About
Saxifraga rosacea, the Irish saxifrage, is an evergreen, spreading perennial forming rosettes of small, lobed leaves that sometimes turn red in colder weather. Upright flower stems to 25 cm bear clusters of 4�5 white flowers in spring. An ornamental and rewarding native saxifrage for a moist, well-drained rock garden or peat bed.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toNW Europe & Iceland
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light or afternoon shade. Thrives in areas with cooler summers
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free