Overview
Saxifraga x urbium is a mat-forming, cushion-forming perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Saxifraga x urbium grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5. Suggested uses include rockeries, containers, ground cover and alpine gardens. It is native to Hybrid origin and not native to a specific region.
About
Saxifraga × urbium, London pride, is an evergreen perennial garden flowering plant. Alternative names for it include St.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saxifraga × urbium
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Saxifraga
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5
Plant details
Saxifraga x urbium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Mat-forming, Cushion-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rockeries, Containers, Ground cover, Alpine gardens
- Native to
- Hybrid origin, not native to a specific region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Saxifraga x urbium
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates some drought once established; benefits from mulching in winter
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; trim back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Vine weevil grubs, Spider mites
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Saxifraga x urbium?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates some drought once established; benefits from mulching in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Saxifraga x urbium?
Saxifraga x urbium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Saxifraga x urbium need?
Saxifraga x urbium grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Saxifraga x urbium?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; trim back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Saxifraga x urbium hardy in the UK?
Saxifraga x urbium has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Saxifraga x urbium?
Seed, Division, Cuttings.
More in the Saxifraga genus
- Saxifraga pennsylvanicaPennsylvania saxifrage
- Saxifraga × umbrosa of gardenstrue London pride
- Saxifraga 'Allendale Divine' (7)
- Saxifraga 'Portae' (x _fritschiana_) (8)
- Saxifraga 'Regina' (x _prossenii_) (7)
- Saxifraga geum 'Dentata'Saxifrage
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