Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Superba' (callosa subsp. callosa var. australis) (8)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Superba', often referred to as just Saxifrage, is a perennial garden plant known for its ornamental appeal. Typically, it forms a low, mounding cushion of small, rounded, green leaves that are delicately veined and sometimes tinged with red, especially in colder weather. This dense foliage provides a lush groundcover throughout the growing season. In terms of flowering, the Saxifrage puts on a charming display when in bloom. The flowers are typically small, star-shaped, and arranged in loose, airy panicles that rise above the foliage on slender, wiry stems. These blossoms are often a soft shade of pink, creating a delightful contrast against the green leaves. The flowering period usually occurs in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators to the garden with their subtle beauty. As the seasons change, so does the appearance of the Saxifrage. The leaves may take on a bronzed or purplish hue in the fall, providing further interest as the garden transitions into the cooler months. While Saxifrage is a hardy plant, it often performs best situated in areas of the garden that provide good drainage and some protection from the harshest conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Reed Saxifrage, Greater Saxifrage, Rockfoil, Stone-Breaker, Saxifrage 'Superba'.
Common names
Saxifraga callosa subsp. australis, Saxifraga callosa var. australis, Saxifraga hostii var. australis, Saxifraga callosa var. superba.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifraga 'Superba', commonly known as Saxifrage, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. Typically, it does not contain harmful substances that would lead to poisoning if ingested. However, it is always advisable to prevent the ingestion of any part of an ornamental plant due to the varying sensitivity of individuals. If, despite its general non-toxic reputation, ingestion occurs and any adverse symptoms are noticed, seeking medical attention is recommended.
To pets
Saxifraga 'Superba', commonly known as Saxifrage, does not have a known toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. It is not typically listed among plants that are hazardous to pets. As with any non-food plants, ingestion should still be avoided because individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet ingests part of this plant and shows signs of distress, contacting a veterinarian is advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Saxifraga 'Superba' (also known as Mossy Saxifrage) adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Mossy Saxifrage is known for being hardy and requiring minimal upkeep, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, this variety is quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Saxifraga 'Superba' serves as an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
- Cold Tolerance: This plant is capable of surviving in cooler climates, making it a good choice for gardens in temperate zones.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Mossy Saxifrage can attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Rock Gardens and Borders: Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and when planting in crevices of walls or walkways.
- Seasonal Variety: Saxifraga 'Superba' provides seasonal interest with its changing foliage and blossoming period.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Superba' is often used as a model organism in botanical studies because of its diverse anatomical features, which can be helpful in understanding plant structure and development.
- In education, Saxifraga 'Superba' is used to teach botany students about alpine plant adaptations, particularly its mechanisms for surviving in harsh, rocky environments.
- This plant can sometimes be used in artistic representations, such as botanical drawings or watercolor paintings, due to its striking appearance and floral structure.
- Saxifraga 'Superba' is suitable for creating themed garden displays that showcase alpine or rock plants, providing a practical example of these specialized ecosystems.
- Gardeners may use Saxifraga 'Superba' as a ground cover in rock gardens to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture with its dense foliage.
- The plant's tolerance for cold temperatures makes it a candidate for use in refrigerator testing, to assess the impact of cold on plant vitality and appearance.
- Saxifraga 'Superba' has been utilized in ecological studies to monitor the effects of climate change on alpine plants, due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions.
- It is sometimes used in butterfly gardens to attract and support pollinators, as its flowers provide nectar for a variety of insects.
- In landscape architecture, Saxifraga 'Superba' can be employed to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion with its root system.
- Photographers may use Saxifraga 'Superba' as a natural prop or backdrop in close-up plant photography, due to its unique and intricate flower clusters.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Tenacity: The name Saxifraga comes from Latin, meaning "stone breaker," which symbolizes the plant's ability to grow in rocky, harsh environments and signifies resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Perseverance: Saxifraga's ability to thrive in difficult conditions represents perseverance and the persistence needed to succeed in adversity.
- Longevity: Many Saxifraga species, including 'Superba,' can live for a long time in the wild, signifying long life and endurance.
- Protection: In some traditions, Saxifraga is believed to offer protection due to its robust nature, suggesting safeguarding against difficulties.
WaterThe Mossy Saxifrage should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be about once a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. It generally requires up to 16 ounces of water each time during active growth. However, be cautious with watering during the dormant winter months and reduce the frequency, as the plant is less active and requires less moisture.
LightMossy Saxifrage thrives in bright, indirect light, so placing the plant near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal. It can tolerate some direct morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh afternoon rays to prevent scorching of the leaves. For optimal growth, ensure consistent light exposure throughout the year.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate brief periods of colder weather down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below that as it may damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant makes it well-suited for typical indoor living environments.
PruningPrune Mossy Saxifrage to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its compact shape. It's best to prune in the spring to encourage new growth and after flowering to keep the plant tidy. Pruning periodically will also stimulate healthier, denser growth. Deadheading spent flowers is recommended to promote continued blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStrawberry Saxifrage thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of 1 part loam, 1 part peat, and 1 part sharp sand or perlite to promote drainage. It prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
RepottingStrawberry Saxifrage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingStrawberry Saxifrage grows best in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to lower humidity typical of indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Superba', commonly known as the "Great Saxifrage", begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained rocky or gritty soil, ideally in a cool, alpine climate. Upon sprouting, seedlings develop into a basal rosette of fleshy, serrated leaves which are effective at conserving water. As the plant matures, it forms a stout flowering stalk during the spring or early summer, which bears clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, typically white or pale pink. After pollination, possibly from insects attracted to the nectar and pollen, the flowers give way to capsules containing seeds. When the seeds are fully mature, they are dispersed by wind or rain to begin a new generation. Throughout the growing season, the Great Saxifrage may also propagate vegetatively by producing offsets, thus expanding its clump over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For Saxifraga 'Superba', also known as Mossy Saxifrage due to its moss-like appearance, the most popular method of propagation is by division. This procedure is best performed in spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in early fall when the temperatures are cooler, giving the plant sufficient time to establish roots before the extremes of winter or summer. To propagate by division, gently dig up the entire plant, carefully teasing apart the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a piece of the root system attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (around 15 to 20 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Thorough watering after replanting is crucial to help the new divisions establish in their new location.
