Saxifraga rosacea (15)
Irish saxifrage
An evergreen, spreading perennial forming rosettes of small, lobed leaves that sometimes turn red in colder weather. Upright flower stems to 25cm tall bear clusters of 4-5 white flowers in spring
Other common names
crimson mossKerry saxifrage
Synonyms
Saxifraga cespitosa subsp. decipiensSaxifraga cespitosa var. condensata
see moreSaxifraga decipiens
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- NW Europe & Iceland
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light or afternoon shade. Thrives in areas with cooler summers
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
Get involved
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