The saxifrage (Saxifraga) occurs in different countries and climate zones with a total of more than 450 subspecies. This makes general statements about the location and care requirements difficult, as the different saxifrage species sometimes have very different preferences.
How do you properly care for saxifrage plants?
Saxifraga plants (Saxifraga) require different locations depending on the species, from full sun to partial shade. Cushion saxifrage prefers permeable, sandy-gravelly substrate, while moss saxifrage appreciates humus-rich soil and mulch protection. Propagation occurs through cuttings or division. Flowering time is between May and November.
Sow saxifrage or plant it early?
Freshly germinated saxifrage initially grows very slowly and can therefore easily be overgrown and displaced by other plants. Therefore, when sowing directly in the garden, it can be difficult to distinguish the young plants from food and light competitors in the “weed” category. When growing in pots and bowls, you should also note that saxifrage seeds usually require a significant cold phase before germination.
Which location does the saxifrage prefer?
The question of the correct location for saxifrage must be answered broken down into the subspecies present. In general there are the following rough divisions:
- Moss Saxifrage
- Cushion Saxifrage
- Sedum Saxifrage
- Cup Saxifrage
- Autumn Saxifrage
The cushion saxifrage is well suited to full sun locations such as rock gardens and dry stone walls. In contrast, the subspecies of the moss saxifrage prefer locations with partial shade, more humus-rich soil and slightly more moist soil.
When is the best time for transplanting Saxifraga species?
If necessary, saxifrage plants can also be transplanted in autumn if this is not done too close to winter. The better time for repotting and transplanting is in spring, when severe night frosts are no longer expected.
How can saxifrage be propagated?
Bald spots in the saxifrage cushions can be “filled in” again using cuttings cut to the side. These usually root relatively quickly and easily. Since most Saxifraga species can spread widely under suitable conditions, propagation by division is very popular. When growing from seeds, please note that the seeds are cold germinators and should not be covered too thickly with soil.
When does the saxifrage bloom?
Many saxifrage species bloom from May to June or July. An exception are the representatives of the autumn saxifrage, which is named after its flowering period in October and November.
Which substrate does the saxifrage prefer?
Sun-loving and drought-tolerant species of cushion saxifrage should be cultivated on a permeable substrate with as high a proportion of sand and gravel as possible. The moss saxifrage, on the other hand, grows better if it is protected from drying out by humus-rich subsoil and a layer of mulch.
Tip
With saxifrage, it can sometimes happen that its short roots lose contact with the ground due to cushion growth or erosion. Therefore, check “suspicious” curved specimens for their contact with the ground to prevent plant damage.