Fairy Foxglove (Erinus alpinus)

Fairy Foxglove

Erinus alpinus

Tiny purple blooms carpet rocky crevices like scattered starlight. Low-growing alpine perennial; common name: fairy foxglove.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates cool, exposed alpine conditions; avoid prolonged intense midday sun in warmer climates
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Watering Water moderately; allow top 1 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; prefers cool temperatures, avoid prolonged heat above 25°C which may cause foliage decline
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval to spatulate leaves form dense basal rosettes; slightly hairy texture
  • Flower: Tubular purple, pink, or white blooms clustered at stem tips; 5-lobed corolla
  • Stem: Slender, upright flowering stems rise above basal foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface; avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent burning
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
  • Trim back faded foliage in late autumn to tidy clumps and prepare for winter dormancy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known toxic compounds

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Rock garden groundcover, container edge ornamental, alpine trough plant