Saxifraga hypnoides (15)

RHS Plant Profile
cut-leaved saxifrage

Other common names

Dovedale moss, Eve's cushion, Indian moss, mossy saxifrage, queen's cushion, lady's cushion

Synonyms

Saxifraga flavescens
Saxifraga hybrida Haw.
Saxifraga angustifolia Haw.

Alpine Rockery

A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with rosettes of lobed, linear, bright green leaves which are sometimes a reddish-bronze colour. White, yellow-centred flowers are borne on upright stems from late spring into early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, 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

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
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
Saxifraga section saxifrages are mat-forming evergreen perennials with small, lobed leaves and 5-petalled white, pink, yellow or red flowers in small clusters on erect stems in late spring or early summer
Plant Range
N Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light shade

Propagation

Propagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free