Quick Guide: spring, hardy, full sun, height: 7.5cm/3in, width: 20cm/8in

Soldanellas are members of the primula family. They bear nodding, pale lilac flowers with fringed petals. Rounded mid-green leaves cluster at the foot of the erect stems. Native to European alpine meadows, these modest flowers suit informal planting schemes.

GROWING Plant in autumn or early summer in well-drained soil. A sunny position is preferred but some shade is tolerated. Place a collar of grit around each plant to assist drainage.

PROPAGATION Lift and divide the plants after flowering. Either replant in the permanent positions straight away or pot up in a compost/peat mixture and over winter in a cold frame, planting out the following spring.

SPECIES S. alpina, mat-forming foliage, lavender flowers; S. morztana, larger, strong-growing species with bell-shaped flowers; .S. minima, smallest at 5cm/2in high, best choice for ground cover, delicate lilac flowers; S villosa. slightly hairy leaves, lavender flowers tinted deep blue.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs may eat young plants.