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Cortusa (Bear's Ear Sanicle) & Soldanella (Snowbell)

Bear's Ear Sanicles is a small genus of some nine species and close to Primula (Primroses), yet a rarely offered. These small perennials grow in moist humus rich rock crevices in mountainous areas from the Alps to the Himalaya and northern Japan. They are easily grown in any humus rich, leafy and slightly moist soil in partial shade. Will readily start to flower in spring to early summer one year after sowing.
Snowbells are a small genus which is close to Primula and which covers some 11 species only. Soldanella differs in showing complete, round to kidney-shaped leaves, usually flushed purplish beneath (as most Cyclamen do) and erect stalks of nodding flowers in light blue to intense purple. They are native of partially shaded, humus filled rock crevices in subalpine mountains from Europe to Asia. Easily cultivated in any moist, humus rich soil, yet well drained soil in a partially sunny spot.
Sow seed on top of any humus rich, leafy soil in partial shade. Do not cover seeds and keep soil always slightly moist from beneath. As in most species of the family Primulaceae, Cortusa and Soldanella seeds usually require a cooling period (i.e. winter) before germination may occur (in late spring). Transplant seedlings in early summer through autumn, or as soon as they are strong enough.
All are USDA Climate Zone 6.
40 seeds per package.

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Soldanella alpina (Alpine Snowbell)

10 (20)cm, Alpine Snowbell is a dwarf perennial from the Alps, the Pryrenees and the Balkans. It makes a basal rosette or round to kidney-shaped, glossy leaves and showy dark violet flowers with fringed petals. For any humus rich, slightly moist soil in partial shade to full sun. An excellent plant for the rock garden. III-V.
40 seeds per package.

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