Origin
Melandrium affine, commonly known as 'Mountain Campion', is a flowering plant species in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia.
Common Names
The plant is also known by the common names of Alpine catchfly, alpine campion, and on occasion, pink campion.
Uses
The flowers of Melandrium affine contains flavonoids and other chemicals that have been used for medicinal purposes. The plant is known for its antispasmodic and sedative properties, making it useful in the treatment of nervous disorders. It is also said to have mild diuretic properties.
Moreover, Melandrium affine is a commonly used ornamental plant, often planted in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and bordering beds due to its showy white to pink flowers which bloom from June through August. Its attractive appearance adds beauty to outdoor spaces, and its hardiness allows it to thrive in a range of climates.
General Appearance
Melandrium affine is a bushy perennial plant that typically grows between 10 to 30 cm in height. The plant has smooth stems that are either single or branched. The oval-shaped leaves are greyish-green, and grow in opposite pairs along the stem.
The plant produces fragrant flowers that are an attractive pink, white, or red color. Each flower has five petals that are deeply notched and arranged in a star pattern. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems, and the fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Overall, Melandrium affine is a beautiful and useful plant that is a great addition to any garden due to its showy flowers, hardiness, and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Melandrium affine requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with intense heat, partial shade may be necessary to prevent damage to the plant. In nature, it is typically found growing in meadows or open woodlands with intermittent light.
Temperature Requirements
Melandrium affine is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is adaptable to both hot and cold climates, but it does best in temperate zones with moderate temperatures. It can withstand light frost but may experience dieback in prolonged periods of cold.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Melandrium affine is well-draining and moist, with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types, from sandy loam to clay, but it prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. Regular watering is important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Melandrium affine, commonly known as Arctic campion, is a hardy perennial plant species that can be grown in typical garden conditions. It is adaptable to an extensive range of soils, preferring well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, but some shade in hotter regions should be considered.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly until it establishes itself successfully, and then watered sparingly. Overwatering the plant may cause root rot, making the plant vulnerable to soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization
It is crucial to fertilize the plant in early spring before the start of the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant does not require regular feeding, but a light application of compost or an organic mulch around the plant in fall can help with the winter hardiness.
Pruning
After the plant has bloomed, trim back the spent flowers to keep the plant tidy. However, avoid cutting back too much of the foliage as the plant uses its foliage to photosynthesize and produce energy. The plant forms a basal clump of leaves that typically remains evergreen in milder regions.
Propagation of Melandrium affine (J. Vahl ex Fries) J. Vahl
Melandrium affine (J. Vahl ex Fries) J. Vahl can be propagated both sexually and asexually. The plant is commonly grown from seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation from Seeds
Seeds should be collected from mature plants during the summer or fall. The seeds should be sown in a container filled with moist, well-drained soil and kept under partial shade until they germinate, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged and are large enough to handle, they should be transplanted to individual pots until they are robust enough to be planted in their permanent locations. Seeds can also be directly sown in their final location, either indoors or outdoors.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Melandrium affine (J. Vahl ex Fries) J. Vahl during the summer months when the plant is in its growing season. Stem cuttings should be made from young, healthy shoots and 5-6 cm long. The cuttings should be planted in a soil mix comprising approximately 50% sand or perlite and exposed to bright and filtered light. Frequent misting will be required to prevent the cutting from drying out before rooting. Roots normally develop within 2 to 3 weeks, and plants can be repotted, once they have well-developed roots.
Propagation by Division
The plant can also be propagated by division from an established clump. The best time for dividing the clumps is in early spring when the plant has not yet started actively growing. The clumps should be carefully dug up. The roots need to be separated without causing any damage, and replanted in their new location. Cut the leaves back to about one-half of their original size to reduce water loss.
Disease Management for Melandrium affine
Melandrium affine is generally resistant to most diseases, but there are some that may still affect it. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots, causing them to rot and decay. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, it's important to make sure the soil is well-draining and to not overwater the plant. If the plant is already infected, removing the affected areas and treating the soil with a fungicide may be necessary.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown colored spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing affected leaves, keeping the plant well-ventilated, and using fungicides.
Pest Management for Melandrium affine
Here are some common pests that may affect Melandrium affine:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. They can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Mites
Mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant, causing it to become discolored and distorted. They can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, to the area.
It's important to monitor Melandrium affine regularly for signs of disease or pests and to take immediate action if any are detected to prevent the problem from worsening.
