Fairy Foxglove Saxifraga 'Minor' (cochlearis) (8)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Minor' is a small perennial plant known for its charming and delicate appearance. It forms low, compact mounds of tiny, rounded leaves that bear a resemblance to small spoons or shells, which are bright green and sometimes take on red or purple tinges in cooler temperatures. The leaves are often covered with fine hairs that give them a soft, velvety texture. As for its flowers, this plant produces dainty blooms held above the foliage on slender stalks. Each flower typically has five petals that are usually white with hints of pink or red and may have distinctive yellow or red spots or streaks at the base, creating a subtle but attractive contrast with the green foliage below. The flowering stems of Saxifraga 'Minor' grow in a loose, open habit, which gives the plant an airy, delicate appearance. The blooms tend to cluster together, creating a frothy effect when in full bloom. This perennial is often prized for its ability to thrive in rock gardens and crevices where it can create an enchanting carpet of foliage and blooms over the surface. Its small scale and delicate texture make it a favorite for miniature gardens, fairy gardens, and as a ground cover in small spaces where intricate detail is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Rample Green Saxifrage, Pygmy Saxifrage, Little London Pride, Minor Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga cochlearis, Saxifraga nivalis, Saxifraga paniculata subsp. cochlearis, Saxifraga paniculata var. minor.
ToxicityTo humans
The common saxifrage is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity upon ingestion. However, as with many plants, it is generally advisable not to consume parts of the plant unless it is known to be edible.
To pets
The common saxifrage is similarly not known to be toxic to pets. It does not contain known poisons that would cause symptoms of toxicity in animals such as cats and dogs, and it is not typically listed among plants that are hazardous to pets. However, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it may be wise to prevent your pets from ingesting the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.1-0.2 feet (3-6 cm)
Spread
0.1-0.5 feet (3-15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance - Saxifraga 'Minor' is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Ground Cover - As a mat-forming perennial, it effectively covers the ground, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal - With its delicate foliage and attractive flowers, it adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators - The blooms of Saxifraga 'Minor' attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy - It can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile plant for various landscapes.
- Edging Plant - The compact size makes it ideal for edges of borders or paths, providing a neat and structured look.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga cochlearis can serve as a living mulch in the garden, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
- Used in fairy gardens or miniature landscaping projects, these plants can add an element of whimsy and scale.
- In alpine trough gardens, Saxifraga cochlearis, due to its small size, makes a suitable choice for creating miniaturized landscapes.
- Their ability to grow on rocky substrates can be utilized in green roofing, where they help to stabilize the soil and reduce runoff.
- Rock garden enthusiasts often use this plant for aesthetic reasons, as it forms attractive cushions amongst stones.
- It's sometimes used in educational settings, such as botany classes, to demonstrate plant adaptability in harsh growing conditions.
- For artistic purposes, Saxifraga cochlearis can be a subject in photography, drawing, and watercolor due to its delicate features.
- Because of their tolerance for cold, they can be used in outdoor winter container displays in appropriate climates.
- The plant can be used in bonsai art, simulating aged trees in miniature form when grown in shallow trays or pots.
- Garden hobbyists sometimes employ this plant in competitive gardening, such as alpine garden shows or plant exhibitions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Saxifraga, known as the 'Rockfoil,' often grows in cracks and rocky terrains, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions and overcome adversity.
- Tenacity: Given its propensity to hold fast onto stony surfaces, it represents determination and the will to hold on, no matter how tough the environment is.
- Endurance: Associated with longevity and the ability to withstand time and the elements, Rockfoil epitomizes enduring through hardships.
- Fertility: In some traditions, Saxifraga has been associated with fertility due to its lush growth habit, symbolizing abundance and growth.
- Protection: Historically, some believed that Rockfoil could ward off evil spirits and was a symbol of protection and safety.
WaterThe False Goat's Beard should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, but it is important to avoid waterlogging. Typically, watering once every week with around 16 to 32 ounces of water is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate and indoor conditions. During the growth season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering. Check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
LightFalse Goat's Beard thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. A northern or eastern-facing window is often ideal, providing the soft light this plant prefers. It can also adapt to light shade, which makes it versatile for indoor gardening. Ensure the plant receives consistent light throughout the day for optimal growth.
TemperatureFalse Goat's Beard thrives in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost and extreme cold. These plants perform best in typical household temperatures and should be kept away from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations for optimal health.
PruningPruning False Goat's Beard is generally done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. It should be pruned after flowering, which typically occurs in late spring or early summer. Light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to remove any unsightly leaves and to encourage bushier growth. Best practice is to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPygmy Saxifrage thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure good aeration. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this alpine plant.
RepottingPygmy Saxifrage does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container, ensuring minimal disturbance to its root system.
Humidity & MistingPygmy Saxifrage prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a range of conditions as long as the soil is not waterlogged; misting is not typically necessary for this variety.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Minor', commonly known as Fairy Saxifrage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil typically during the spring after the last frost. The seedling emerges and forms a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, and over time, the plant develops a robust root system. In its vegetative stage, Fairy Saxifrage produces a tight clump of small, spoon-shaped leaves that are often evergreen, allowing it to survive through varied seasons. After reaching maturity, which may take several months to a year, it enters the reproductive stage, producing small, star-shaped white flowers on slender stalks that attract pollinators during late spring or early summer. Following pollination, the plant will produce small capsules of seeds that are then dispersed by wind or water, ensuring the continuation of the species. Fairy Saxifrage is perennial, so after flowering, the plant will go into a dormant phase during the colder months, then regrow from the same rootstock the following season, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Saxifraga 'Minor', commonly known as the Dwarf Saxifrage, is most popularly propagated through division. This method is best carried out in the spring as new growth is emerging or in the fall after the growing season has ended. To propagate by division, the gardener should gently lift the plant from the ground and carefully separate the clumps by hand or with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each division has a portion of the root system. Once divided, the clumps can be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method takes advantage of the natural clump-forming habit of the plant and is an effective way to produce new plants that are exact clones of the parent, ensuring consistency in the garden.
