About
Saxifraga bryoides (10), the mossy saxifrage, is an evergreen perennial alpine forming a low cushion of rosettes of small, incurved, green leaves. In summer, slender stems bear small, white flowers with yellow-orange dots at the base of the petals. A beautiful and rewarding cushion alpine for a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Saxifraga, the saxifrages, are annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, mostly mat- or cushion-forming in habit, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and starry or rounded flowers which may be solitary or in panicles or cymes. A vast and popular genus for rock gardens, alpine troughs and shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but very well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun or light shade. Thrives in areas with cooler summers. Flowering is improved with protection from heavy frosts, which can damage overwintering buds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free