Saxifraga umbrosa (11)
true London pride
A spreading mat of loose rosettes composed of evergreen, spoon-shaped leaves with lobed edges. Flower stems reach 30cm and carry large numbers of small, starry, white blooms in summer
Other common names
king's featherleaf of St Patrick
see morelook-up-and-kiss-me
mignonette of the French
Nancy-pretty
prattling Parnell
Pyrenean saxifrage
sailor plant
St Anne's needlework
St Patrick's cabbage
whimsey
kiss-me-quick
none-so-pretty
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Gymnopera section saxifrages are perennials forming rosettes of evergreen leaves, with leafless stems bearing panicles of small, 5-petalled flowers
- Plant range
- Pyrenees
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any type of soil or situation but ideal for deep or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame in autumn, or detach rosettes and root as cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails may be a problem
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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