The challenge of Dionysia

Dionysia is a genus of 49 species in the Primula family.

They are small cushion forming plants which grow in the mountains of Central Asia.

The plants are a favourite of alpine garden enthusiasts. They can grow to form a cushion several inches in diameter which is completely covered in flowers and which looks quite spectacular. The plant pot is just 2 inches in diameter.

However they are notoriously difficult to grow and need the conditions found in an alpine house. The photo shows Dionysia Monika which we bought at the Alpine Garden Show a couple of weeks ago. You should be impressed that it is still alive.