About
Saxifraga fortunei, the Fortune saxifrage, is a herbaceous perennial to 40 cm with fleshy, rounded, lobed basal leaves to 10 cm across, often reddish beneath. White flowers with short upper and one or two long lower petals appear in large, open panicles from late summer. A distinctive and rewarding saxifrage for a shaded, moist, sheltered border.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toChina, Japan, Korea
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in deep or partial shade. Suitable for a rock garden or border
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division of clumps
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free