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2752 - AlpenPix (Garden) - 2010-11-30 (Dimension: 2318 x 1762 pixels - Counter: 5803) Silene alpestris Locality: Mountain View Experimental Gardens, Peak 7 area, Breckenridge, Colorado, elevation 10,000 feet, USDA Zone 4. Photographer: Jane Hendrix Note: Silene alpestris is very easy to grow from seed and it self-sows readily in my rock garden and even in the gravel walkways. The flowers are small but numerous and are held above the foliage giving it the appearance of having a blanket of new snow, which is not an uncommon site in my garden during the blooming season. Although very lovely, it is an aggressive spreader by both seed and especially by rhizomes, so be forewarned. I plant it in the lowest crevices on my rock walls so its downward spread won't overrun a more "civilized" species below it -- but I still have to keep a close eye on its lateral spread and stop it back when it gets too greedy. It likes full sun but does well in part shade and is not fussy about moisture or the fertility of the soil. It's a good beginner species. It blooms about mid-July and continues for at least a month. (Sent: Alpine-l@nic.surfnet.nl) (Click on the picture to enlarge) |