Saxifraga retusa (7)
retuse saxifrage
A dense, cushion-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm tall, with tiny green leaves and clusters or 2-five rich rose-red cup-shaped flowers with orange stamens that stand proud of the petals, in early spring
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- Porphyrion section saxifrages are compact, cushion or mat-forming evergreen perennials with small, usually lime-encrusted leaves, and 5-petalled white, yellow or pink flowers in early summer
- Plant range
- Pyrenees
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but very well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil in light shade. Ideal for an alpine house where there is protection from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by detaching individual rosettes and rooting as cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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