Saxifraga longifolia (8)
long-leaved saxifrage
A compact evergreen alpine, forming a dense rosette up to 30cm across with layers of long, narrow, lime-encrusted leaves. Mature plants produce a large, arching flower spike to 60cm long, covered with small white flowers in late spring to early summer; plants die off after seeding
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but very well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil. In cooler areas, may be positioned in full sun, but in warmer regions grow in bright filtered light or with shade from hot afternoon sun. Keep roots moist in summer but protect from excess winter wet. Ideal for a container or alpine house
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal 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
Get involved
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