Saxifraga 'Theoden' (_oppositifolia_) (7)

RHS Plant Profile
purple mountain saxifrage 'Theoden'
purple mountain saxifrage 'Theoden' www.gardenworldimages.com

Synonyms

Saxifraga 'Theoden'

Alpine Rockery

A mat-forming evergreen perennial to 2cm in height, with oblong dark green leaves 3-5mm in length, and cup-shaped vivid purple flowers to 2cm in width held just above the leaves in early summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

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

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
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
Accepted
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shade. Can be grown in a pot in alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free