Petrorhagia saxifraga

RHS Plant Profile

tunic flower

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Other common names

coat flower

Synonyms

Gypsophila saxifraga
Tunica saxifraga

Herbaceous Perennial Alpine Rockery

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A low-growing, mat-forming, spreading hardy perennial alpine with small, thin green leaves which remain evergreen in milder areas. Small white or pale pink flowers appear in late spring to early summer, lasting through until late . A great alpine for cascading over walls and steps, edging paths or green roofs

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Matforming
Genus: Petrorhagia is a small genus of flowering annuals and perennials, native to Europe and Asia, with low-growing, narrow grass-like foliage and small clusters of pink, lilac or white flowers which are similar to Dianthus
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S & C Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in poor to moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Drought resistant once established

Propagation

Sow from seed in spring or autumn in pots with free-draining seed compost. Harden off in a coldframe or greenhouse and plant out when risk of frost has passed.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
Rock garden
Ground cover
Garden edging

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free