Saxifraga

( sak - SIFF - rag - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Saxifrage or Rockfoil, this genus of flowering perennial needs regular water. These creeping groundcovers are native to North America and Europe. They prefer shady conditions, and are great in rock gardens. 

saxifraga Species and Varietals

Saxifrage is the type genus member of the plant family Saxifragaceae, and includes 473 species. The genus name is Latin for 'stone breaker', referring Saxifrage growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, Yellow Saxifrage)
These evergreen perennial herbaceous plants are native to North America, Greenland, and Europe. It is an endangered species in some areas of its natural range. Individual plants reach about 4 inches tall, and spread by short rhizomes, forming mats of small colonies over time. Flowers are yellow to green.

Saxifraga bronchialis (Matte Saxifrage, Spotted Saxifrage, Yellowdot Saxifrage)
Native to northern Asia and North America, Matte Saxifrage is a short perennial mat-forming plant. Foliage is green to dark green, and often has reddish tips and lower surfaces. Floral stems are green to reddish, and reach up to 8 inches tall. Blooms are yellow-white and have small red to yellow spots. Stamens are prominent.

Saxifraga cochlearis (Spoon-Leaved Saxifrage)
This species is native to France and Italy, and produces green foliage and red flowering stems that reach about 8 inches tall when in bloom. Basal foliage is light green to grey-green. Varietal 'Minor' is a great garden ornamental cultivar.

Saxifraga federici-augusti (Saxifraga grisebachii) (Engleria Saxifrage)
Reaching up to 6 inches tall when in bloom, these plants are native to Greece, Albania, and former Yugoslavia. Flowers are reddish purple, and bloom from January through March in the plant's native range. Basal foliage forms a rosette of green foliage, from which flowering stems emerge. Cultivar 'Wisely' is a great choice for gardens.

Saxifraga fortunei (Fortune Saxifrage)
Native to China, Japan and Korea, these plants form basal tufts of dull green foliage. Flowering stems are red, and are topped with clusters of long-rayed flowers, creating a delicate blooming look. Leaves are rounded and fleshy, sometimes flushed with red or pink tones in cooler weather. Varietals include 'Angelina Johnson', 'Blackberry and Apple Pie', 'Moe', 'Pink Haze', 'Rokujo', 'Sue Drew', and 'Sugar Plum Fairy'.

Saxifraga hyperborea (Saxifraga debilis, Saxifraga rivularis) (Pygmy Saxifrage)
These plants are native to the western United States, Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia. The species forms small mats of basal foliage that is typically green, sometimes edged with red. Foliage sometimes appears purple, especially during cooler temperatures. Flowers can be purple or white.

Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossy Saxifrage, Cut-Leaved Saxifrage, Dovedale Moss, Eve's Cushion, Indian Moss, Lady's Cushion, Queen's Cushion)
These plants are native to northwestern Europe, and are small perennials that form mats of green mossy foliage. Flowering stems are bronze to reddish, and are topped with white flowers that have yellow centers. There are forms with red to pinkish flowers available as garden ornamentals.

Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage, Purple Mountain Saxifrage)
These plants are common in mountainous areas in the Arctic, northern Britain, the Alps and around the Rocky Mountains. Individual plants are low-growers, reaching about 2 inches tall, and produce solitary flowers on short stalks. Blooms are purple to lilac, and bloom throughout the summer months. This is a popular plant for alpine gardens, but struggle in warm climates.

Saxifrage paniculata (Alpine Saxifrage, Encrusted Saxifrage, Lifelong Saxifrage, Lime-Encrusted Saxifrage, Livelong Saxifrage, White Mountain Saxifrage, Silver Saxifrage)
These plants basal rosettes of fleshy foliage and flower from mid-June through early August in their native range (temperate Northern Hemisphere). They are cultivated as garden ornamentals, and a few cultivars have been developed, including 'Lavagreana', 'Rosea', and 'Venetia'.

Saxifraga rosacea (Saxifraga decipiens) (Mossy Saxifrage, Irish Saxifrage)
This species grows well in zones 2-7 and 14-17, and is native to Europe. They form low mats of foliage 2-4 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are green and glossy and white flowers (sometimes in cream, pink or red). In cool-summer areas, they need partial shade, but in warmer areas, full shade is preferred. Varieties include 'Peter Pan' (with white flowers that open from pink buds), and Saxifraga rosacea sternbergii (with pink-flushed white flowers).

Saxifraga spathularis (St. Patrick's Cabbage)
These plants form basal rosettes of toothed leaves and are native to Ireland, Portugal, and Spain. Flowering stems are leafless, rising from the foliage to hold up pinkish flowers. Plants grow well in humus-rich alpine habitats. 

Saxifraga stolonifera (Saxifraga sarmentosa) (Strawberry Geranium, Creeping Saxifrage, Roving Sailor, Aaron's Beard, Mother of Thousands, Creeping Rockfoil)
This species grows well in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and is native to China and Japan. It forms a rosette to 6-8 inches tall and a foot wide, and will expand rapidly via runners, similar to Strawberry plants. Leaves are round and green, and it blooms in late summer and fall in loose clusters. Flowers are white. Great as a groundcover in areas that do not receive hard freezes. It needs partial or full shade. Variety 'Maroon Beauty' has leaves with maroon markings on them.

Saxifraga umbrosa (True London Pride, None-So-Pretty, King's Feather, Kiss-Me-Quick, Leaf of St. Patrick, Prattling Parnell, Pyrenean Saxifrage, Sailor Plant, St. Anne's Needlework, Whimsey)
This species grows well in zones 2-7 and 14-17 and is native to the Pyranees. Leaves are shiny and green, and flowers bloom in springtime. Flowers are pink and stems are wine red. Great groundcover for small shady areas, and they love being near rocks. Variety Saxifraga umbrosa primuloides is a compact, dwarf form. 'Clarence Elliott' is a choice garden cultivar.

​Saxifraga x urbium (London Pride)
This grows well in zones 4-9 and reaches a foot tall and 2 feet wide. Flowers are pale pink and bloom in summertime. This species needs partial to full shade.

Caring for saxifraga

These plants do not like boggy soil; plant them in well-draining, light soil.

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: List of Saxifraga Species
Wikipedia: Saxifraga
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 592, Saxifraga
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