Saxifrage Saxifraga (Swing Group) 'Mary Golds' (7)
ABOUT
'Mary Golds' is a cultivar from the Swing Group of the saxifrage family, known for its ornamental appearance. The plant is characterized by its lush, green foliage which forms a tight, compact mound. The leaves are typically small, with a rounded shape and a somewhat fleshy texture, giving the plant a robust and resilient look. From this rich green base, arise delicate flower stems that support clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These flowers have a bright, cheerful color that can range from a soft pink to a vibrant red, with contrasting centers that often appear in a lighter tone or with a golden hue, creating a striking display. The blooms are held aloft on thin, wiry stems which dance above the greenery when caught by the breeze, adding movement and a whimsical quality to the plant's overall appearance. This saxifrage variety is appreciated for the splash of color it brings to rock gardens and alpine displays, where its clusters of dainty flowers can truly shine and capture the admiration of onlookers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Mary Golds Saxifrage, Mary Golds Rockfoil
Common names
Saxifraga x arendsii 'Mary Golds'
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrages are not typically known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur. There are no general symptoms of poisoning because the Saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly intended for consumption, as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-specific symptoms due to the presence of saponins or other compounds.
To pets
Saxifrages are not commonly known to be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. As with humans, these plants are generally considered non-toxic, and there is no widespread documentation of poisoning symptoms from ingestion. However, it is always best to prevent pets from chewing on any plants, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or reactions, and ingestion of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset.
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: Saxifraga, commonly known as rockfoil, is valued for its appealing cushion or mat-forming growth habit and attractive small flowers, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Low Maintenance: Rockfoil typically requires minimal care once established, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cold Hardy: Rockfoil plants are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures, making them suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit can provide effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
- Versatility: Rockfoil is versatile and can be planted in rock gardens, borders, alpine troughs, or as edging plants, offering numerous landscaping possibilities.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, many varieties of rockfoil are drought-tolerant, useful for xeriscaping or gardens in arid regions.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of rockfoil attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Long Blooming: Rockfoil plants often have a long flowering period, providing color and interest in the garden throughout the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' can be used to create a living mulch in a garden, which helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- These plants can be grown in crevices of rock walls or alpine gardens, providing a natural look and helping to stabilize the structure.
- The Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' can be utilized in fairy gardens for a whimsical touch due to their small size and delicate flowers.
- Plant enthusiasts may use Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' for bonsai gardens, creating miniature landscapes.
- They can serve as a groundcover in shaded woodland gardens, blending well with ferns and other shade-loving plants.
- The plant can be cultivated in hanging baskets to add vertical interest in a patio or balcony setting.
- Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' is suitable for container gardening, allowing enthusiasts with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
- They can be planted along the borders of paths, their low-growing habit providing a soft edge to walkways.
- Their colorful flowers can be used as natural decorations for cakes and desserts, though they should not be consumed.
- Photographers may use Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' as a subject in macro photography to capture the intricate details of its blooms and foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant known as Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySaxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity: Saxifraga plants are known for their ability to grow in rocky and inhospitable environments, symbolizing the human trait of persistence and determination to overcome challenges.
- Protection: In traditional folklore, some Saxifraga species were thought to have protective qualities, warding off negative energies and evil spirits.
- Adaptability: The diverse habitats where Saxifraga can thrive reflect its symbolic meaning of versatility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Endurance: The resilience of the Saxifraga plant, withstanding cold and harsh conditions, represents enduring through hard times without losing vitality.
WaterMossy Saxifrage should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during growth and blooming periods in the spring and summer. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. An average watering amount could be around 8-16 ounces for small pots or up to a gallon for large containers every week during active growth, adjusting for climate and indoor conditions. Over the winter months, reduce watering to prevent rot, providing just enough water to keep the soil from drying out completely.
LightMossy Saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full sunlight, making it versatile for various garden spots. It performs best in bright, indirect light if grown indoors and can handle a few hours of direct morning sunlight outdoors. However, too much direct, intense afternoon sun can be harmful, so it's best to provide some shelter during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching the leaves.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrage is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions and does not do well in extreme heat. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F may stress the plant.
PruningMossy Saxifrage benefits from light pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to promote denser, healthier growth. Pruning is best done in early spring or after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new shoots. Periodic thinning may also be necessary to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMossy Saxifrage 'Mary Golds' prefers a well-draining, loamy soil mix with good organic matter content. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 6.0 to 7.0. Adding peat or leaf mold can help achieve the appropriate soil composition and acidity.
RepottingMossy Saxifrage 'Mary Golds' does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingMossy Saxifrage 'Mary Golds' prefers moderate humidity levels, thriving in normal room humidity. It does well in an environment with humidity levels between 30% to 60%, avoiding excessively dry or overly moist air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Provide partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Mary Golds' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-drained, fertile soil and exposed to suitable temperature and moisture conditions, will germinate into a small seedling. The seedling gradually develops into a mature plant, exhibiting a rosette of green leaves, characteristic of the Saxifrage family. Throughout spring and early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, often in shades of yellow or gold. After pollination, typically by insects attracted by the flowers, the plant produces seed pods that ripen, and once mature, disperse seeds to propagate the next generation. During the autumn and winter, the plant may die back, depending on the climate, only to re-emerge from its rootstock with new growth the following spring. Saxifraga 'Mary Golds' is a herbaceous perennial, completing this life cycle annually for several years before eventually senescing.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Saxifraga 'Mary Golds', commonly known as Saxifrage, can be propagated using several techniques, but division is the most popular and successful method. This is typically done in spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant's natural growth rhythm and ensuring that the divided plants have enough time to establish themselves before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, the clumps of the Saxifrage should be carefully dug up and any healthy-looking offsets should be gently separated. Each segment must have a portion of the root system attached to ensure that it can develop into a new, independent plant. Once the divisions are taken, they should be planted at the same depth they were originally growing in well-draining soil and watered evenly to help establish the roots, using approximately one-inch (about 2.5 centimeters) of water per week if rainfall is not sufficient.
