Saxifraga burseriana (7)

RHS Plant Profile
Burser's saxifrage

Other common names

early white-flowered saxifrage

Alpine Rockery

A dense, cushion-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm tall, with tiny lance-shaped grey-green leaves and solitary cup-shaped white flowers 1cm wide in early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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
Porphyrion section saxifrages are compact, cushion or mat-forming evergreen perennials with small, usually lime-encrusted leaves, and 5-petalled white, yellow or pink flowers in early summer
Plant Range
Alps

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for a rock garden, scree are, or sinks and troughs. Also goos for alpine houses. Needs neutral to alkaline soil. See sink and trough gardening for more information

Propagation

Propagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, vine weevil, and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free