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Saxifraga callosa (8)

limestone saxifrage

An evergreen perennial with rosettes of linear, lime-encrusted silvery-grey leaves to 8cm in length. Starry white flowers 1cm in width are carried in large open panicles on arching stems to 25cm

Synonyms
Saxifraga lingulata
Saxifraga callosa lingulata
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer White Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
Ligulatae section saxifrages are evergreen perennials forming monocarpic rosettes, usually clustered, of narrowly strap-shaped or oblong, lime-encrusted leaves, with sprays of small white, pale yellow or pink flowers in late spring or early summer
Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, very well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. May be intolerant of winter wet, can be grown in a pot in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by detaching rosettes and rooting as cuttings in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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