Soldanella villosa, commonly known as Alpine Snowbell, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the high mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains in France and Spain. It typically reaches a height of 0.8 feet (0.2 meters) and a width of 0.7 feet (0.2 meters). This plant thrives in alpine meadows and moist, grassy slopes, often preferring the cool, damp conditions found at higher elevations. The Alpine Snowbell has a distinctive appearance with its bell-shaped, violet to purple flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer, adding a splash of color to rock gardens and alpine collections.

The Alpine Snowbell is valued for its ability to provide early season blooms and its suitability for rock gardens and alpine troughs. It requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, and well-drained, humus-rich soil to prevent root rot. While it prefers full sun to part shade, in hotter climates, it benefits from protection from intense afternoon sun. It is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from slugs and snails, which find its foliage attractive. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit highlights its exceptional qualities for garden use.CC BY-SA 4.0