Saxifraga rotundifolia (12)

RHS Plant Profile
round-leaved saxifrage

Other common names

spreading saxifrage

Herbaceous Perennial Alpine Rockery

A low, spreading evergreen perennial, forming rosettes of rounded to kidney-shaped, leathery green leaves with coarsely toothed edges. Upright stems, up to 50cm high, bear loose clusters of tiny white flowers in late spring, with petals spotted with yellow at the base and red in the centre

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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 cotylea produce large, flat rosettes of green, strap-shaped foliage and produce cup-shaped white flowers, sometimes with red spots, in late spring to early summer
Plant Range
S Europe, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most soils, thrives in light or afternoon shade but will tolerate full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or detach rosettes and root in late spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free