About
Saxifraga spathularis, St Patrick's cabbage, is a compact evergreen perennial forming rosettes of spoon-shaped, leathery, green, coarsely toothed leaves. Slender, upright stems to 30 cm bear loose clusters of pink or white flowers, sometimes with red spots on the petals, in late spring and summer. A rewarding and ornamental native saxifrage for a shaded, moist, well-drained rock garden or wall.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSW Europe
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most soils, thrives in a shady position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or detach rosettes and root in late spring to early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free