Alpine Chervil Plant Care
Swertia perennis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Swertia perennis is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common names felwort and star swertia. It is native to several regions of the northern hemisphere, including much of Eurasia and western North America.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Chervil?
Water Alpine Chervil every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Alpine Chervil Native To?
What Is the Alpine Chervil?
Alpine Chervil (Swertia perennis) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Swertia genus. Alpine Chervil is native to several regions of the northern hemisphere, including much of Eurasia and western North America. Alpine Chervil is also known as Perennial Swertia.
Alpine Chervil displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alpine Chervil produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Chervil?
Swertia perennis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Chervil Need?
Alpine Chervil thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Alpine Chervil in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Chervil Prefer?
Swertia perennis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine Chervil prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Chervil?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Chervil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alpine Chervil?
Feed Alpine Chervil every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Chervil?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alpine Chervil?
Alpine Chervil can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to swertia bimaculata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Chervil Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine Chervil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alpine Chervil?
Alpine Chervil is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alpine Chervil Need?
Alpine Chervil grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alpine Chervil is native to several regions of the northern hemisphere, including much of Eurasia and western North America. In cooler regions, grow Alpine Chervil as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Chervil is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Swertia genus — compare its care with other Swertia species on PlantoScan.
Swertia is part of the Gentianaceae plant family — browse all Gentianaceae genera and species.
Alpine Chervil copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Swertia perennis L., family Gentianaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 226 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine Chervil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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