Saxifraga cotyledon (8)
pyramidal saxifrage
An evergreen, mat-forming perennial, to 30cm tall and wide, with large, flat rosettes of greyish-green, broadly-strap-shaped, toothed leaves up to 6cm long. In late spring and early summer, arching, conical panicles of cup-shaped white flowers appear which are sometimes marked with red inside
Synonyms
Saxifraga montavonensis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical 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, neutral or alkaline soil in full sun, or in a pot in an alpine house using 50:50 peat-free, loam-based compost and sharp grit
Propagation
Propagate by separating rosettes and rooting as cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- 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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