Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' (Fortune Saxifrage) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' 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 ground cover. It is native to China, Japan and Korea.

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 native to China, Japan and Korea, Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' forms a low mound of fleshy, rounded leaves with wiry flowering stems rising above the foliage in spring and early summer. The cultivar bears panicles of small, white star-shaped flowers from April to July; the two lower petals are characteristically longer than the others, which helps with identification when it is in bloom. Place it in partial shade or full shade where the soil stays moist but drains freely; it will tolerate sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. The plant is rated H6 for the UK, meaning it is very hardy in most British gardens and also suits USDA zones 6–9. A sheltered site reduces the risk of wind damage to the slender flower stalks and keeps the foliage looking its best. Use Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' in shaded borders, woodland settings or as a ground cover beneath deciduous trees and shrubs; its 0.4 m height makes it useful for filling the lower layer of a shady border. Note the April–July flowering window and the distinctive longer lower petals when assessing it in flower.

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 'Windsor Form' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Height: 0.4 m
Suggested uses: shade garden, woodland garden, ground cover
Native to: China, Japan, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
Pruning: Remove old flower stems and dead leaves after flowering to maintain appearance.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form'?

Prefers moist, 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 'Windsor Form'?

Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' need?

Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' 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 'Windsor Form'?

Remove old flower stems and dead leaves after flowering to maintain appearance.

How big does Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' grow?

Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' hardy in the UK?

Saxifraga fortunei 'Windsor Form' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.