About

Saxifraga cotyledon, the pyramidal saxifrage, is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial to 30 cm with large, flat rosettes of greyish-green, broadly strap-shaped, toothed leaves to 6 cm long. In late spring and early summer, arching, conical panicles of cup-shaped, white flowers � sometimes marked red inside � are produced. A spectacular and ornamental encrusted saxifrage for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or wall.

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
Soil typeChalk, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-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 toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, very well-drained, neutral or alkaline soil in full sun, or in a pot in an alpine house using 50:50 peat-free, loam-based compost and sharp grit
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by separating 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
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