Overview
Saxifraga x urbium (11) is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Saxifraga, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Saxifraga x urbium (11) grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and garden edging.
About
Saxifraga x urbium, commonly known as London pride, is a matforming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Saxifraga genus. It features evergreen foliage and typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, spreading between 0.5 and 1 metre. This plant thrives in full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, west, or east-facing aspects, and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. London pride is of interest throughout spring, summer, and winter, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years.
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 shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Saxifraga x urbium (11) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Saxifraga x urbium (11)
- Propagation
- Detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Vine weevil, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Saxifraga x urbium (11)?
Saxifraga x urbium (11) prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Saxifraga x urbium (11) need?
Saxifraga x urbium (11) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Saxifraga x urbium (11) grow?
Saxifraga x urbium (11) reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Saxifraga x urbium (11) hardy in the UK?
Saxifraga x urbium (11) has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Saxifraga x urbium (11)?
Detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings, Seed.
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