About

Saxifraga rosacea subsp. sponhemica is an evergreen perennial forming a spreading cushion of rosettes of small, narrowly lobed, green leaves. Slender, upright stems to 25 cm bear clusters of 2�5 white flowers in spring and early summer. A rewarding and ornamental subspecies 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 hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
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 toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, ideally alkaline or neutral soil in light or afternoon shade
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