King's Crown Saxifrage Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi (7)

Water

The mossy saxifrage, including Saxifraga x arendsii which Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi belongs to, requires regular watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant thoroughly once a week with enough water to saturate the soil, amounting to about 1-2 ounces per square foot of soil surface. Reduce watering in the fall and to a minimum during winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf rot, and instead water at the base of the plant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before the next watering session.

Light

Saxifraga x arendsii thrives best in partial shade to full sunlight. It is ideal to place the plant in a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and be protected from the intense sun in the afternoon. Ensure that the plant gets at least 4-6 hours of filtered or dappled light daily for optimal growth.

Temperature

The mossy saxifrage is tolerant of a range of temperatures and can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0°F, making it suitable for gardens in colder regions. For ideal growth conditions, maintain a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F. Extreme heat can stress the plant, so it should be protected from temperatures exceeding 80°F.

Pruning

Pruning of the mossy saxifrage is generally for aesthetic purposes and to remove any damaged or dead foliage. Prune lightly after blooming has ceased to tidy up the plant and encourage a compact growth habit. Do this annually or as needed, ideally during late summer or early fall after the flowering period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi, commonly known as King's Crown, prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of coarse sand, peat, and loam in equal parts, which will support its need for moderate moisture without waterlogging. The optimal soil pH for King's Crown is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0, to mirror their natural alpine habitats where they thrive in rocky crevices with similar soil conditions.

Repotting

The King's Crown should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years to ensure the soil remains fresh and well-draining. This timetable can also vary depending on the growth rate and the size of the current pot; when the plant seems to be outgrowing its container, it’s time to repot.

Humidity & Misting

King's Crown does well in environments with moderate humidity levels. They are native to alpine regions and do not require the high humidity that tropical plants might. Instead, aim to maintain average room humidity or slightly above for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place King's Crown in bright, indirect light and cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Provide partial shade and protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi, commonly known as King's Crown, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring a cold period to break dormancy before germinating in favorable spring conditions. Upon germination, it develops a rosette of basal leaves and a strong root system. As it matures into a vegetative state, it forms characteristic dense mats through vegetative propagation via offsets. When environmental cues such as daylight length and temperature signal maturity, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant produces flowering stalks with white or pinkish flowers designed for pollination by insects. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or rain. In the following dormant period during colder months, King's Crown conserves energy until the next favorable growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi, commonly known as King's Crown, is often propagated through division, which is ideally done in spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the soil and carefully separate the clumps into smaller pieces, ensuring each new section has a portion of the root system. Divided clumps can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions adequately to establish them in their new location. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in quickly producing new plants that are true to the parent.