Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Fairy Foxglove, Starflower

Description:

A very cute and easy alpine plant ideal for shady parts of the rock garden; it forms a low cushion of evergreen leaves bearing short stems of starry lilac-pink flowers; though short lived it will self seed when happy; perfect for gravel scree or troughs

Ornamental Features

Alpine Liverbalm has masses of beautiful lilac purple star-shaped flowers with pink overtones at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds, and which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its small oval leaves remain green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Alpine Liverbalm is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Alpine Liverbalm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Alpine Liverbalm will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 4 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

Alpine Liverbalm is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.