Erinus alpinus aka Fairy Foxglove

Erinus alpinus is a small plant in the Plantaginaceae family. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Its names include fairy foxglove and alpine liverbalsam. Others are alpine balsam, jewel flower, and liver balsam. It grows wild in south-central Europe and the western-central Mediterranean. The RHS includes western North Africa in its native range. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in temperate climates but has a short life.

Small rosettes, or rings of leaves, form a low clump. The narrow leaves have an oblong shape. The plant keeps some leaves through winter, rather than losing them all. Leafy stems rise from these rings and bear flowers. Full-grown plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall. They also spread about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] wide. The RHS gives two to five years to reach full size. Chicago Botanic Garden says the plant creeps along the ground. These accounts describe a low plant whose flower stems stand upright.

Small flowers grow in groups at the ends of stems. Each bloom is about 8 millimetres across. The RHS gives their colour as pale purple-pink. Chicago Botanic Garden lists purple blooms from May to June. The flowers rise above the small groups of leaves. The plant's low height suits spots near paths and paving. Its small size also makes it a choice for rock gardens.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a spot in partial shade. The soil must drain well. Chalk, loam, and sand all suit the plant. It grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. It accepts soil from dry to moist. Chicago lists a need for moderate watering. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H6. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–9. The RHS says both sheltered and exposed sites suit it.

Use it in rock gardens, gravel gardens, or paving cracks. It also suits wall cracks, patio pots, bedding, and borders. These sites suit a plant with little height or spread. The RHS says it does not need pruning. Start new plants from seed or root rosette cuttings in spring. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Neither profile confirms edible uses or safety for people or pets.