London Pride Saxifraga × urbium (11)
ABOUT
Commonly known as London pride, this unique plant is known for its appearance that features a clump of rosette-forming, spoon-shaped leaves that are often green with a slight red tint at the edges. From the foliage emerge upright, red-tinted stems that bear clusters of small, pretty, star-shaped flowers. These flowers exhibit a delicate palette, mostly white with pink streaks, and give the plant an airy and whimsical appeal. This foliage contrasts with the blooms, creating a lush carpet of green throughout the growing season. The flowers add a soft splash of color, giving the impression of a starry sky over the dense foliage below. London pride is a charming and attractive plant, giving gardens a touch of natural beauty with its modest but radiant blossoms. Its foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom, contributing to its popularity as a garden plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
London Pride, St. Patrick's Cabbage, Whimsey, Prattling Parnell, Look Up And Kiss Me
Common names
Saxifraga × polita, Saxifraga cuneifolia var. urbium, Saxifraga umbrosa var. urbium.
ToxicityTo humans
London pride is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to lead to poisoning.
To pets
London pride is also not considered toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not lead to any symptoms of poisoning in animals.
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
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive groundcover: Saxifraga × urbium, commonly known as London Pride, forms a dense mat of rosettes that cover the ground and suppress weeds.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, London Pride requires minimal watering and can survive dry conditions.
- Shade tolerance: It can thrive in partially shaded areas, making it ideal for planting under trees or in shadowy garden spots.
- Low maintenance: London Pride is easy to care for, requiring little pruning or special treatment.
- Ornamental flowers: The plant produces delicate flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens from late spring to early summer.
- Hardiness: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long flowering period: The bloom time extends over several weeks, providing a prolonged display of beauty.
- Erosion control: Its mat-forming habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Edging and borders: Due to its compact growth, it is suitable for creating neat edges along paths and garden borders.
- Urban adaptability: London Pride can adapt to urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil.
- Wildlife support: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga × urbium is commonly known as "London pride" and can be used to create a living mosaic in the garden due to its rosette-forming growth habit, filling in spaces between stepping stones or in rock crevices.
- Its drought-tolerant nature makes London pride an excellent choice for xeriscaping, which is a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- London pride can act as a natural mulch due to its dense foliage, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- The plant's ability to thrive in shady conditions allows it to be used for greening up dark areas under trees or on the north side of buildings where other plants might struggle.
- As a groundcover plant, London pride helps in preventing soil erosion on slopes or in areas where grass might not grow well.
- Its attractive mat-forming habit and tolerance to foot traffic make London pride a viable alternative to traditional lawns in low-use areas of the garden.
- Gardeners may use the flowering stems of London pride in flower arranging, adding an airy and whimsical texture to bouquets.
- The plant's leaves can be used in crafts, such as creating botanical prints or pressed flower arrangements for decorative artwork.
- London pride makes an ideal plant for container gardens, especially for those in urban settings with limited space for in-ground planting.
- Due to its hardy nature, London pride can be a thoughtful plant to use in memorial gardens or spaces dedicated to remembrance, as it requires minimal maintenance.
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- Perseverance and Tenacity: Saxifraga × urbium, known commonly as "London pride," portrays endurance and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, much like how it can grow in the cracks of walls and between stones.
- Humble Beauty: This plant symbolizes the understated elegance that can be found in simplicity, akin to its modest yet appealing flowers.
- Protection: London pride is thought to represent a protective charm, stemming from folklore that it protected London from bombing in World War II.
WaterLondon pride should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering moderately once or twice a week, depending on the climate and season. During the growing season in spring and summer, ensure that it receives roughly 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, spread over a couple of watering sessions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter to prevent waterlogging, providing maybe only 1 gallon every two weeks, depending on weather conditions.
LightLondon pride thrives in partial shade to full sun. It tolerates a variety of light conditions but prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth. The best spot for London pride would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the intense afternoon sun, or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureLondon pride does best in a temperature range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat or cold, as temperatures outside the ideal range can inhibit growth or cause damage.
PruningPruning London pride helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. Trim the plant after it finishes flowering in the summer to remove spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning is typically done once a year, but if the plant becomes leggy, a light trim can also be done in early spring.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLondon Pride (Saxifraga × urbium) thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of two parts peat-free compost, one part perlite, and one part fine bark will provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Amend with some humus-rich material to enhance moisture retention.
RepottingLondon Pride typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Springtime is the most suitable period for repotting this perennial plant.
Humidity & MistingLondon Pride prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry air typical of indoor environments. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent any moisture-related issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure indirect light, cool temps, and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water moderately, and protect from severe frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga × urbium, commonly known as London Pride, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when provided with the right conditions of moisture and temperature, germinates into a small seedling. The seedling then develops into a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves, a phase characterized by vegetative growth. In the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, it produces tall, upright stems bearing clusters of small, star-shaped pink or white flowers. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce capsules containing tiny seeds. These seeds, when dispersed, can lead to the establishment of new plants. During winter, London Pride enters a dormant period, although the evergreen leaves often persist, before resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Saxifraga × urbium, commonly known as London pride, is best propagated through division. The ideal time for this method is in the spring or early fall. To propagate London pride by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted at the same soil depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for rapid growth.
