Saxifraga callosa (8)
limestone saxifrage
S. callosa is an evergreen perennial with rosettes of linear, lime-encrusted silvery-grey leaves to 8cm in length. Starry white flowers 1cm in width are carried in large open panicles on arching stems to 25cm
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Saxifraga can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, mostly mat-forming in habit, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and starry or rounded flowers which may be solitary of in panicles or cymes
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Ligulatae section saxifrages are evergreen perennials forming monocarpic rosettes, usually clustered, of narrowly strap-shaped or oblong, lime-encrusted leaves, with sprays of small white, pale yellow or pink flowers in late spring or early summer
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, very well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. May be intolerant of winter wet, can be grown in a pot in an alpine house
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by detaching rosettes and rooting as cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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