Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent' (8)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent' is a charming and attractive plant known for its lush foliage and vibrant flowers. The leaves are typically lush green, forming a low mound or tufted cushion, giving it a dense and compact appearance. It often has a somewhat textured or even slightly hairy surface which can add to its visual interest. The true showstoppers are the flowers. They are borne on slim, delicate stems that rise above the foliage. The blossoms themselves are quite eye-catching, often in a shade of pink or red with intricate details and patterns. Each flower has a symmetrical shape with multiple petals radiating from the center, somewhat like a tiny, delicate star. The petals can be rounded or pointed, and often have a glistening sheen to them that catches the light, enhancing their beauty. Inside the flower, the reproductive parts like stamens and pistils are generally visible, adding a hint of contrasting color in the heart of the blossom. Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent' has a robust and enduring quality, which makes it appealing as a ground cover or as part of a rock garden. Its aesthetic draws in gardeners who appreciate the intricate beauty of alpine plants, and it fits in well with other low-growing species, creating a tapestry of color and texture in the garden. The plant has a neat, yet playful character, which ensures it contributes a sense of order as well as whimsy to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Kathleen Pinsent Saxifrage, Kathleen Pinsent Rockfoil
Common names
Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Saxifrage, specifically the 'Kathleen Pinsent' variety, is not commonly known for its toxicity to humans. These plants are generally considered safe and there is no widely reported toxicity from ingesting parts of the plant. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, it is possible that some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if parts of the plant are ingested. It is always advisable to keep plants out of the reach of children who might ingest them out of curiosity.
To pets
The Saxifrage, including the 'Kathleen Pinsent' variety, is not known to be toxic to pets. These plants are generally regarded as safe for animals and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion. As with humans, there could be a risk of mild gastrointestinal upset if a pet were to eat parts of the plant, but significant toxicity is not expected. Always it's a good practice to prevent pets from chewing on any plants to avoid potential issues, including those that are not specifically toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Includes attractive pink flowers and lush green foliage that can enhance garden visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ground Cover: Can spread to form a dense mat, thereby preventing weed growth and protecting soil from erosion.
- Rock Gardens: Well-suited for rock gardens or alpine settings due to its tolerance of rocky soil and good drainage.
- Border Planting: Works well as a border or edging plant due to its compact growth habit.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers interesting foliage and flowers that add to the garden's visual appeal throughout the growing season.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for container planting, allowing it to be placed on patios or balconies for decorative purposes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', known as London Pride, can be used for creating intricate rock garden designs. Its rosette-forming nature allows it to fill in spaces between stones and rocks artistically.
- London Pride works well for miniature fairy gardens due to its small size and attractive foliage, which can be used to mimic larger plant types on a tiny scale.
- The plant can serve as a living mulch, covering the soil in potted plants or garden beds to prevent the growth of unwanted weeds, while also conserving moisture.
- Its drought tolerance makes London Pride suitable for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation.
- Due to its vibrant flowers, London Pride can be used in crafting, for example, pressed flower art where its blooms add a delicate touch to the composition.
- In colder climates, London Pride is often planted to add winter interest to gardens as it maintains its foliage throughout the year.
- The plant can be utilized in living roofs or green roofs, providing not only aesthetic value but also contributing to building insulation and biodiversity.
- As an edging plant alongside walkways or borders, London Pride can define spaces clearly while softening hard lines in the landscape.
- London Pride is used for soil stabilization on slopes or embankments due to its spreading habit and root system that helps prevent erosion.
- In photography, Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent' can be used as a subject for macro photography to showcase the intricate details of its leaves and blossoms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Saxifraga plants, also known as "rockfoils," commonly grow in cracks of rocks and represent the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing persistence and determination.
- Endurance: They are hardy plants that can survive harsh environments, often symbolizing endurance and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Tenacity: Their ability to cling onto seemingly inhospitable surfaces makes them a symbol of tenacity and holding on despite difficulties.
- Beauty in adversity: The delicate flowers of the Saxifraga juxtaposed against a rugged landscape can symbolize finding beauty in hard places or during tough times.
WaterFor Mossy Saxifrage, which is the common name of Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', water deeply once a week, ensuring you provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots. If the weather is particularly dry or hot, increase the frequency to twice a week. It's important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as over-watering can lead to root rot. You might need approximately one gallon of water per plant each time you water, depending on the plant size and environmental conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness to gauge if additional watering is necessary.
LightMossy Saxifrage thrives best in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive morning sunlight but is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun. Dappled sunlight beneath light tree canopy or an east-facing garden spot is ideal for promoting healthy growth and flowering.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage prefers cool to moderate temperatures and does well in a climate ranging between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. However, it should not be exposed to temperatures much above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as it may not perform well in excessive heat.
PruningPrune Mossy Saxifrage in the late winter or early spring, removing dead foliage and flowers to maintain plant health and encourage new growth. It is also important to do this to shape the plant and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Pruning back once annually or as needed when the plant begins to look untidy is sufficient. Late winter is the best time for pruning, just before the onset of new spring growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', commonly known as Rockfoil, requires a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). A recommended soil mix is one part peat or compost, one part horticultural grit or perlite, and one part loam. This combination ensures proper moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain, preventing root rot.
RepottingRockfoil, or Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients and prevent soil compaction. This will also provide the opportunity to divide the plant if it has outgrown its container, encouraging further growth and propagation.
Humidity & MistingSaxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', known as Rockfoil, thrives in moderate humidity levels. It is not particularly demanding but benefits from a humidity level of about 50-60%. Avoid placing it in very dry conditions which might hinder its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Rockfoil in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Rockfoil in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', commonly known as the Kathleen Pinsent saxifrage, begins its life as a seed, which upon germinating in cool, moist conditions, develops into a small rosette of leaves. As it matures, the rosette grows and the plant establishes a strong root system. The Kathleen Pinsent saxifrage then enters a vegetative stage, where it continues to produce foliage and may form a dense mat. With adequate light and water, it will progress to the flowering stage, producing dainty pink or white flowers that attract pollinators and may lead to seed formation if fertilized. After flowering, seed dispersal occurs, allowing for the potential colonization of new areas if conditions allow. The plant may die back in the winter but is perennial, so it will re-sprout the following growing season, continuing its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Saxifraga 'Kathleen Pinsent', commonly known as mossy saxifrage, can be propagated most effectively through division, which is typically performed in the spring as the plant starts to grow. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease apart the clumps of foliage and roots into smaller sections, each with multiple growing points. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method takes advantage of the natural growth habit of the plant and can quickly increase the number of plants in your garden.
