Saxifraga is a large genus of the Saxifragacae family. Used widely as ground cover plants, most species grow well in woodland settings, preferring a moist shaded position.
Saxifraga are generally speaking ‘rock garden plants’ or alpines. Mostly these are a low growing clump forming perennial commonly called ‘Rockfoils’ as they grow amongst rocks in alpine areas.
Most form neat cushions of green foliage, many with masses of flowers ranging from white through to red is late winter to spring. Foliage is short and needle like in many species and the flowers are small, but very attractive.
Useful for planting along the edge of a shaded garden path, or even between pavers in a lightly trafficked area. Plant between clump of Hellebores or Lily of the Valley
Saxifraga Care
Saxifraga prefer a well drained position in sun to part shade. Many varieties are often grown in pots as ‘show plants’, once established they require little care.
They are a plant that dislike very dry soils, and they do not like a hot sunny position in summer. They are better suited to part shade, especially good afternoon shade.
Excellent for planting beneath the drip line of deciduous trees, and equally at home when grown in containers, either as specimen plants or when used to underplant taller shrubs.
A cool moist position is the best situation.
Saxifraga Varieties
With over 400 in the species the genus presents a much varied range for the gardener and collector alike. In fact these plants are so popular they have their own plant society The Saxifraga Society.
Popular species and cultivars include.
- S. stolonifera is known “Aaron’s beard”. (syn S. sarmentosa)
- S x arendsii Excellent Ground Cover plant
- S. fortunei – Look for Saxifraga Fortunei ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’
- S. caespitosa – Low growing with white flowers. Some pink cultivars can be found
- S. paniculata – Silvery foliage and requiring a cool climate to grow well, not widely offered.
- Saxifraga x urbium ‘London Pride’ is one worth looking for.
- Saxifraga poluniniana is a wonderful white flowering plant, rare in cultivation
- S. poluangelica – Wonderful pink flowers over a mat of green foliage, excellent form.
- S. umbrosa – Easy to grow with tough foliage, a great plant for beginners although difficult to find.
Saxifraga are available for sale form the following nurseries
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com