Major Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Major' (cochlearis) (8)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Major', commonly known as the Major Saxifrage, is a perennial plant with a quite distinctive and attractive appearance. It features a dense rosette of spoon-shaped, fleshy leaves that are often bright green to dark green in color. These leaves may have a slightly textured surface, creating a lush, compact appearance at the base of the plant. Come bloom time, the Major Saxifrage produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms are generally white with hints of pink or red, which stand out beautifully against the green foliage. Each flower typically has five petals which are symmetrically arranged around a central point, akin to a starburst. The flowers are borne on slender stems that rise from the foliage, giving the impression that the blooms are delicately hovering above the leaves. These flowering stems are commonly branched, allowing for numerous flowers to be displayed in each inflorescence, creating an eye-catching display. Adding to its appeal, some leaves may showcase a reddish or purplish tint along the edges or have fine hairs, giving them a slightly silvery sheen. This subtle mix of colors and textures adds depth and interest to the overall appearance of the Saxifraga 'Major', making it a popular choice for rock gardens and alpine displays where its evergreen nature and hardiness are especially valued.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Common Spoon-leaved Saxifrage, Rundblättriger Steinbrech, Greater Londonpride, Spoon Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga cochlearis Major, Saxifraga callosa Sm., Saxifraga cotyledon var. pyramidalis Weston, Saxifraga crustata Lange, Saxifraga pyramidalis Spach, Saxifraga retusa Gouan.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifraga 'Major', commonly known as Saxifrage, is not typically toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not known to cause poisoning or adverse health effects under normal circumstances.
To pets
Saxifrage is not generally considered toxic to pets. There are no known toxic principles in this plant that would cause poisoning in pets if they were to ingest parts of it. However, as with any non-food item, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the physical irritation of the digestive tract, rather than toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Saxifraga 'Major' is known for being a hardy plant that’s easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant adds visual interest to the garden with its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
- Rocks and Walls: Particularly well-suited for growing in rock gardens or on walls where it can cascade beautifully.
- Enhances Biodiversity: Saxifraga 'Major' can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Versatile: It can thrive in a variety of conditions, from partial shade to full sun, in well-drained soil.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering period that can provide color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Winter Hardiness: This plant is frost-tolerant, capable of surviving in colder climates with minimal protection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Major', commonly known as Rockfoil, can be used in miniature gardening to create natural-looking landscapes in small-scale settings due to its compact growth habit.
- Rockfoil can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth with its dense mat-forming nature.
- The plant is sometimes utilized in educational settings, such as biology classes, to illustrate plant adaptation and survival strategies in alpine environments.
- In artistic applications, the intricate patterns of Rockfoil's foliage and blooms can be used as inspiration or directly included in botanical illustrations and nature-inspired designs.
- Some enthusiasts use Saxifraga 'Major' in terrariums or as part of fairy gardens, capitalizing on its small size and tolerance for moist conditions.
- Rockfoil can be a tool for erosion control on slopes or terraces in the garden due to its ability to form a clinging ground cover.
- It can be employed in rock garden design workshops or classes, helping participants learn how to choose and position plants effectively in crevices and rocky structures.
- In green roofing, where vegetation is grown on building roofs, Saxifraga 'Major' may be incorporated due to its low maintenance and hardiness.
- Garden photographers might use the plant as a foreground or backdrop for macro photography, capturing the delicate details of its flower and leaf structure.
- Culinary artists may use the non-toxic flowers of Rockfoil as a decorative, edible garnish on salads and dessert plates, although they are not commonly eaten.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance - Saxifraga 'Major', often known as Pyrenean Saxifrage or Large Pyrenean Saxifrage, is admired for its ability to grow in rocky and seemingly inhospitable conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive amidst adversity.
- Protection - The robust nature of the Pyrenean Saxifrage suggests a symbol of protection, as the plant is able to protect its delicate flowers in harsh environments.
- Strength - The sheer determination of the Pyrenean Saxifrage to survive and even flourish in challenging conditions is a testament to strength and resilience.
- Tenacity - Pyrenean Saxifrage clings to its rocky habitats with remarkable tenacity, representing steadfastness and unyielding courage.
WaterThe common name for Saxifraga 'Major' is Pyrenees Saxifrage. It prefers consistently moist soil, so watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might be once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions and the season. It is best to use a watering can to gently water the plant, ensuring that the water is directed at the base and not on the foliage to prevent rot. Provide about 16-24 ounces of water at each watering, allowing it to soak into the soil rather than run off. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.
LightPyrenees Saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full sun. However, in hotter climates, it benefits from protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be where it receives morning sunlight and is shaded during the most intense part of the day. It can also grow well in dappled sunlight, such as beneath high-canopy trees or in a woodland garden setting.
TemperaturePyrenees Saxifrage is hardy and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers cooler temperatures and may not perform well in consistently hot climates without adequate shade and moisture.
PruningPruning Pyrenees Saxifrage is primarily done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a compact, attractive shape. Gentle pruning can be done in early spring or after the plant has flowered. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. Annually, trim back any overgrowth to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sempervivum (common name for Saxifraga 'Major') prefers a well-draining soil mix with sharp sand or grit to promote good drainage. The ideal soil pH for Sempervivum is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of one part potting soil, one part perlite or pumice, and one part coarse sand would be suitable for this plant.
RepottingSempervivum (common name for Saxifraga 'Major') should generally be repotted every two to three years. This is to refresh the soil and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound. The best time to repot is in spring or early summer during the plant's active growing season.
Humidity & MistingSempervivum (common name for Saxifraga 'Major') tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, but it prefers moderate humidity. It is quite adaptable and can thrive in the average humidity found in most homes. There's no need for any special humidity adjustments for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Saxifraga 'Major' (cochlearis) is Major Saxifrage. This plant begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in cool, moist conditions and develops a small rosette of leaves. In its vegetative stage, Major Saxifrage grows and forms a dense clump of foliage, with leaves typically being spoon-shaped and forming a basal rosette. During its reproductive stage, usually in late spring to summer, it produces tall flowering stalks that bear small, white, star-shaped flowers. After pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing tiny seeds, which are dispersed to start a new life cycle. In the winter or in unfavorable conditions, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, with growth slowing down or stopping until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Saxifraga 'Major', also known as Large Rockfoil, is typically propagated through division, an easy and popular method employed by gardeners to create new plants. This process is best done in the spring or early autumn. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground, ensuring that you cause minimal disturbance to the root system. Using your hands or a sharp knife, gently divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Each section can then be replanted in a hole that is about twice the width of the root ball. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them, providing about an inch (2.54 cm) of water per week if there is no rain. Over time, these new divisions will grow into robust plants, expanding the gardener's collection of Large Rockfoil.
