Erinus alpinus
TAXONOMY
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusErinus
Zone5
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Erinus alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Balsam or Fairy Foxglove, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Europe. It belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and the genus Erinus. This plant is known for its charming, small, pink to purple flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. It thrives in temperate climates and is well-suited for rock gardens and alpine settings.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Alpine Balsam
Dortiguea Alpestris
Liver Balsam
Erinus alpinus var. glaberrimus
Erinus alpinus var. macranthus
Erinus europaeus
Erinus glabratus
Erinus hispanicus
Erinus lanceolatus
Fairy foxglove
Fairy-foxglove
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Erinus alpinus, provide it with bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate cooler climates. Keep the soil moderately moist, allowing it to dry out almost completely between waterings. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Soil
Erinus alpinus prefers well-draining loamy soil. It thrives in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so consider adding sand or gravel to the soil mix if necessary.Fertilizer
Fertilize Erinus alpinus with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer sparingly, as the plant does not require high nutrient concentrations. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot Erinus alpinus when it becomes root-bound or when the soil has degraded. The best time to repot is in early spring before the growing season begins. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, trim any damaged roots, and place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.Propagation
Erinus alpinus can be propagated by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed mix in early spring. Keep the soil moist and provide bright light. For division, separate the plant into smaller clumps in early spring or after flowering, ensuring each clump has healthy roots.Pruning
Prune Erinus alpinus after the flowering period to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged foliage. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant compact and promotes a more vigorous bloom in the next season.Toxicity
Erinus alpinus is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. It is generally considered safe to grow in gardens where pets and children may be present.Additional
Erinus alpinus is an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as a ground cover in temperate climates. It can also be used in containers and hanging baskets. Ensure it has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
