In the alpine house this is the month when I loose most plants. After the long growing season that has produced lots of lush soft growth, along comes August to undo all the good work. Damp humid weather at this time of year is what most cushion plants do not need. The slightest piece of debris or dead leaf can turn to mould in a matter an hour or so, and careful vigilance is called for at all times. Dionysias and Androsace are the most at risk and have to be carefully monitored.
Late flowers have to meticulously removed as the can cause a plant to be lost overnight.
The flowers look lovely at this time of the year when there is not much else in bloom, but they must be removed if the plants are to be saved. I had to learn the hard way and loose a few plants before getting to grips with the survival system . Every cushion plant is given the once over with a magnifying glass, and anything that looks suspicious is removed and the area is dusted with green sulphur. Needless to say the fans are left on all the time during the month of August. Lewisias are another group of plants those does not like august and their watering regime has to be carefully controlled.