Erinus alpinus 'Dr. Hähnle'

Selected cultivar of the type species, 'Dr. Hähnle' shares the short-lived perennial nature of Erinus alpinus, within the Plantaginaceae family. Like the species, it originates from the mountainous regions of Western Europe, from the Pyrenees to the Alps.

The habit remains that of the species: low and compact clumps of 5 to 15 cm, spatulate leaves, slightly toothed and finely pubescent, of a fresh green. This cultivar is distinguished by its deep carmine red flowers, significantly more intense than the pink-lilac of the wild form, making it particularly visible in rock gardens among light stones.

In its natural habitat, the species blooms from May to July depending on altitude. In cultivation, 'Dr. Hähnle' blooms from April in the plains, with a possible partial rebloom in autumn after temperatures cool.

Like all colored cultivars of Erinus alpinus, it self-seeds freely but the seedlings may drift towards paler shades over generations; to maintain the color, dividing the clumps is preferable to seeding.

Same conditions as the type species: full sun, poor and very well-drained substrate, preferably limestone. Particularly effective in walls, rock crevices or at the forefront of a sunny rock garden.