Dionysia aretioides is one of the classic cushion-forming alpines for the serious rock garden. This Iranian species forms a remarkably tight, low cushion of tiny, overlapping leaves, becoming covered in bright yellow flowers in spring. The compact growth habit and silvery-green foliage give it an almost moss-like appearance, while the vivid flowers make an excellent contrast against stone. Native to rocky mountain habitats of Iran, it is adapted to cold, exposed conditions and excellent drainage. Grow in a trough, alpine house, or raised crevice garden in sharply drained, gritty soil. Protect from prolonged winter wet and provide good air circulation. Hardy to approximately Zone 5–8.
I am still learning the ins and outs of cultivating these challenging gems of the middle Eastern Mountains. This one has rooted well from cuttings. So far clay pots and serious ventilation have been working. This one grew well in the Alpine frame overwinter. I have been following the Uppsala University book on Dionysia advice on soil and have been giving a dilute fertilizer solution at almost every watering. Jane McGary gave me a nice tufa chunk that I will be using as well. I’m happy to share tips on successes with this genus and I have some of the outstanding cushion species I’m working on propagating this spring, and I’m hoping that we can get these firmly established into American horticulture the way they have.
Dionysia aretioides is one of the classic cushion-forming alpines for the serious rock garden. This Iranian species forms a remarkably tight, low cushion of tiny, overlapping leaves, becoming covered in bright yellow flowers in spring. The compact growth habit and silvery-green foliage give it an almost moss-like appearance, while the vivid flowers make an excellent contrast against stone. Native to rocky mountain habitats of Iran, it is adapted to cold, exposed conditions and excellent drainage. Grow in a trough, alpine house, or raised crevice garden in sharply drained, gritty soil. Protect from prolonged winter wet and provide good air circulation. Hardy to approximately Zone 5–8.
I am still learning the ins and outs of cultivating these challenging gems of the middle Eastern Mountains. This one has rooted well from cuttings. So far clay pots and serious ventilation have been working. This one grew well in the Alpine frame overwinter. I have been following the Uppsala University book on Dionysia advice on soil and have been giving a dilute fertilizer solution at almost every watering. Jane McGary gave me a nice tufa chunk that I will be using as well. I’m happy to share tips on successes with this genus and I have some of the outstanding cushion species I’m working on propagating this spring, and I’m hoping that we can get these firmly established into American horticulture the way they have.
