Silver Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' (paniculata) (8)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Lagraveana', commonly known as the ledge stonecrop, features a dense carpet of small, rounded leaves that are typically bright green, sometimes with a hint of red or purple, especially along the edges or during cooler temperatures. The foliage may have a slightly serrated appearance, giving it a delicate and intricate texture. In bloom, the plant produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that can vary in color from pure white to pale pink, often with contrasting yellow centers. These flowers are usually held above the foliage on slender stems, creating a cloud-like display that adds a delicate touch to garden spaces. The overall form of the ledge stonecrop is a low-growing, cushion or mat-forming perennial that tends to spread over the ground, filling in gaps between rocks or spilling over the edges of containers, softening hard landscapes with its lush, verdant growth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Rue-leaved Saxifrage, Meadow Saxifrage, Panicled Saxifrage, Silver Saxifrage, White Mountain Saxifrage, Encrusted Saxifrage, Lifelong Saxifrage, Gravel Saxifrage.
Common names
Saxifraga cortusifolia, Saxifraga sempervivum, Saxifraga caucasica, Saxifraga 'Lagraveana'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as encrusted saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
The plant commonly known as encrusted saxifrage is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with ingestion of this plant. Nonetheless, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants as some animals may have sensitive digestive systems or could experience mild gastrointestinal upset from eating unusual plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Saxifraga paniculata offers attractive foliage and delicate flowers, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, reducing water usage in gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the occasional watering and trimming, saving time for gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit helps suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Adaptable to cold climates, making it suitable for gardens in cooler regions.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for an extended period, providing long-lasting garden interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms are appealing to bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps stabilize the soil on slopes, preventing soil erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding subtle colors that blend well with a quaint or rustic aesthetic.
- The leaves of Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' may be pressed and included in botanical art or herbarium collections for educational purposes or artistic display.
- The plant can be utilized in fairy gardens or miniature landscaping projects due to its small size and intricate foliage arrangement.
- This variety of Saxifraga can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Photographers and illustrators might use Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' as a subject for study in macro photography or botanical illustration, capturing its detailed structure.
- Entomologists or hobbyists might cultivate Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' to attract and observe native insect species that visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
- Enthusiasts in colder regions may use this frost-resistant plant for winter gardening experiments, testing its limits and versatility in low-temperature settings.
- Gardeners can apply Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' for green roofing projects where its low-growing habit and resistance to drought can contribute to an eco-friendly roof garden.
- Due to its cascading growth, Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' can be grown in hanging baskets for ornamental display on balconies and patios.
- Because of its unique texture, Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' may be used as a tactile element in sensory gardens designed to engage touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Saxifraga is derived from the Latin words "saxum" (rock) and "frangere" (to break), alluding to how these plants can grow in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to persevere and thrive in difficult conditions.
- Determination: Given its tenacity to survive and even bloom in alpine landscapes, Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' is often associated with determination and an unyielding spirit.
- Enduring Love: As a plant that thrives in harsh conditions and blooms with delicate flowers, it symbolizes love that endures hardships and remains strong against adversity.
- Protection: The rosette form of Saxifraga 'Lagraveana' resembles a fortress and is sometimes seen as a representation of safeguarding or protection.
WaterThe Saxifraga 'Lagraveana', commonly known as Mossy Saxifrage, should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to soak into the soil to reach the roots, but ensuring that it drains well and does not leave the soil soggy. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure you provide about one to two gallons per month, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. Cut back on watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant, lightly moistening the soil only when it is dry to the touch.
LightMossy Saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it prefers cooler conditions with dappled light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Place it in a spot that receives filtered sunlight or a location with bright indirect light to protect it from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch its foliage.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage tolerates a range of temperatures but thrives best in cooler environments, ideally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for outdoor growth in many regions. The plant should be protected from extreme heat, with temperatures not exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
PruningPrune Mossy Saxifrage to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its compact shape. The best time for pruning is in the early spring before new growth begins, which encourages fresh, healthy growth for the coming season. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMossy Saxifrage thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. A combination of loamy soil, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter like compost can further enrich the soil and support healthy growth.
RepottingMossy Saxifrage should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. This plant does not have a deep root system, so it's important to choose a shallow pot that reflects this.
Humidity & MistingMossy Saxifrage prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments or a well-ventilated indoor space.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, moist soil for Mossy Saxifrage.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, moist, well-drained soil for Mossy Saxifrage.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Lagraveana', also known as Silver Saxifrage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-draining soil in cool, shady conditions. Upon germination, the seedling develops into a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves, remaining evergreen in mild climates. As the plant matures, it produces a flowering stalk with clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers, typically blooming from late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into tiny capsules containing seeds that disperse to propagate the next generation. Silver Saxifrage is a perennial, so after flowering, it will enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, before resuming growth the following spring. Throughout its life, the plant forms mats of foliage by producing offsets, thus gradually spreading over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Saxifraga 'Lagraveana', commonly known as mossy saxifrage, is best propagated by division, typically done in the spring or early autumn. The most popular method involves carefully lifting the parent plant from the ground and gently teasing apart the plantlets or offsets from the main clump. Each division should have a good root system and some top growth. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, maintaining the same depth they were at previously. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. Over the next few weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged will encourage strong root development in their new locations.
