24/03/2019
When one first sets foot in the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, particularly places like Spitzberg, it's rarely with botany in mind. Let's be honest, the allure of travelling to such extremes usually lies in the majestic ice formations and the mythical creatures that inhabit them. However, that's often before one has truly witnessed the tundra in full bloom – a sight that can utterly transform your perception of these harsh environments.
Amidst the rugged terrain and icy expanses, resilient plant life thrives, adapting to some of the planet's most challenging conditions. Among these botanical marvels, the Saxifrage stands out, not just for its beauty but for its remarkable tenacity. Its very name, derived from Latin, means 'stone-breaker' or 'rock-piercer'. While it doesn't literally shatter rocks, these plants are known as 'rupicolous', meaning they flourish on rocky substrates, often nestling into fissures created by the relentless freeze-thaw cycles. In places like Spitzberg, while they don't form vast carpets of vegetation like some other tundra plants, Saxifrages add unique splashes of colour and form, bringing an unexpected vibrancy to the landscape.
The Diverse World of Saxifrages
The genus Saxifraga is incredibly diverse, boasting over 400 species. These plants are most commonly found thriving in the temperate zones of our hemisphere and in mountainous regions across the globe. Their adaptability allows them to colonise seemingly inhospitable environments, from alpine rockeries to moist woodlands.
Common Types You Might Encounter
Among the vast array of Saxifrage species, several are particularly notable, each with its distinct charm and characteristics:
Opposite-Leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)
This species often goes unnoticed outside its flowering period. However, in early summer, it transforms, adorning itself with magnificent, vivid pink flowers that almost entirely cover the plant. Saxifraga oppositifolia is widely distributed throughout the Arctic archipelagoes and extends into the mountainous regions of Europe, showcasing its remarkable resilience in cold climates.
Spider Saxifrage or Whiplash Saxifrage (Saxifraga flagellaris)
While not abundant in every location, the Spider Saxifrage is truly unforgettable. Its slender stem is topped by a solitary, golden-yellow flower that captures the eye. What makes this plant truly unique is its method of reproduction. To compensate for a scarcity of insects for pollination, it reproduces via offsets. While other plants employ this technique, Saxifraga flagellaris produces strikingly visible, intensely red stolons that creep along the ground, strikingly resembling spider legs, hence its evocative common name.
Mossy Saxifrage (Saxifraga x Arendsii)
For gardeners seeking to add a touch of resilient beauty to their rockeries, walls, or poor soils, the Mossy Saxifrage, or Saxifraga x Arendsii, is a popular choice. This hybrid group of alpine saxifrages forms small rosettes of divided, beautiful green leaves, typically 2 to 4 cm wide. As they grow, their stems often cascade, forming a dense, flowering cushion. The foliage rarely exceeds 5 cm in height, often becoming completely hidden by an explosion of blooms. From these foliage rosettes, stems emerge, bearing either a single flower or a small panicle of multiple blooms. The small, five-petalled flowers, measuring just 1 to 2 cm, are most commonly white, pink, or red, though yellow varieties also exist.
Japanese Saxifrage (Saxifraga Fortunei)
These semi-evergreen perennials are often found in woodland undergrowth and offer beautiful foliage and delicate blooms. Varieties like 'Black Ruby' present a stunning contrast between almost black foliage and dense, vibrant pink flowers. 'Cherry Pie' boasts deep pink flowers and glossy leaves, while 'Cotton Crochet' features highly aesthetic double white flowers with bright green foliage. Other notable Fortunei varieties include 'Crystal Pink' and 'Wada Blanc'.
Other Notable Varieties
The Saxifrage family also includes species such as Saxifraga hirsuta, with its serrated, rounded, dark green foliage and white star-shaped flowers. Saxifraga paniculata (often called 'Liveforever Saxifrage') is known for its compact foliage and unique white flowers often spotted with vermilion red. Saxifraga stolonifera is another charming variety, sometimes called 'Mother of Thousands' or 'Strawberry Begonia', which, like the Spider Saxifrage, produces delicate stolons from its foliage, giving rise to new rosettes. It offers an elegant summer bloom in panicles along fine, erect stems. Then there's Saxifraga Aizoides, the Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, sometimes referred to as 'bog saxifrage' or 'false sedum'.
Cultivating Saxifrages in Your Garden
Saxifrages are generally low-maintenance plants, making them a fantastic addition for both novice and experienced gardeners. Their hardiness and beauty make them ideal for a variety of garden settings.
General Characteristics for Cultivation
- Life Cycle: Perennial (though some annual and biennial species exist).
- Foliage: Typically evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Hardiness: Extremely hardy, often tolerating temperatures down to -18°C (Zone 5).
- Family: Saxifragaceae.
- Habit: Many varieties have a creeping habit, forming carpets of foliage with erect flower stems.
- Exposure: Most prefer full sun to partial shade, with a few shade-loving varieties.
- Soil: Sandy soil and any very well-drained substrate are ideal. They absolutely do not tolerate standing water.
- Flowering Period: Typically from March to August, depending on the species and climate.
Propagation Methods
Saxifrages are relatively easy to multiply, offering several methods for expanding your collection:
Division
This is one of the simplest and quickest methods, with a high success rate. Division should ideally be done in the spring, every three years, or whenever the plant has become well-established and dense in your garden. To divide, gently lift the root ball with a garden fork. Then, using a sharp, disinfected knife, carefully cut the root ball into smaller sections. Replant these sections immediately. Division rejuvenates the roots, promoting vigorous new growth.
Cuttings
Certain Saxifrage varieties, particularly Saxifraga stolonifera and Saxifraga fortunei, can be propagated through cuttings. This can be done in spring or after flowering. Look for the larger plantlets at the end of the stolons. Separate these rosettes, remove any leaves from their base, and plant them in pots filled with a sandy, fibrous potting compost mix. Ensure there's a little space between the substrate and the heart of the rosette. Water them well and place them in a partially shaded spot in the garden. These new plants can be transplanted into their final position in autumn or the following spring.
Seeds
For alpine Saxifrages, sowing seeds in autumn under a cold frame is an effective method. Choose a sunny spot for your cold frame. Prepare the soil to be light and well-drained by mixing garden soil, sifted potting compost, and sand in roughly equal parts (e.g., 30/30/60). Lightly compact the soil, water, and then sow the seeds thinly. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed compost. The seedlings can be pricked out and transplanted the following spring. Sowing in a cold frame offers protection from excessive rain and wind, which can displace seeds, while the cold itself is not an issue for these hardy plants.
Planting Guide
Saxifrages are best planted in spring, from March onwards in milder regions, and April in cooler areas. Choose a sunny or semi-shaded spot. Prepare the soil by digging to the depth of a spade, amending it with sand if necessary to improve drainage. Gently loosen the root ball of your Saxifrage plant before placing it. Backfill with your soil-sand mixture, gently firm down, and water thoroughly.
Container Cultivation
Many Saxifrage varieties, especially the trailing types like Saxifraga stolonifera, are perfect for hanging baskets or pots. Choose a well-drained pot, preferably terracotta, of at least 15-20 cm in diameter. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage. Fill the pot with a mix of planting compost, ericaceous compost (if preferred, though not always necessary), and sand. Plant your Saxifrages, either solo or mixed with other rockery plants like sedums. Firm the soil, water, and place your pot in a sunny location on a terrace, balcony, or even integrated into your garden beds to create a charming display.
Maintenance
Saxifrages require minimal maintenance. The primary task is simply to remove any damaged or faded leaves and spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage further blooming.
Common Challenges & Solutions
While generally robust, Saxifrages can sometimes be affected by common garden pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and red spiders. Regular inspection and appropriate organic pest control methods can help keep your plants healthy.
Companion Planting
Saxifrages look wonderful when planted alongside other rockery plants. Consider pairing them with sedums (stonecrops), ferns, campanulas (bellflowers), and sempervivums (houseleeks) to create a harmonious and low-maintenance rock garden display.
Saxifrage Varieties: A Quick Comparison
| Species/Variety | Key Features | Flower Colour | Preferred Conditions | Unique Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxifraga oppositifolia | Low-growing, widespread in Arctic | Vivid pink | Cold, rocky environments | One of the earliest Arctic bloomers |
| Saxifraga flagellaris | Slender stem, solitary flower | Golden-yellow | Rocky substrates | Reproduces via striking red 'spider-leg' stolons |
| Saxifraga x Arendsii (Mossy Saxifrage) | Forms dense, moss-like cushions | White, pink, red, yellow | Sunny to partial shade, well-drained | Ideal for rockeries and ground cover |
| Saxifraga Fortunei | Semi-evergreen foliage, delicate blooms | Varies (e.g., pink, white) | Partial shade, woodland settings | Elegant foliage and diverse flower forms |
| Saxifraga stolonifera | Spreading habit, produces plantlets on stolons | White (often with red flecks) | Partial shade, adaptable | Excellent for hanging baskets, 'Mother of Thousands' |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Saxifrages edible or toxic?
No, Saxifrages are not considered edible plants, nor are they listed as toxic. However, they are primarily grown for their ornamental value.
How hardy are Saxifrage plants?
Most Saxifrage species are incredibly hardy, capable of withstanding very cold temperatures, often down to -18°C or even colder, making them suitable for many climates in the UK and beyond.
Why are they called 'stone-breakers'?
The name 'Saxifrage' comes from the Latin words 'saxum' (stone) and 'frangere' (to break). This refers to their natural tendency to grow in rock crevices, where their roots can penetrate and seemingly 'break' or widen the cracks in the stone, rather than any actual rock-shattering ability.
Do Saxifrages need much water?
No, Saxifrages prefer well-drained soil and are quite drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering, especially in poorly drained soil, is detrimental and can lead to root rot. They thrive in conditions where water drains away quickly, mimicking their natural rocky habitats.
Can Saxifrages grow in full shade?
While most Saxifrages prefer full sun to partial shade, there are some varieties, such as certain Japanese Saxifrages (Saxifraga Fortunei) and Saxifraga stolonifera, that are well-suited to shadier spots. Always check the specific requirements for the variety you choose.
The world of Saxifrages offers a captivating blend of beauty, resilience, and diversity. Whether you're drawn to their vibrant blooms in the wild Arctic tundra or planning to introduce their charming cushions to your garden rockery, these 'stone-breakers' promise a rewarding botanical experience. Their ability to thrive in challenging environments serves as a testament to nature's enduring power and adaptability, inviting us to look closer and appreciate the delicate yet incredibly strong flora that surrounds us.
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