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Saxifraga retusa (7)

retuse saxifrage

A dense, cushion-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm tall, with tiny green leaves and clusters or 2-five rich rose-red cup-shaped flowers with orange stamens that stand proud of the petals, in early spring

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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
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
Pyrenees

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light shade. Ideal for an alpine house where there is protection from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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