Common names
Androsace chamaejasme var. lanuginosa, Primula lanuginosa
ToxicityTo humans
The Woolly Rockjasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) toxicity to humans is generally considered to be low. It is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant, and there is limited information available regarding its toxicity. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and some people may be more sensitive than others. It is always best to avoid ingesting any part of plants that are not known to be safe to eat. If ingestion does occur and symptoms appear, it's important to seek medical attention.
To pets
The Woolly Rockjasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of substantive information on the toxicity of this plant to domestic animals. Generally, it is not listed among the common poisonous plants affecting pets like dogs and cats. However, pet owners should still be cautious and try to prevent their pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be non-toxic. If a pet does consume any part of the Woolly Rockjasmine and exhibits signs of illness, contacting a veterinarian is advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to rock gardens with its woolly foliage and cluster of pink flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ground Cover: Spreads to form matting which can suppress weeds and cover bare patches in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it eco-friendly and low maintenance.
- Cold Resistance: This alpine plant is used to harsh conditions and can survive in colder climates.
- Soil Stabilization: Its spreading nature helps to reduce soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, making it a cost-effective garden option.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from late spring to summer, providing extended garden interest.
- Alpine Garden Suitability: Ideal for alpine and rock gardens due to its compact size and growth habit.
- Container Gardening: Due to its small size, it can thrive in containers and embellish balconies or patios.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rock garden ornamental: The woolly rockjasmine, with its mat-forming habit and attractive foliage, is often used as a groundcover in rock gardens or alpine garden settings.
- Butterfly attractant: The flowers of the woolly rockjasmine can attract various species of butterflies, making it a useful plant for butterfly gardens.
- Green roof plantings: Due to its low-growing nature and drought tolerance, woolly rockjasmine can be an appropriate choice for extensive green roof systems.
- Erosion control: The plant's mat-forming growth can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Miniature gardening: Its compact size makes woolly rockjasmine suitable for miniature or fairy gardens where it mimics larger landscapes on a tiny scale.
- Photography: The delicate flowers make the woolly rockjasmine an interesting subject for close-up photography or nature-inspired art projects.
- Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about alpine flora and the adaptations required for survival in rugged conditions.
- Container gardens: Suitable for small spaces, woolly rockjasmine can thrive in containers on patios or balconies, providing a splash of color.
- Landscape designing: Woolly rockjasmine can be used by landscape designers to create texture and depth in alpine or dry-themed garden areas.
- Crafting: The foliage and flowers could potentially be used in dried flower arrangements or other botanical crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWoolly Rock Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWoolly Rock Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Androsace lanuginosa, commonly known as the Woolly Rockjasmine, grows in rocky areas which symbolizes its ability to thrive in challenging situations and endure harsh conditions.
- Protection: Its woolly nature suggests a form of natural protection, denoting a symbolism of safeguarding and insulation from adversities.
- Purity: Often seen blooming with delicate white flowers, Woolly Rockjasmine is associated with purity and innocence, reflecting unspoiled beauty.
- Modesty: Despite its charming appearance, it maintains a low profile, growing close to the ground, which symbolizes humility and modesty.
- Adaptability: As a plant that can adjust to less than ideal conditions, it represents the ability to adapt and make the best of one's environment.
WaterThe woolly rock jasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) prefers to be kept in moist conditions, so regular watering is important. It should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to reach deep into the soil, but ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and the season. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or humid times, less watering is required. Typically, 8-16 ounces of water every week will suffice, but always adjust based on the soil’s dryness.
LightFor optimal growth, the woolly rock jasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) requires full sun to partial shade. It thrives best when it receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sunlight, followed by light, dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal to protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun.
TemperatureWoolly rock jasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) enjoys cooler temperatures and can withstand a temperature range from about 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperatures for this plant fall between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant, while it can survive light frosts under 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods.
PruningPruning the woolly rock jasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) is essential to maintain its compact shape and to encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant lightly after it has finished flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Removing spent flowers and trimming back overgrowth at this time will stimulate new growth and help in preparing the plant for the next blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoolly Rockjasmine thrives in well-draining, gritty compost with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix containing equal parts of peat, loam, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal for maintaining the right balance of moisture and drainage.
RepottingWoolly Rockjasmine should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its container, to refresh the soil and encourage healthier growth.
Humidity & MistingWoolly Rockjasmine prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate drier air, making it suitable for typical indoor environments without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Woolly Rockjasmine in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Woolly Rockjasmine in a sunny spot with gritty soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAndrosace lanuginosa, commonly known as the woolly rockjasmine, begins its life as a seed which germinates in spring when the temperature and moisture conditions are favorable. The seedling emerges, developing into a rosette of leaves that are covered with fine hairs, characteristic of the 'lanuginosa' (woolly) part of its name. As a perennial, the plant establishes a root system that allows it to survive through multiple growing seasons. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small pink or white flowers at the ends of short stalks. After pollination, these flowers will develop into seed capsules, which will eventually disperse seeds to begin a new generation. During the winter or dormant stage, the above-ground part of the plant may die back, while the root system remains alive to resume growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The woolly rock jasmine (Androsace lanuginosa) can be propagated most commonly through seed sowing. The ideal time for sowing seeds is in spring or early summer when the temperatures are mild. Fresh seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept consistently moist until germination, which typically takes several weeks. It's important to use a well-draining soil mix and to avoid overwatering to prevent the seeds from rotting. Seedlings can be transplanted to their final locations once they have developed a strong root system and are large enough to handle.
