Snow Dwarf Primrose in the Landscape
Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University
Scientfic Name: Douglasia nivalisCommon Name: Snow Dwarf Primrose
Description: These small fuzzy cushions of bluish-gray foliage are punctuated by bright pink flowers. They are a stunning addition to sunny rock gardens.
Native Habitat: Mountains of eastern Washington, from sagebrush slopes to alpine ridges and talus.
Cultural Requirement
Soil: Excessively drained, sandy or gritty soil.
Moisture Tolerance: Once established will not need additional irrigation. Protect from excessive moisture in the winter.
Sun/Shade/Preference: Full sun to part sun.
Transplanting: Pot-to-pot or pot-to-garden. No problems reported.
Propagation: Cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken after flowering. Sand propagation is best for cuttings, possibly with the addition of rooting powder. Seeds can be collected once capsules turn brown. Seeds require cold stratification prior to planting; germination rates are low. Two years may be required for germination.
Maintenance (pruning, fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation, etc): No special care needed. Avoid fertilizer, excess water.
Insect, disease, or other problems: None reported.
Landscape Value
Use in the Landscape: Rock gardens, other sunny, well-drained locations.
Weediness/Invasive Potential: None of concern.
Foliage: Small, narrow, gray-green to gray-blue, pubescent leaves, arranged in rosettes at the ends of stems.
Flower: Two to eight flowers in umbels, bright pink to wine-red to magenta-purple.
Timing: April-August.
Fruit: Capsules.
Form: Herbaceous perennial forming low mats.
Texture: Moderately fine texture, plants are densely pubescent.
Ultimate Size: Less than 4 inches in height.
Rate of Growth: Slow under natural conditions.
Suggested Plant Partners: Other rock-garden species.
Availability: Available through some native plant nurseries.
Cultivars: None.
References:
Knoke, D. and Giblin, D. ND. Douglasia nivalis – snow Douglasia. Burke Herbarium Image Collection. [Accessed November 19, 2019]. http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Douglasia%20nivalis
Kruckeberg, A. and Chalker-Scott, L. 2019. Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 3rd edition. University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington.
Munro, S. 2018. Plant propagation protocol for Douglasia nivalis (snow dwarf-primrose). University of Washington. [Accessed November 19, 2019]. https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/DONI.pdfPhoto courtesy of Ben Legler.