Aipyanthus pulchra was growing in association with Daphne, Pulsatilla, Scabiosa in grassland when collected on Mt Kazbegi in Georgia at 2298 metres. Found throughout the Caucasus and western Asia it is a low growing herb with leaves and stems covered by the finest of hairs.

The flowers make the plant noticeable, bright yellow terminal clusters, the petals blotched with a dab of black. Despite the strength of this black pigment in the petal it fades to oblivion as the days pass.

Thriving in the cultivated beds of the rock garden it prefers a stony free draining root zone and winter cover from excessive damp is advisable. This protects the rootstock and clump forming centre. If in doubt about survival take root cuttings in the early winter.

Aipyanthus pulchra

Aipyanthus pulchra