Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' (8)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', commonly known as saxifrage, is an attractive alpine plant. It features rosettes of small, rounded leaves that are often brightly colored. The foliage can add a lovely textured element to garden settings as the leaves may be tinged with hues that vary from green to purple or red. During the blooming season, this saxifrage produces delicate flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stems. The blossoms are usually star-shaped with a number of petals that commonly appear in shades of pink or white. The flowers are quite appealing and can add a soft, airy touch to the plant's overall appearance. Given adequate care, the bloom period of saxifrage can span several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color and beauty in garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Hare Knoll Beauty, Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage, including the cultivar 'Hare Knoll Beauty', is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant material, it is possible that some individuals may experience an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. Care should always be taken to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Saxifrage is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as cats and dogs. The 'Hare Knoll Beauty' variety should be similarly non-toxic. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, and it's generally prudent to prevent pets from consuming plant material that is not intended for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', commonly known as saxifrage, adds visual interest to gardens with its delicate flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Cold Hardy: Saxifrage is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, suitable for growing in a variety of climates.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it an excellent option for covering bare spots in the landscape, reducing soil erosion.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of the saxifrage attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, saxifrage can survive with less water, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Versatility: It can be planted in rock gardens, borders, alpine houses, or as an underplanting for larger shrubs, offering diverse design possibilities.
- Seasonal Interest: With its bloom time in the spring or early summer, saxifrage provides seasonal color and texture to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Enthusiast's Delight: Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' provides a stunning subject for macro photography due to its exquisite blossoms and vibrant colors that appeal to photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Education and Research: This variety of saxifrage can be used in educational settings, such as schools and botanical gardens, to teach plant propagation techniques and to study the biodiversity and adaptations of alpine plants.
- Craft Inspiration: The intricate patterns and delicate flowers can inspire designs for embroidery, fabric printing, and other crafts, where its natural beauty can be translated into decorative motifs.
- Eco-Friendly Wrapping: The leaves and blossoms of Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' can be incorporated into eco-friendly gift-wrapping, adding a natural aesthetic to presents without environmental harm.
- Garden Photography Workshops: This plant can be a focal point for gardening or nature photography workshops that teach how to capture the essence of small, intricate subjects in their natural setting.
- Miniature Gardening: Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' is perfect for miniature or fairy gardens, where its small scale and beautiful flowers can create enchanting landscapes in confined spaces.
- Watercolor Painting: Artists may use this variety of saxifrage as a muse for watercolor painting, capturing its subtle hues and textures in their artwork.
- Symbolic Landscaping: Given its resilient nature, this saxifrage can be planted in gardens designed with themes of perseverance and endurance, symbolizing the strength to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Creative Writing Prompt: The intricate beauty of Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' can be used as a prompt in creative writing classes to describe a scene or to evoke sensory details in prose and poetry.
- Stop-motion Animation: Small plants like Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' can be interesting subjects for stop-motion animation projects, illustrating growth or seasonal changes in a time-lapse format.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Saxifraga, sometimes referred to as rockfoil, is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing one's ability to persevere through hardships.
- Endurance: As a plant often found in alpine or rough terrains, it symbolizes enduring life's challenges without giving up.
- Tenacity: The Saxifraga's growth amidst rocks and crevices symbolizes tenacious spirit, holding onto life and goals with determination.
- Adaptability: Its ability to adapt to various and less-than-ideal conditions represents flexibility and the ability to thrive in diverse situations.
WaterMossy saxifrage, which includes Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It is essential to water the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. During active growth in spring and summer, water the plant once or twice a week depending on the climate, ensuring it receives roughly 1 gallon per week. In cooler months or during dormancy, reduce watering to every other week, but don't let the soil dry out completely.
LightMossy saxifrage thrives best in partial shade to full sunlight. Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' should be placed in an area that receives morning sunlight and is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot that provides some shelter from hot midday rays is ideal to maintain vibrant foliage and support blooming.
TemperatureSaxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', being a hardy plant, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is comfortable in most temperate climates. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant period in winter but prefers the growing season temperatures to range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningMossy saxifrage, such as Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', benefits from light pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stems to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, to allow for a flush of new foliage and to prevent seeding if desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifrages, commonly known as Rockfoil, prefer a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. A successful mix could be one part peat, one part loam, and one part sharp grit or perlite. Opt for a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, to maintain healthy growth for the 'Hare Knoll Beauty'.
RepottingRockfoil should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to avoid soil compaction and to replenish nutrients. It’s best to repot Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' in spring as the plant exits dormancy and prepares for active growth.
Humidity & MistingRockfoil thrives best in moderate to high humidity environments. To achieve the best results for Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', aim for a humidity level of about 50% to 70%, which is ideal for this type of alpine plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure good light and well-draining soil mix for indoor Rockfoil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade outdoors with proper drainage for Rockfoil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring when soil temperatures warm. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of a rosette of foliage, which develops into a mature plant. During the growing season, it establishes a strong root system and produces leaves that are capable of photosynthesis. As it reaches maturity, the plant sends up flowering stalks, typically in late spring to early summer, bearing small, star-shaped flowers that can attract pollinating insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing seeds. Once seeds are dispersed, the plant can enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, before the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Saxifraga 'Hare Knoll Beauty', commonly known as London Pride, is best propagated through division, which can typically be done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, the plant should be carefully lifted from the soil, and the clumps should be gently separated either by hand or with a knife. Each division should have a healthy portion of roots and a few shoots. The divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart, to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is simple and effective, allowing gardeners to create more plants while also rejuvenating older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous.
