Overview

Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety' 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 rock garden. It is native to China, Japan and Korea.

About

Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety' is a shade-loving herbaceous perennial in the Saxifragaceae reaching about 0.4 m. It flowers from April to July on slender stalks that rise above the foliage. Grow it in partial shade to full shade in soil that remains moist but is well-drained. Give a sheltered site to avoid exposed conditions.

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

Native to China, Japan and Korea, Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety' is a compact herbaceous perennial that reaches roughly 0.4 m. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae and produces its flowering display from April to July. In milder UK districts it will also fit into USDA zones 6–9. Choose a position in partial shade or full shade and a sheltered spot out of strong winds. The plant tolerates a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they remain reliably moist but do not become waterlogged; good drainage with steady moisture suits it best. Hardiness rating H6 corresponds to very hardy in UK terms, so established clumps will survive typical winter conditions across most of the country. Use Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety' in a shaded border, woodland garden or tucked into a crevice of a rock garden where moisture is steady. Its low habit and flowering period make it useful for planting in front of taller shade perennials or beside ferns and hellebores. Leave the flowering stalks in place while in bloom (April–July) to show the elevated panicles above the leaf rosettes.

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 'Wada's Variety' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Height

0.4 m

Suggested uses

shade garden, woodland garden, rock garden

Native to

China, Japan, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Saxifraga fortunei 'Wada's Variety'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch in winter to protect roots.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed sowing in spring.

Frequently asked questions

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