Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Plant Identification => Plant Identification Questions and Answers => Topic started by: Claire Cockcroft on August 30, 2020, 12:30:52 AM

Title: Tiny creeping plant with a pink flower
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on August 30, 2020, 12:30:52 AM

It's always interesting to sow a bunch of seeds from a noted collector (in this case, Betty Lowry) and see what comes up.  I haven't been able to match this plant with the seed envelopes.

It is less than 2cm tall and the flower is maybe half a cm long.  Since more than one of these sprouted, I'm curious if anyone can put a name to it.  Let's hope it's not some terrible weed!
Thanks!

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]

Title: Re: Tiny creeping plant with a pink flower
Post by: Tristan_He on August 30, 2020, 09:18:50 AM

Hi Claire, that looks like bog pimpernel, Anagallis tenella. Very pretty and though it can spread rather enthusiastically, definitely not a weed. I grow it in pots with my pitcher plants as it isn't that easy to keep going for long in the garden.

Best, Tristan

Title: Re: Tiny creeping plant with a pink flower
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on August 30, 2020, 05:48:25 PM

Aha!  Thank you, Tristan.  On the list of plants I sowed is Anagallis alternifolia var. repens.  That was a good catch!
...Claire

Title: Re: Tiny creeping plant with a pink flower
Post by: Tristan_He on August 30, 2020, 06:59:53 PM

Ah, interesting - that would make sense. I thought the leaves didn't look quite right for bog pimpernel. Not come across A. alternifolia, hopefully it will make a nice show.