Saxifraga retusa (7)

RHS Plant Profile
retuse saxifrage
Alpine Rockery

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk

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 Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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