London Pride Saxifraga 'Primuloides' (umbrosa) (11)
ABOUT
The common name for Saxifraga 'Primuloides' is London Pride. This plant displays a lush rosette of spoon-shaped, fleshy green leaves that provide a dense and attractive ground cover. Nestled among the leaves, delicate sprays of tiny, star-shaped flowers emerge on slender stems, casting a soft and airy impression. The flowers often exhibit shades of pink with hints of white, offering a gentle contrast to the verdant foliage below. This ground-hugging beauty is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a favorite in gardens for providing a touch of whimsy and a flourish of color. The appearance of London Pride is one of charming simplicity and quaint elegance, evoking the serene and timeless beauty of the cottage gardens where it is often found.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
London Pride, St. Patrick's Cabbage, Whimsey, Prattling Parnell, Look Up And Kiss Me.
Common names
Saxifraga umbrosa L., Saxifraga aizoon var. primuloides (Duby) Engl., Saxifraga primuloides Duby.
ToxicityTo humans
London pride is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious side effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions can occur, so it is generally not recommended to eat or ingest plant parts without proper knowledge. If ingested and adverse effects are noticed, seek medical attention.
To pets
London pride is not commonly recognized as a toxic plant to pets. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats from ingestion of this plant. As with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and it is best to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended for their diet. If your pet does consume London pride and shows signs of distress, consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.1 feet (3 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control - Saxifraga umbrosa helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion with its mat-forming growth habit.
- Ground Cover - Its dense foliage covers the ground effectively, suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance needs.
- Aesthetic Appeal - With attractive rosettes and delicate blooms, it adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator-Friendly - The flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it is relatively tolerant to drought, making it suitable for dry or rock gardens.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal upkeep in terms of watering, fertilizing, and pruning once established.
- Cold Hardy - It is capable of surviving in cooler climates, broadening its possible planting zones.
- Adaptability - Saxifraga umbrosa adapts to a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London Pride, can be used in dioramas or miniature garden scenes due to its small scale and dense foliage, creating a realistic miniature landscape.
- This plant may serve as a living mulch in the garden, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture around other plants.
- London Pride is suitable for use in "green" or living roofs, providing coverage and aiding in insulation due to its hardy and spreading nature.
- Saxifraga umbrosa can be planted in cracks and crevices of stone walls or walkways, where it may help to stabilize the structure with its roots.
- The plant's dense mat-forming habit makes it an excellent choice for soil erosion control on slopes or banks.
- Because of its textured and lush leaves, London Pride can be used in floral arrangements as a filler or backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- It is commonly used in garden borders or edging, due to its low-growing and spreading characteristics, providing a neat, decorative outline.
- In container gardens, London Pride can be used as a "spiller" plant, cascading over the edges and softening the overall appearance of the arrangement.
- This plant can be utilized in educational settings, like schools, to teach children about ground cover plants and their role in the ecosystem.
- Landscape artists may use London Pride in their compositions for model train setups or other scaled landscapes to create a sense of depth and realism.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe London Pride is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe London Pride is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Saxifraga, also known as London Pride, is known for its ability to grow in rocky and difficult environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Tenacity: The plant's characteristic of clinging to its habitat and persevering through harsh surroundings represents tenaciousness and determination.
- Protection: Traditionally, Saxifraga has been thought to ward off unwanted spirits and provide protection to areas where it's grown, indicative of its name which comes from the Latin "saxum" (rock) and "frangere" (to break).
- Resilience: Its resilience to weather and variations in climate symbolize the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
WaterMother of Thousands requires regular watering during its growing season in spring and summer, about once per week, using room temperature water. It's best to water the soil directly and thoroughly until water runs out from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During fall and winter, reduce the frequency to every other week or less depending on the dryness of the soil. Ensure the plant receives roughly one to two gallons of water per month, adjusting for evaporation and temperature conditions.
LightMother of Thousands thrives in bright, indirect light, making a spot near a window that gets morning or late afternoon sun ideal. Avoid direct midday sun, which may scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing windowsill usually provides the best lighting conditions for this plant to flourish.
TemperatureMother of Thousands prefers a temperature range between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant, so indoor temperatures should be maintained above 40 degrees to prevent damage to the plant.
PruningPrune Mother of Thousands to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves, which will encourage healthier growth and maintain its appearance. It's also important to pinch back the tips of the plant to promote bushier growth. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London pride, should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture comprising equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite is recommended to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingLondon pride should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. The best time to repot is in the early spring before the onset of the growth season.
Humidity & MistingLondon pride thrives best in moderate humidity conditions, aiming for a range of 50-60%. Avoid overly dry air, which can stress the plant, but also take care to not provide excessive humidity which may promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Partial shade to full sun, shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Primuloides' starts its life as a seed, which upon finding suitable moist and cool conditions, germinates and grows into a small seedling. The seedling develops into a rosette of evergreen leaves, staying close to the ground, and establishes a root system. As it matures, it produces flower stalks with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of white or pink, blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. The plant may also propagate vegetatively through offsets, allowing clumps to expand over time. Eventually, older plants may die back, but they leave behind seeds and new offsets to continue the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London Pride, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or early fall. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the parent plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately in moist, well-drained soil, maintaining the same depth at which they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This process not only helps to create more plants but also invigorates the parent plant by reducing overcrowding.
