About
Saxifraga cochlearis, the spoon-leaved saxifrage, is a dense, cushion-forming evergreen alpine with compact rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves with lime-encrusted edges. In early summer it produces upright, 20 cm tall sprays of up to 60 white flowers, sometimes with tiny pink spots. A beautiful and rewarding encrusted saxifrage for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Saxifraga, the saxifrages, are a diverse genus of annuals, biennials and mostly evergreen or herbaceous perennials, mostly mat-forming in habit, with simple or lobed leaves and starry or rounded flowers that may be solitary or in panicles or cymes in spring and summer. Excellent plants for rock gardens, walls and alpine houses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toAlps
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, very well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil; keep roots moist. Tolerant of full sun in cool areas but protect from leaf scorch in warm areas
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by detaching rosettes and rooting as cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free