Overview
Saxifraga crustata var. minor is a matforming, trailing alpine rockery in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Saxifraga crustata var. minor grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, rock garden and gravel garden.
About
Saxifraga crustata var. minor is a matforming, trailing alpine rockery plant within the Saxifraga genus, known for its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. This cultivar thrives in well-drained, fertile moist soil under full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden aspects and exposures. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is ideal for use in rock gardens, gravel gardens, patios, and containers. The plant is of particular interest during the summer and autumn seasons and can be propagated by seed or by detaching individual rosettes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Saxifraga
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Saxifraga crustata var. minor size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Saxifraga crustata var. minor
- Propagation
- Seed, Detach individual rosettes
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Vine weevil, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Saxifraga crustata var. minor?
Saxifraga crustata var. minor prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Saxifraga crustata var. minor need?
Saxifraga crustata var. minor is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Saxifraga crustata var. minor hardy in the UK?
Saxifraga crustata var. minor has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Saxifraga crustata var. minor?
Seed, Detach individual rosettes.
More in the Saxifraga genus
- Saxifraga (Mossy Group) 'Bob Hawkins' (15/v)

- Saxifraga x urbium
- Saxifraga 'Ellie Potterton' (7)
- Saxifraga 'Flamingo'
- Saxifraga 'Haagii' (x _eudoxiana_) (7)
- Saxifraga 'Meteor' (7)saxifrage 'Meteor'
- Saxifraga (Milford Group) 'Aldo Bacci' (7)