Saxifrage Saxifraga (Holenka's Miracle Group) 'Josef Capek' (× megaseiflora) (7)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Josef Capek', belonging to the Holenka's Miracle Group, presents itself with a charming and delicate appearance. Generally known as Rockfoil or Saxifrage, this variety showcases a mound of lush, green foliage that is finely textured. The leaves are mostly rounded, with scalloped or jagged edges, adding to the plant's intricate look. Over time, the foliage forms a tight mat that serves as the backdrop for its standout feature during the blooming season. The flowers of the 'Josef Capek' are a showy display, usually appearing in clusters on slender, erect stalks that rise elegantly above the leafy base. These blossoms can be characterized by their distinctive shape and vibrant color, which could range from white to shades of pink or red, often with pronounced centers or markings that attract onlookers. The petals are usually arranged in a star-like pattern, radiating outward from the center of the flower, and their edges can be varied, from smooth to delicately fringed. Rockfoil blooms in the springtime, bringing a burst of color to rock gardens, alpine displays, or wherever it is grown, inviting admiration for its lovely floral arrangements. The flowers are long-lasting and can significantly enhance the visual appeal of their surroundings. The plant itself is often prized for both its foliage and its picturesque blossoms, which together create a captivating scene during its peak season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Rockfoil, Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga × megaseiflora 'Josef Capek'
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion of the plant typically does not result in serious poisoning symptoms or consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they might not be safe for consumption and could cause mild stomach upset due to the plant's natural compounds.
To pets
Saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause severe symptoms or poisoning in animals. However, as with humans, it's best to prevent pets from consuming ornamental plants since they can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset despite not being seriously poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Saxifraga 'Josef Capek' adds visual interest to gardens with its distinctive foliage and bright, attractive flowers.
- Garden Diversity: Incorporating this plant can increase the biodiversity within a garden by adding a unique species to the mix.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Saxifraga 'Josef Capek' are known to attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy plant, it often requires less care compared to more delicate garden specimens, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Seasonal Interest: With its blooming cycle, Saxifraga 'Josef Capek' provides seasonal interest in the garden, often flowering when other plants do not.
- Ground Cover: Saxifraga species are often used as ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Rock Gardens: This plant is well-suited for rock gardens, where it can thrive in the well-draining soil and mimic its natural alpine habitat.
- Container Gardening: Saxifraga 'Josef Capek' can also be cultivated in containers, ideal for balconies or patios where garden space is limited.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifrage can be utilized in alpine and rock gardens, providing unique texture and a splash of color with its interesting foliage and flowers.
- This plant is often used in crevice gardens, as it can grow in the small spaces between rocks and can tolerate dry conditions once established.
- Due to its compact growth habit, Saxifrage is suitable for use in fairy gardens, adding a natural, miniature landscape look to the garden setting.
- In container gardening, Saxifrage adds a dramatic effect when allowed to spill over the edges of pots and troughs.
- The plant can be used as ground cover in shaded garden areas where other plants might struggle to grow due to lack of sunlight.
- Saxifrage can be used artistically to create living mosaics in the garden when planted between stepping stones or in mosaic patterns with other low growing plants.
- Being cold hardy, Saxifrage can be used in winter gardens to provide greenery and interest in an otherwise dormant landscape.
- The plant can act as a natural mulch, its dense foliage suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture in the garden bed.
- Saxifrage can be used for bonsai, especially in the creation of rock cliff or mountain style arrangements due to its tolerance for shallow soil and rocky conditions.
- In ecologically designed environments, such as green roofs, Saxifrage can play a role as a hardy and low-maintenance option for vegetation cover.
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 is known for its ability to thrive in rocky and challenging environments, symbolizing the strength and determination to overcome obstacles.
- Tenacity: The literal meaning of Saxifraga is "stone breaker," which highlights the plant's persistent nature and signifies unwavering persistence.
- Endurance: With its capacity to endure and flourish in harsh conditions, Saxifraga represents the ability to persist and maintain integrity over time.
- Protection: Saxifraga species are often used in traditional folk medicine, which imbues the plant with the symbolic meaning of safety and shielding from harm.
WaterThe Mossy Saxifrage 'Josef Capek' prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, and should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. It's ideal to provide water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In general, you may need to water this plant about once a week, but this can vary depending on factors like temperature and humidity. During the hotter months, it might require more frequent watering, possibly twice a week, and less during cooler months. Use room temperature water and apply approximately half a gallon each time for a medium-sized plant, adjusting for the size and the specific needs of your plant.
LightMossy Saxifrage 'Josef Capek' thrives in conditions with partial shade to full sun. The best spot for the plant would be where it can receive morning sunlight and be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which could potentially scorch the foliage. If you are growing this plant indoors, place it near a window where it receives plenty of indirect light throughout the day.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage 'Josef Capek' prefers cool to moderate temperatures and typically thrives in a range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. The ideal temperature for this plant is within the cooler end of its tolerance range, as excessively warm temperatures can affect its growth and blooming patterns.
PruningMossy Saxifrage 'Josef Capek' requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove spent flowers and to tidy up any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning is typically done after the blooming period to encourage a compact growth habit. It's often enough to prune this plant once a year, after it has finished its main flowering display. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifraga 'Josef Capek' requires a soil mix that is well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.5 to 7. A mixture containing 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part fine bark works well to retain moisture while preventing waterlogging.
RepottingSaxifraga 'Josef Capek' should be repotted once every two to three years or when it outgrows its pot. This allows for the replenishment of the soil and ensures the health of the plant by giving it more space to grow.
Humidity & MistingSaxifraga 'Josef Capek' thrives at moderate humidity levels, typically between 50-70%. Avoid extremely dry conditions as Saxifraga plants prefer a more moist environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with some morning sun.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, provide well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Josef Capek', also known as rockfoil, begins its life cycle when seed germination occurs in spring or early summer, given the right conditions of moisture and temperature. Seedlings emerge and start to develop a rosette of basal leaves during their first growing season, gradually forming a clump. In subsequent years, the established Saxifraga plant will produce stalks bearing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, often in shades of white, pink, or red, which typically bloom from late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds. When the seeds mature, they are dispersed by wind or water, or sometimes by animals, to colonize new locations. The plant experiences a period of dormancy during winter, with the foliage sometimes remaining evergreen, before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Saxifraga 'Josef Capek', commonly known as Saxifrage, is usually propagated through division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller pieces, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system. Replant each division at the same depth it was growing previously, spacing them about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them. This method encourages a quicker establishment as divided plants typically resume growth quickly and start to fill in the space in their new location.
