About
Saxifraga umbrosa, the true London pride, is a spreading mat of loose rosettes of evergreen, spoon-shaped leaves with lobed edges. Flower stems to 30 cm carry large numbers of small, starry, white flowers in summer. A classic and rewarding ground-cover saxifrage for a shaded, moist, well-drained wall, rock garden or woodland border.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toPyrenees
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in any type of soil or situation but ideal for deep or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame in autumn, or detach rosettes and root as cuttings
Pest resistanceAphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free