Alpine Honesty
hornungia alpina
Also known as: ["Alpine Pimpinella","Alpine Parsley"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous plant native to alpine regions, characterized by its delicate, fern-like leaves and small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Hornungia |
| Botanical Name: | Hornungia alpina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-draining, rocky, or sandy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit for drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 75°F (24°C).
Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only during growing season; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be used.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly or take stem cuttings.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings root in 3–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, sharp scissors.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, as the plant prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; avoid over-potting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently to avoid heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer).
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHornungia alpina is not considered toxic to cats. However, ingestion of large amounts of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal distress due to trace alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicHornungia alpina is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large amounts of seeds may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to trace alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicHornungia alpina is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of trace alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hornungia alpina suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in alpine conditions and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Q: Does Hornungia alpina require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: Is Hornungia alpina edible?
A: While generally considered non-toxic, it is not commonly consumed for culinary purposes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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