English Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Beatrix Stanley' (× anglica) (7)

Water

The English Saxifrage should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural alpine habitat, ensuring the soil has dried out slightly between waterings. Aim to water this plant approximately once a week with about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of water depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During the hotter, drier months, you may need to water slightly more often, while in cooler or wet periods, reduce the frequency. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water directly at the soil level. During winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture due to slower growth.

Light

English Saxifrage thrives best in partial shade with some morning sunlight or dappled sunlight throughout the day. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which could scorch its delicate leaves. An eastern-facing location that receives gentle morning light would be perfect, allowing for the cooler, shaded conditions it prefers in the afternoon.

Temperature

English Saxifrage prefers cooler temperatures and can survive in a temperature range with minimums down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and maximums around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant would be between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold with mulch or bringing it indoors if potted.

Pruning

English Saxifrage benefits from light pruning, mainly to remove spent flower stems and to tidy up the plant after flowering. Deadheading will encourage further blooms and maintain plant vigor. Prune lightly in early spring or immediately after the main bloom in late spring or early summer. It's typically not necessary to prune more than once annually unless you're removing dead or damaged growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

English Saxifrage (Saxifraga × anglica 'Beatrix Stanley') thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture containing loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite in equal parts works well. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

English Saxifrage should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh soil and adequate room for growth. It's best repotted in the spring just before the onset of the growing season, ensuring minimal disruption to its growth cycle.

Humidity & Misting

English Saxifrage flourishes in average to high humidity levels. Ideally, maintaining a humidity level around 50-60% will support healthy growth, however, it is quite tolerant and can adapt to the lower humidity levels typically found in homes.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun, ensure drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  6-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Saxifraga 'Beatrix Stanley' begins with germination, where the tiny seeds sprout in moist, well-draining soil, typically in cooler climates or during the cooler parts of the season. The seedlings rapidly develop into rosettes of spoon-shaped, fleshy leaves, a stage known as vegetative growth, where the plant builds its biomass. As the Saxifraga 'Beatrix Stanley' matures, it enters the flowering stage during spring or early summer, producing clusters of small, attractive star-shaped flowers with colors ranging from white to pink. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant produces seed capsules, and once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed, often by wind, water, or animals. The parent plant often continues to grow and may even form a mat, as it is a perennial species. Finally, during the dormant phase in the cold winter months, Saxifraga 'Beatrix Stanley' may die back partially but will regrow from its crown once the conditions become favorable in the next cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Saxifraga 'Beatrix Stanley', commonly known as Beatrix Stanley Saxifrage, is by division. This method is typically done in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, the plant should be gently lifted from the ground and the clump should be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These sections can then be replanted immediately into well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Care should be taken to water the new plants adequately until they are established, particularly during their first growing season. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also reinvigorates older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.