A fascinating miniature subshrub from the Patagonian steppes of Argentina, Junellia micrantha forms exceptionally low, dense cushions or mats that hug the ground, often only a few centimeters tall. The tiny, three-lobed leaves are closely packed along the branches, creating a remarkably neat, finely textured carpet. In late spring and summer, the cushions are covered with dense clusters of tiny white to lilac flowers, often with a yellow throat. The flowers are notably fragrant, adding another dimension to this diminutive alpine.
Our plants are from Chubut, in southern Argentina, where the species occurs across the Patagonian steppe. It is found on flat, sandy or sandy-clay ground that can be seasonally wet, as well as in other open steppe habitats. This unusual combination of a preference for excellent drainage and tolerance of occasional wet conditions makes it an intriguing plant for the experienced rock gardener. It is particularly well suited to an alpine trough, scree garden, or planted between stones where its low, mat-forming habit can be appreciated. These have been grown successfully from Berkely California to New Brunswick Canada showing it’s adaptability for such a choice minature shrub.
The genus name Junellia honors Swedish botanist S. Junell, who studied the morphology and systematics of the Verbenaceae; the specific epithet micrantha means “small-flowered,” an appropriate name for its tiny but abundant blossoms
A fascinating miniature subshrub from the Patagonian steppes of Argentina, Junellia micrantha forms exceptionally low, dense cushions or mats that hug the ground, often only a few centimeters tall. The tiny, three-lobed leaves are closely packed along the branches, creating a remarkably neat, finely textured carpet. In late spring and summer, the cushions are covered with dense clusters of tiny white to lilac flowers, often with a yellow throat. The flowers are notably fragrant, adding another dimension to this diminutive alpine.
Our plants are from Chubut, in southern Argentina, where the species occurs across the Patagonian steppe. It is found on flat, sandy or sandy-clay ground that can be seasonally wet, as well as in other open steppe habitats. This unusual combination of a preference for excellent drainage and tolerance of occasional wet conditions makes it an intriguing plant for the experienced rock gardener. It is particularly well suited to an alpine trough, scree garden, or planted between stones where its low, mat-forming habit can be appreciated. These have been grown successfully from Berkely California to New Brunswick Canada showing it’s adaptability for such a choice minature shrub.
The genus name Junellia honors Swedish botanist S. Junell, who studied the morphology and systematics of the Verbenaceae; the specific epithet micrantha means “small-flowered,” an appropriate name for its tiny but abundant blossoms
