Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens (true London pride) — perennial

Overview

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens is a perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family. Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and borders. It is native to Pyrenees.

About

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens is a perennial Saxifraga used as a low ground cover in rock gardens, borders and crevices. Native to the Pyrenees, it flowers from April to July. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline reaction and will tolerate partial shade or full sun. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it can be sited in both sheltered and exposed positions.

About the genus

Saxifraga is the largest genus in the family Saxifragaceae, containing about 473 species of holarctic perennial plants, known as saxifrages or rockfoils. The Latin word saxifraga means literally "stone-breaker", from Latin saxum + frangere. It is usually thought to indicate a medicinal use for treatment of urinary calculi, rather than breaking rocks apart.

Wikipedia contributors, "Saxifraga", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saxifraga

In the garden

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens is a perennial member of the Saxifragaceae from the Pyrenees, commonly planted as true London pride for its compact habit and use at ground level. Gardeners favour it where a low, mat-forming cover is needed in rock gardens, the front of borders or between paving where humus-rich, free-draining soil is available. Select a position with neutral to alkaline soil that is well drained but retains some moisture; a humus-rich mix helps sustain summer vigour. It tolerates partial shade as well as full sun, so can be used on north, east, south or west-facing aspects. The species copes with both sheltered and exposed situations and is fully hardy in UK conditions (H7), so no winter protection is normally required. Plant in pockets of soil within rock features, at the front of mixed borders, or as a filler between flagstones where its habit keeps planting tight. Expect flowering in the growing season from April to July, after which the plant continues as a perennial ground cover.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Saxifraga

Sunlight: partial shade, full sun
Soil type: well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moist, well-drained
Aspect: north, east, west, south
Exposure: sheltered, exposed
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: groundcover, rock gardens, borders
Native to: Pyrenees

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage growth.
Propagation: division, cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens?

Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens?

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens need?

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.

How do I prune Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens?

Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage growth.

Is Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens hardy in the UK?

Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardens?

Division, cuttings.

More in the Saxifraga genus

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