Saxifrage: planting, care & winter hardiness
Versatile and yet easy to care for, saxifrage comes in a wide variety of appearances and is also a beautiful addition to the bed or balcony for garden beginners.
The species-rich genus saxifrage (Saxifraga) is difficult to describe in general terms, as the various species differ not only in appearance but also in their requirements. We give an overview of this fascinating plant genus and explain what you should bear in mind when planting and caring for it. For more information on special saxifrage varieties, see our article on the most beautiful saxifrage species and varieties.
Contents
Saxifrage: origin and characteristics
Saxifrage belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant family also includes, for example, astilbe (Astilbe), bergenia (Bergenia), heuchera (Heuchera) and rodgersia (Rodgersia). Saxifraga is an extensive and diverse genus of plants with around 370 to 450 species – about 20 species of saxifrage are even native to the UK.
Saxifrage prefers rock crevices with a temperate and cold climate and inhabits the mountainous regions of the Alps as well as the Mediterranean region up to an altitude of 4,500 metres. Because of its natural habits, saxifrage is often used in rock gardens and dry stone walls. There, the plant enchants with differently coloured flowers and a frequently cushion-like growth.
The genus offers evergreen saxifrage species with basal leaf rosettes on the one hand and deciduous representatives with leaves on the shoot on the other. These can in turn be arranged alternately or opposite. Even the growth habit of the leaf varies from species to species – stalked or sessile, succulent or flat, around to oval-shaped or incised. Their flower heads are usually panicles or racemes and appear species-specific in yellow, white, orange, red or purple. The petals may also be patterned in some species. Most saxifrage species are perennials but some are annuals or biennials. Overall, the perennials reach a growth height of between 5 and 50cm.
When is saxifrage in flower? Some species flower from May into the summer, while others continue to produce beautiful flowers even in November.
Planting saxifrage: where and how
Which location is right for saxifrage depends on the species. Varieties with rather succulent leaves prefer a sunny spot, some varieties even feel comfortable in a shady spot and do not tolerate direct sunlight. Other saxifrage plants prefer a sunny to semi-shady position. Most species thrive wonderfully in a humus-rich and well-drained soil – waterlogging is not tolerated by any saxifrage species.
Saxifrage should ideally be planted in the bed in spring after the last late frosts. The ideal plant spacing depends on the species and is between 15 and 40cm. Saxifrage is suitable for planting in beds or rock gardens as well as on balconies and terraces. For this purpose, it is advisable to mix potting compost with, for example, expanded clay or clay shards to create a certain permeability.
Saxifrage seeds are also available to buy. February is the best time to sow them.
- Fill the seed trays or pots with sowing compost
- Small seeds are pressed onto the substrate at a distance of about 2cm, larger ones about 1cm deep
- The propagation should now be lightly sprayed with water
- As they need a cold snap to germinate, place the pots in a place with a temperature between 0 and 5 °C
- When the first true leaves form, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots
- After the last late frosts, planting out into the garden is possible
Tip: our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost, for example, is lower in nutrients than normal potting soil. This results in stronger and rapid root growth of the seedlings. In addition, the soil does not contain peat and is therefore produced in a more environmentally friendly way. This makes the soil ideal, especially for sowing saxifrage.
- Perfect for herbs as well as sowing, propagating & transplanting
- For aromatic herbs & healthy seedlings with strong roots
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Saxifrage care
When caring for the plant, it is important to know the requirements of the individual saxifrage species. This is because some varieties prefer moist soil, while others thrive very well in dry, barren locations. During prolonged dry spells you should water all species.
Similarly, most species prefer a nutrient-poor soil. Only a few species need fertilising. Although saxifrage can cope without pruning, it is advisable to cut back the dead parts of the perennial in autumn and remove the faded flower stems. In spring, saxifrage sprouts anew and unfolds its desired growth shape.
Is saxifrage hardy?
Most saxifrage species are hardy and winterproof, but even here there are slight differences – the mossy saxifrage, for example, is hardy down to -28 °C, whereas the hanging saxifrage can survive temperatures as low as -17 °C. It is best to find out in advance about the frost hardiness of the plant in question. If it is a delicate variety, a protective layer of brushwood is a good idea for the winter. Pots can be wrapped with fleece or jute, for example.
Propagation
Saxifrage is often propagated by seeds harvested from the capsule fruits in autumn. Store them as dry, cool and dark as possible until sowing in February. Propagation via cuttings of saxifrage is particularly useful if your perennial has bare patches. To do this, cut off a sprout at the leaf rosette and place it directly in the desired location or in a seed pot with appropriate growing soil. Water the young shoot generously – after a few weeks the cutting will have grown well and can close the gaps with its leaves. Another option is to divide the root ball in spring. The saxifrage is dug up, divided into two pieces and the newly obtained plant is replanted in another place.
Is saxifrage poisonous?
No, saxifrage is not poisonous. The leaves of certain species are even available as tea. You can therefore plant the perennial without worry in a location that children and pets have access to.
