Overview
Saxifraga fortunei is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Saxifraga fortunei grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and groundcover. It is native to China, Japan and Korea.
About
Saxifraga fortunei is a shade-loving herbaceous perennial with large, rounded fleshy leaves and airy sprays of small white, star-like flowers. It reaches about 0.4 m and produces branched flowering stalks whose blooms have two lower petals noticeably longer than the others. Leaves and sometimes flowers may show red or pink flushing, and plants suit a sheltered spot in partial or deep shade with moist but well-drained soil. Flowering occurs April to July.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saxifraga fortunei
About the genus
Saxifraga is the largest genus in the family Saxifragaceae, containing about 473 species of holarctic perennial plants, known as saxifrages or rockfoils. The Latin word saxifraga means literally "stone-breaker", from Latin saxum + frangere. It is usually thought to indicate a medicinal use for treatment of urinary calculi, rather than breaking rocks apart.
Wikipedia contributors, "Saxifraga", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saxifraga
In the garden
A member of the Saxifragaceae, Saxifraga fortunei originates from China, Japan and Korea and is grown for its compact clumps of rounded fleshy leaves and delicate summer flower panicles. Plants form low mounds to roughly 0.4 m and send up fine, branched stalks bearing numerous small blooms; the two lower petals on each flower are characteristically longer than the others. Situate Fortune saxifrage in partial shade or full shade where it is sheltered from strong winds. It tolerates a range of soil textures — sandy, loamy or clay — provided the soil remains reliably moist yet drains freely; avoid droughty, bone-dry spots and heavy waterlogging. The UK hardiness rating H6 indicates it is very hardy across most gardens and will withstand typical winter temperatures in those zones. Use it where leaf texture matters: in shade borders, woodland gardens or as a ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. Plants will flower from April to July and both leaves and flowers can show red or pink flushing at times, a useful trait for adding subtle variation within a cool, shaded border. Expect the distinctive pair of longer lower petals to help identify the blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Saxifraga
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Saxifraga fortunei size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, groundcover
- Native to
- China, Japan, Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Saxifraga fortunei
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage tidy growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed sown in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Saxifraga fortunei?
Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Saxifraga fortunei?
Saxifraga fortunei prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Saxifraga fortunei need?
Saxifraga fortunei is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Saxifraga fortunei?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage tidy growth.
How big does Saxifraga fortunei grow?
Saxifraga fortunei reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Saxifraga fortunei hardy in the UK?
Saxifraga fortunei has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Saxifraga fortunei?
Division in spring or autumn; seed sown in spring.
More in the Saxifraga genus
- Saxifraga pennsylvanicaPennsylvania saxifrage
- Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardenstrue London pride
- Saxifraga 'Allendale Divine' (7)
- Saxifraga 'Portae' (x _fritschiana_) (8)
- Saxifraga 'Regina' (x _prossenii_) (7)
- Saxifraga geum 'Dentata'Saxifrage