About
Saxifraga retusa, the retuse saxifrage, is a dense, cushion-forming evergreen perennial to 5 cm with tiny, green leaves and clusters of 2�5 rich rose-red, cup-shaped flowers with orange stamens standing proud of the petals in early spring. A beautiful and rewarding cushion saxifrage for a cool, very well-drained rock garden or alpine house.
About the genus
Saxifraga, the saxifrages, are a vast and diverse genus of annuals, biennials and evergreen or herbaceous perennials, mostly mat- or cushion-forming with simple or lobed leaves and starry or rounded flowers in panicles, cymes or solitary. Excellent plants for rock gardens, alpine troughs and shaded walls.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toPyrenees
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light shade. Ideal for an alpine house where there is protection from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free