Quick Guide: spring, hardy, semi-shade, height: 10cm/4in, width: 23cm/9in

Ramondas are native to southern and central Europe. Their predilection for shade and enriched soil distinguishes them from many alpine plants and enables gardeners to fill an awkward spot with an unusual and attractive subject. The dark leaves form a rosette on the ground rather like that of the primula, but are very deep green, crinkly and fringed with hairs. The straight stems hear pale mauve, saucer-shaped flowers with prominent yellow stamens.

GROWING Set out Young plants in spring in a cool, shady crevice on soil previously enriched with peat or leaf-mould. Put them at a slight angle to prevent water collecting in the rosette of leaves. Do not let plants dry out in hot summer weather.

PROPAGATION Take leaf cuttings in summer, making sure each leaf has a dormant bud at the base. Insert at an angle 2cm/ 3/4in deep in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame until rooted (about 6 weeks). Pot up individually and grow on in the frame for two winters before planting out.

SPECIES R. myconii (above), most popular species; named varieties are `Alba', white and `Rosea', rich pink; R. serbica, smaller rosette of leaves, stamens tipped with purple anthers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs may eat the leaves.