Mossy Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' (exarata subsp. moschata) (15)
ABOUT
The Cloth of Gold is a striking alpine plant known for its dense mats of small, rosette-forming evergreen leaves. The foliage is typically vibrant green with conspicuous golden-yellow markings that stand out, giving the impression of a golden cloth spread across the ground. During the flowering season, it produces an abundance of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are often in a delicate shade of white or pink, with subtle specks or strokes of contrasting color, such as red or yellow. These blossoms are perched atop short, slender stalks that emerge from the cushion-like foliage, creating a whimsical effect as if the flowers are dancing lightly above the plant's base. The overall appearance is a charming, low-growing mound that's lush and colorful, which makes it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Cloth of Gold Saxifrage, Yellow Mountain Saxifrage, Gold Carpet Saxifrage, Mossy Saxifrage.
Common names
Saxifraga exarata subsp. moschata, Saxifraga hypnoides var. moschata, Saxifraga moschata, Saxifraga aretioides var. moschata, Saxifraga exarata var. moschata
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' (exarata subsp. moschata) is Mossy Saxifrage. Generally, Mossy Saxifrage is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or known toxic compounds in this plant affecting humans upon ingestion.
To pets
As is the case with humans, Mossy Saxifrage is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe around animals, and there are no reported symptoms of poisoning from ingestion of this plant in pets. However, it is always wise to be cautious and prevent pets from eating plants as individuals can have allergies or sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' adds a splash of color to gardens with its bright yellow leaves and white or pink flowers.
- Ground Cover: Being a dense, mat-forming plant, it can cover bare spots in the garden, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Rock Gardens: This plant is an ideal choice for rockeries or alpine gardens due to its small size and ability to grow in crevices.
- Border Planting: With its compact habit, it serves well as an edging plant along borders or pathways.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal attention once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with minimal time for upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: Efficient in water usage, it is well adapted to survive in dry conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' can survive in colder climates, allowing it to be a perennial in many regions.
- Pollinator Friendly: Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from offsets or seed, making it simple to expand your planting or share with fellow gardeners.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering period from late spring to early summer, providing sustained visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' can be used to create living walls or vertical gardens due to its compact growth habit and ability to thrive in crevices with minimal soil.
- Pressed saxifrage leaves and flowers can be incorporated into botanical art pieces for decorative purposes, such as creating natural patterns on paper or in frames.
- This saxifrage variant can be grown as part of a fairy garden setup, providing a lush, golden-hued ground cover that enhances the whimsical aesthetic.
- Use saxifrage plants in mixed container gardens for a touch of color contrast with their bright foliage against darker-leaved plants.
- Educational botanical displays may feature Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' to teach about alpine plant life and adaptations in rock garden settings.
- Crafting miniature corsages or boutonnieres with small saxifrage blooms can add a unique and natural element to formal wear for special occasions.
- In photography, the plant can be used as a natural prop to add texture and color contrast in close-up or macro photography shots.
- Creating a natural ground cover tapestry in a rockery, combining the saxifrage with other alpine plants for a multi-seasonal display.
- Use the plant's texture and color to model realistic habitats in architectural or landscape design models.
- Providing a natural solution for covering unsightly bare spots in gravel paths or driveways where hardier plants might not easily establish.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The generic name for this plant, Saxifraga, comes from Latin meaning "stone-breaker," symbolizing strength and the ability to overcome adversity, as these plants often grow in rocky, challenging environments.
- Protection: Historically, Saxifrages were thought to offer protection against evil and negative forces, possibly because of their hardy nature, thus symbolizing safeguarding and deflection of harm.
- Persistent Love: Due to its enduring and persistent growth, even in inhospitable conditions, the plant is often associated with the idea of undying or persistent love that can withstand trials and time.
- Wealth: The 'Cloth of Gold' variety, with its golden foliage, can be symbolic of wealth and prosperity, reflecting the color of gold and richness.
- Illumination: The bright color of the varieties like 'Cloth of Gold' can symbolize enlightenment and illumination, representing the bringing of light to one's life or an issue.
WaterMossy Saxifrage should be watered regularly, but it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Typically, watering once a week with about 16 ounces of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate and soil drainage. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently due to higher temperatures and increased sunlight exposure. In contrast, reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightMossy Saxifrage thrives best in partial shade to full sun; however, in particularly hot climates, it benefits from protection during the harshest afternoon sun. Ideally, locate this plant in an area where it can receive morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon. Adequate light is essential for the plant to bloom profusely and maintain vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive brief periods outside of this range, the ideal temperature for vigorous growth is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can stress the plant and cause damage, so it's best to protect it from severe heat and freezing conditions.
PruningPruning Mossy Saxifrage is generally not necessary except to remove spent flowers or damaged leaves. Doing so after the blooms have faded encourages a tidy appearance and may promote a second bloom. Prune lightly, only as needed, and the optimal time for this is late spring or early summer following the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMossy Saxifrage requires well-draining soil with a gritty composition to mimic its natural alpine habitat. A mixture of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and peat, with a bit of fine gravel or perlite, creates an ideal growing medium. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 5.5 to 7.
RepottingMossy Saxifrage does not typically require frequent repotting. Repot the plant every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, using a soil mix that provides excellent drainage.
Humidity & MistingMossy Saxifrage prefers moderate ambient humidity. While it can tolerate a range of humidity levels, an environment that mimics its natural, slightly humid alpine conditions is ideal. Avoid environments that are too dry or excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, cool temps, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, moist soil, and protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Cloth of Gold' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-drained, moist soil and with adequate cold stratification, will germinate to produce small seedlings. As these seedlings establish, they grow into a rosette of leaves that are characteristic of the Saxifraga genus, during which time the plant undergoes vegetative growth. Following vegetative growth, the plant enters the flowering stage typically in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that can be yellow or gold, hence the name 'Cloth of Gold'. After pollination, which can involve insects attracted by the nectar and color of the flowers, fruits develop in the form of capsules containing seeds. The plant then goes into a dormant phase in the colder months, conserving energy and resources. The life cycle is repeated annually, with the plant growing larger and producing more flowers and seeds as it matures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Saxifraga 'Cloth of Gold', commonly known as Golden Saxifrage, is typically propagated through division, which is a popular and effective method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide these plants is in spring or early fall, when the temperatures are mild and the plants are not under the stress of extreme summer heat or winter cold. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork or spade, ensuring that you maintain a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently tease apart or cut the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant these divisions promptly in well-drained soil, watering them in well to help establish the new plants. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Golden Saxifrage while maintaining the genetic consistency of the variety.
