Species Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard
bright-yellow flowers with green leaves and lime-green stems

Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard

Askellia pygmaea

The Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard (Askellia pygmaea) grows in alpine environments. This small, winter-flowering perennial features glossy basal leaves and nodding yellow-gold blooms from late August to October. The compact, 0.3-metre tall perennial prefers dry rocky soils and sandy substrates, but is tolerant of light frosts and snow. Cut stems produce large, long-lasting flower heads that become encased in attractive seed pods when spent. A stunning addition to ponds, rock gardens, or alpine succulent beds, it's drought resistant and easy to grow. This little beauty is sure to bring a splash of life to the garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard should be watered about once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on weather conditions. In warmer weather, water more frequently as the plant has a low tolerance for heat and drought. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry in between watering. During the growing season (spring to summer), fertilize monthly using diluted liquid fertilizer, and in the cold season (autumn to winter) reduce the amount of watering but do not stop altogether.

sunlight

Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard is an alpine species that requires full sun in order to thrive. It should receive at least 6 hours each day of direct or indirect sunlight, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. Additionally, it prefers a cool climate and would benefit from partial shade at midday when temperatures are highest. When planted in an ideal environment, Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard will produce a yellow-green flower with yellow-green sepals and yellow stigmas, from mid-summer to early autumn.

pruning

Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard plants should be pruned twice a year in the spring and fall. In the spring, pruning should be done after flowering is complete, but before new growth starts. Remove any dead or dying stems and also trim back any lengthy stems to keep a neat and compact shape. In the fall, pruning should be done after flowering is complete and before the plant enters its dormant period. Again, remove any dead or dying stems, but avoid pruning too heavily or pruning into the woody parts of the plant. Pruning too heavily could kill the plant or stunt its growth.