Species Western Rockjasmine
lime-brown buds with green foliage and brown stems

Western Rockjasmine

Androsace occidentalis

Also Known As - Western Fairy Candelabra
Western Rockjasmine (Androsace occidentalis) is a perennial evergreen flowering plant native to the mountainous areas of western North America. Growing in clumps of clover-like leaves, it produces masses of tiny star-shaped flowers, usually white and sometimes yellow or pink, blooming from spring to early summer. It makes an attractive ground-cover for dry environments, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It's drought-tolerant and grows best in areas where snow is present in winter. Western Rockjasmine is easy to propagate and maintain, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing gardens.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Red|Purple|White/Cream Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Western Rockjasmine is a hardy evergreen plant that needs regular watering. In general, it should be watered every 7-14 days, but the amount and frequency will depend on the climate and the plants' individual needs. In hot, dry climates, they should be watered more frequently, up to once per week. In cooler, wetter climates, they should be watered less. When you water, make sure to soak the soil and provide the plant with enough water to moisten the entire root zone. Once the soil is moist, allow excess water to drain away so that the top few inches of soil are not soggy. Try to avoid splashing water around the foliage of the plant. After you have finished watering, check the soil later in the day to make sure the top few inches remain moist.

sunlight

Western Rockjasmine needs at least 6-8 hours of partial to full sunlight per day. Ideally, it should get direct sun in the morning to midday, and dappled shade for the rest of the day and evening. In hot climates, direct sun during midday or afternoon should be avoided as the plant could suffer from sunburn or dehydration. This plant species can also tolerate some shade, making it a good choice for areas with light to moderate shadow.

pruning

Pruning of Western Rockjasmine is generally done in the late winter to early spring when the plant is dormant. Using sharp, clean pruning shears, lightly trim back any leggy stems and remove dead or damaged foliage to create a more compact, bushy shape. You may also want to remove any stems that are particularly long, in order to prevent them competing with the shorter, more central shoots. Taking off no more than 1 third of the plant, it is important to avoid removing too much of the foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Western Rockjasmine typically starts flowering in April.