Dionysia aretioides 'Bevere' was in full bloom in the Alpine House of the RHS Gardens, Harlow Carr, when I took the photograph of it back in March. It reminded me of saxifraga but it is actually a member of the primula (primulaceae) family. According to the
RHS Gardeners' Encyclopaedia of Plants and Flowers (ed. 1989), p. 457, Dionysia belongs to a: 'Genus of evergreen, insectivorous, rosette-forming perennials. Fully hardy. Grow in an alpine house in sun and very gritty, well-drained soil. Position deep collar of grit under cushion and ensure good ventilation at all times. Dislikes winter wet. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Is susceptible to botrytis.' Further information is given on page 311: 'forms cushions of soft, hairy, greyish-green leaves that are covered in early spring by scented, stemless, round, bright yellow flowers. H 5-10cm (2-4"), S 15-30cm (6-12") (p. 311).
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| Dionysia aretioides Bevere |
RHS: 10 easy alpines to grow in garden (external link).
RHS PDF Document on Alpines grown in Alpine HouseThe Royal Horticultural Society Gardeners' Encyclopaedia of Plants and Flowers is still being published and there have been several editions since I bought mine in 1989. The latest edition, an Amazon best seller, is
2010 (Amazon link).