About
Saxifraga canaliculata (15), the channel-leaved saxifrage, is an evergreen alpine perennial forming a sprawling mat of rosettes with sticky, narrowly divided, green leaves with deep channels along the centre of the lobes. Ascending stems to 15 cm bear starry, white flowers with recurved petals in late spring. A charming and rewarding mossy saxifrage 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
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 toNW Spain
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in full sun, with shelter from cold winds. Keep roots moist in summer but protect from excess winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or detach rosettes and root in late spring to early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free