Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) Ramonda myconi
Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) (Ramonda myconi) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family, native to Shady limestone cliffs of the Pyrenees and north-eastern Spain. It grows 8–12 cm (3–5 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Mature height | 8–12 cm (3–5 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Shady limestone cliffs of the Pyrenees and north-eastern Spain |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant)
- How far apart should I plant Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rosette of crinkled, hairy leaves that grows on north-facing cliffs and can dry out completely in drought and revive when wet, one of Europe’s few “resurrection plants”; violet flowers with a yellow eye in late spring. Plant it on its side in a shady wall crevice so water cannot sit in the rosette.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- African violet Streptocarpus ionanthus
- Flame violet (episcia) Episcia cupreata
- Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans
- Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) Haberlea rhodopensis
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans