Alpine enchanter's nightshade Plant Care

Alpine enchanter's nightshade (Circaea alpina) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Circaea genus. Alpine enchanter's nightshade is native to cool forests of the Northern Hemisphere.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alpine enchanter's nightshade produces small white or pink flowers in racemes.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alpine enchanter's nightshade every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–500 lux. Avoid placing Alpine enchanter's nightshade in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Circaea alpina tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine enchanter's nightshade prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alpine enchanter's nightshade to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alpine enchanter's nightshade every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with part shade to full shade and moist, rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alpine enchanter's nightshade while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to circaea cordata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Alpine enchanter's nightshade is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alpine enchanter's nightshade grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alpine enchanter's nightshade is native to cool forests of the Northern Hemisphere. In cooler regions, grow Alpine enchanter's nightshade as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.