Botanical name:

Stellaria roughii

Common name(s):

Scree chickweed

About:

This is a low-growing, summer-green perennial forms small, dense clumps of narrow, pointed, grey-green fleshy leaves. During the warm summer months, it bears delicate, small white flowers elegantly perched on short stems. This unique plant can be found thriving on rocky alpine scree slopes, stretching from the region of Nelson to western Southland. Like many plants that inhabit scree areas, it has specific requirements and demands a gritty, exceptionally well-drained site, making it truly a cultivar suited for the dedicated alpine enthusiast.

Natural habitat:

Alpine scree slopes from 1000 – 2000m

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s South Island on both sides of the Southern Alps

Height: 15cm

Flowering: 

December – February with a  coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February – April (-May)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Alpine gardens.

How to grow:

Difficulty best left to an alpine garden specialist. Propagation is best by seed.