Fortune's Saxifrage Saxifraga fortunei (5)
ABOUT
Saxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, is an attractive herbaceous perennial that boasts a dense mound of foliage from which flowers emerge on slender stems. The leaves are typically broad, with a rounded shape, and often deeply lobed or toothed, giving them a textured appearance. They may also display a glossy sheen, with some varieties exhibiting a reddish or purplish hue, especially along the edges or undersides, adding to the visual interest of the plant. During its flowering season, Fortune's Saxifrage produces airy clusters of blossoms that rise above the foliage. The flowers are small and delicate with a star-like shape. They commonly present with five petals, which can be white, pink, or light lavender in color, each dotted with distinctive yellow or red spots at the base, creating a striking contrast. These blossoms are carried on thin, wiry flower stalks that can give the plant a fine-textured, almost ethereal look when in bloom. Overall, the plant has an elegant and lush presence, with its rich green leaves and dainty flowers contributing to its charm. The Fortunate Saxifrage is often used in gardens for ground cover or as an ornamental feature in shaded areas where its unique foliage and beautiful flowers can be appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Fortune's Saxifrage, Iron Cross Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga cortusifolia, Saxifraga fortunei var. incisolobata, Saxifraga fortunei var. obtusiloba.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, is not typically known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or symptoms related to the poisoning from ingestion of this plant. As with any plant material, however, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. It is always recommended to exercise caution and not consume plant parts unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Fortune's Saxifrage is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. There are no significant reports of pet poisoning from ingestion of Saxifraga fortunei. As with humans, pets may experience mild digestive upset if they consume this plant, particularly if they are not used to eating plant material or if they consume large amounts. Always be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic value: Saxifraga fortunei, also known as Fortune's Saxifrage, adds ornamental appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and delicate, star-shaped flowers.
- Low maintenance: Fortune's Saxifrage is known for being a low-maintenance plant that does not require extensive care once established, making it suitable for both seasoned and novice gardeners.
- Rock gardens and borders: With its compact growth habit, this plant is an excellent choice for rock gardens or as an edging plant in borders, providing structure and interest.
- Groundcover: Its tendency to form mats makes Saxifraga fortunei an effective groundcover, which can help reduce soil erosion in sloped areas of the garden.
- Seasonal interest: The plant blooms in the fall, a time when many other plants have finished flowering, extending the season of interest in the garden landscape.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Saxifraga fortunei is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Antibacterial: The plant has been investigated for its antibacterial effects against various strains of bacteria.
- Hepatoprotective: There is evidence suggesting that Saxifraga fortunei may offer protection for the liver and help in treating liver diseases.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant capabilities, which may help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Anti-tumor: Some studies indicate that extracts from Saxifraga fortunei may possess anti-tumor properties and could potentially be used in cancer-related treatments.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, can be utilized in creating intricate rock gardens, providing an aesthetic ground cover with its dense foliage and delicate blooms.
- In container gardening, Fortune's Saxifrage adds a touch of elegance with its cascading habit, being ideal for hanging baskets or elevated planters.
- Often used in shaded borders, Fortune's Saxifrage can bring a sense of depth and texture to these challenging gardening spaces.
- As an ornamental feature in water garden landscaping, Fortune's Saxifrage’s moisture-loving nature allows it to thrive near small ponds or streams.
- Fortune's Saxifrage can play a crucial role in butterfly gardens, attracting various species with its vibrant flowers.
- Employed in fairy gardens, this plant can create a whimsical miniature landscape due to its small size and charming blossoms.
- In artistic planting designs, such as Japanese gardens, Fortune's Saxifrage can contribute to the creation of a serene and contemplative environment.
- Fortune's Saxifrage leaves can be used to create subtle green dye for textiles, though this is not a common use and experimentation would be necessary to develop the color.
- Schools and educational programs might use Fortune's Saxifrage in botany classes to teach about the Saxifragaceae family and alpine plant adaptations.
- This plant can be included in interplanting strategies, where its ability to cover ground can suppress weeds in garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The genus name Saxifraga comes from Latin words "saxum" (rock) and "frangere" (to break), referring to the plant's ability to grow in rocky areas and seemingly break through stones. Thus, it represents overcoming difficulties and persistence.
- Determination: As Saxifraga fortunei often thrives in challenging environments, it symbolizes the determination to succeed against all odds.
- Tenacity: The plant's hearty nature and ability to cling to its habitat exemplify tenacity and the will to hold on despite challenges.
- Protection: The Saxifraga fortunei has been thought to offer protection due to its hardy nature, surviving in tough conditions where other plants might not.
- Beauty in Adversity: Despite growing in difficult terrains, this plant produces delicate and beautiful flowers, symbolizing finding beauty even in adverse conditions.
WaterJapanese Saxifrage should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, particularly during the growing season of spring and summer. Optimal watering frequency is about once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and humidity levels. It is important to avoid water-logging, so ensure that the pot has good drainage. Typically, about 16 to 24 ounces of water per week should suffice, but always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. During winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
LightJapanese Saxifrage thrives best in partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch its leaves. An ideal setting would be a north-facing window or a shaded area in a garden that receives morning light and protection from the hot midday sun.
TemperatureFor Japanese Saxifrage, the ideal temperature range is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from frost. This plant prefers cooler conditions and should be kept away from hot drafts or heating sources that can cause temperatures to rise above its comfortable range.
PruningRegular pruning of Japanese Saxifrage is not typically necessary, but it can be done to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its shape. The best time for pruning is in early spring, before new growth begins. Prune sparingly, as the plant prefers to grow in a natural mound-like form, and excessive pruning can be detrimental to its health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFortune's Saxifrage prefers a well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand to help with aeration. An ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite often works well.
RepottingFortune's Saxifrage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best period for repotting is in the spring when the plant is entering a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingFortune's Saxifrage thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally ranging from 50% to 70%. It benefits from a humid environment, but good air circulation is also important to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, initiates its life cycle with seed germination in moist, well-draining soil, typically in the cool temperatures of spring or fall. The seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves, and given the appropriate conditions of partial shade and cool climate, they establish a strong root system. As the plant matures, the rosette gives rise to an erect, flowering stem, and during late summer to autumn, it blooms with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, usually white or pink with a distinctive spotted appearance. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. After seed dispersal, the parent plant may die back, especially if it is an annual, but many Saxifraga fortunei plants are perennial, surviving the winter with evergreen foliage. Come spring, the perennial plants will again focus energy on growth and reproduction, continuing their life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Saxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, is best propagated through division, a process typically carried out in the spring or early fall to allow sufficient time for establishment before extreme temperatures set in. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground, ensuring that you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with a good portion of roots attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 8 to 12 inches (approximately 20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plantings well to settle the soil around the roots and maintain even moisture until the divisions are well-established. This straightforward method ensures a close replica of the parent plant and is a quick way to expand your collection of Fortune's Saxifrage.
