Rock Jasmine
Androsace sarmentosa Wallich
Rock jasmine produces delicate pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers above rosettes of silky, hairy foliage. Native to alpine regions of the Himalayas and mountains of Asia, these charming blooms symbolize mountain resilience, delicate beauty, and the tenacity of life at high altitudes.
Primulaceae (Primrose family)
Late spring to early summer (May-June)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: himalayan mayapples and antennarias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Rock jasmine represents the remarkable ability of delicate plants to survive extreme alpine conditions. Despite appearing fragile with their soft, hairy foliage and dainty flowers, these plants withstand fierce winds, extreme cold, and intense sunlight at elevations where few plants dare grow. The genus has been prized by alpine plant enthusiasts and collectors for centuries. The species epithet "sarmentosa" refers to the plant's stoloniferous (runner-producing) growth habit. These plants exemplify how beauty and strength coexist in nature's harshest environments.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates more shade than many alpines
Water
Moderate; consistent moisture during growing season but must have perfect drainage
Soil
Well-drained, Gritty, Sandy, Rocky, Poor to average, Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Hardy in zones 3-8
Requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot
Water from below to avoid wetting rosettes
Spreads by runners with small plantlets
Foliage covered with tiny white hairs giving silky appearance
Often stays evergreen through harsh winters
Propagate by seed (cold stratification required) or division of rosettes
Surround crown with gravel mulch to prevent moisture buildup
Remove dead rosettes to prevent fungal infection
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Crevice gardens and scree beds
- Troughs and alpine containers
- Fairy gardens
- Ground cover in well-drained areas
- Vertical rock crevices
Traditional Uses
- Not commonly used medicinally
- Genus name Androsace comes from Greek "andros" (man) and "sakos" (shield)
- Traditional use in some Himalayan cultures not well documented
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rock Jasmine
how do you grow rock jasmine
Rock jasmine needs excellent drainage in gritty, well-drained soil. Plant in rock gardens, scree beds, or alpine troughs. Water from below and surround with gravel mulch.
is rock jasmine hardy
Yes, rock jasmine is very hardy (zones 3-8) and can survive to 13,000 feet elevation. It often stays evergreen even through harsh winters on the Colorado prairie.
why is my rock jasmine dying
Rock jasmine typically dies from too much moisture around the crown or poor drainage. Water from below, ensure gritty soil, and remove any dead rosettes to prevent fungal disease.
how do you propagate rock jasmine
Propagate by dividing plantlets from runners (easiest method), rooting single rosettes as cuttings in early summer, or by seed sown in cold frame with cold stratification.
does rock jasmine spread
Yes, rock jasmine spreads moderately by runners (stolons) that produce small plantlets. From a distance, rosettes look like tiny hens and chicks all snuggled together.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Antennaria
Antennaria dioica (and other spp.)
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Heuchera sanguinea
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