Fortune's Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' (fortunei) (5)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' is characterized by its lush green, rosette-forming leaves that showcase a rounded shape with slightly toothed margins. The leaves are often adorned with fine, hair-like structures on the edges, giving them a delicate and frosted appearance. The foliage provides a rich backdrop for the flowers, which are held aloft on stout stems. These blooms are typically small and star-shaped, with a charming simplicity that can vary in color, usually presenting in shades of pink or white. The flowers are arranged in open, airy panicles, creating an effect of a cloud of blossoms floating above the leafy base. Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi's overall form presents a compact, mounding shape, giving it a neat and tidy appearance in the garden or when grown in containers. The textural contrast between the foliage and the blooms adds to its ornamental appeal, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine displays, or as an accent plant in mixed borders where its foliage and floral display can be truly appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Fortune's Saxifrage, Ironcrass Saxifrage, Mountain Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga fortunei, Micranthes japonica.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the Saxifrage 'Mount Nachi' has toxic properties that would cause poisoning if ingested. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning from consumption of this plant are typically expected.
To pets
Saxifrage is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of Saxifrage 'Mount Nachi' causing poisoning in animals. Ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to result in significant symptoms of toxicity or serious consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being low-maintenance, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it effective for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds in the garden.
- Rock Gardens: Perfectly suited for rock gardens due to its ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained soil.
- Cold Tolerance: It is hardy in many climates, enduring frost and cold temperatures with relative ease.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Size: Its small stature allows it to fit into tight spaces or be grown in containers for patios and balconies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' leaves can sometimes be used to produce a light greenish-yellow dye for textiles.
- In terrariums: The compact nature and attractive foliage of Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' make it a suitable choice for small-scale landscapes such as terrariums.
- For miniature gardens: Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' can be planted in miniature or fairy gardens due to their small size and interesting texture.
- As a groundcover: In landscaping, Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' can be used as groundcover to fill in gaps between larger plants or pave the way over a rock garden.
- In alpine troughs: These plants are often used in alpine trough gardening, replicating their natural high-altitude environments.
- As a living mulch: The dense mat formed by Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- In bonsai culture: Some enthusiasts may use Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' in bonsai gardens to complement the miniature trees with their moss-like appearance.
- For educational purposes: Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' can be employed in educational settings to teach about plant adaptation and survival in alpine conditions.
- As a photography subject: Due to its delicate blossoms and attractive foliage, Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' is a popular choice for garden photographers seeking close-up shots of alpine plants.
- In floral arrangements: The small flowers of Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi' can be used to add texture and interest to floral arrangements and bouquets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Saxifraga, also known as "Saxifrage," comes from the Latin for "stone breaker," indicating its ability to grow in rocky areas and symbolizing strength and the capability to thrive in adverse conditions.
- Endurance: Its habit of growing in mountainous and alpine regions represents the ability to endure harsh environments and maintain beauty despite challenges.
- Protection: Traditionally, Saxifrage has been thought to offer protection against negative forces, likely derived from its tenacious nature.
- Longevity: The long life of the plant, which can survive the extreme weather of its native habitats, exemplifies longevity and persistence.
- Prosperity: The inclusion of 'fortunei' in its name suggests a connection to fortune, often linked with the idea of attracting wealth or success.
WaterStrawberry Begonia should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to reach deep into the soil, ensuring even moisture. Watering this plant should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days depending on environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water and aim for approximately 8-16 ounces per watering session for a pot with a diameter of 6 inches, adjusting the amount proportionally for larger pots. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightStrawberry Begonia prefers bright, indirect light, making it ideal for east-facing windows where it receives morning light or a few feet away from a south-facing window. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. A spot that offers diffuse light throughout the day is optimal.
TemperatureStrawberry Begonia thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F as cold drafts and sudden temperature changes can harm the plant. It is best to avoid placing it near heating vents or air conditioners that can cause fluctuations in the temperature.
PruningPrune Strawberry Begonia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth begins, typically by removing any leggy stems or dead leaves. It is seldom necessary but can be performed annually to tidy up the appearance of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifraga fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, thrives in a soil mix that provides good drainage and retains some moisture. The ideal mix might include equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite. Maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, will support the best growth conditions for Fortune's Saxifrage.
RepottingFortune's Saxifrage should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish the nutrients in the soil. Spring is typically the best time to repot this plant, allowing it to establish in its new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingFortune's Saxifrage prefers moderate humidity levels, avoiding conditions that are too dry. Aim for about 50% relative humidity for optimal growth. This moisture level helps to replicate the environment of its natural woodland habitat, though the plant is somewhat adaptable to slight variations in humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Fortune's Saxifrage in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Fortune's Saxifrage in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Mount Nachi', also known as Fortune's Saxifrage, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in a suitable moist and well-drained environment. In its juvenile stage, a rosette of leaves forms, from which roots develop to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients. As the plant matures, it grows larger and produces more leaf rosettes, sometimes with evergreen leaves depending on the climate. Flowering occurs usually in the spring, with small, star-shaped flowers emerging on stalks above the foliage. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind or water, or in some cases by adhering to animals. The plant may also propagate vegetatively through offshoots, ensuring its survival and spread in its preferred rocky, alpine habitats.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Saxifraga 'Mount Nachi', commonly known as Fortune's Saxifrage, is best propagated by division, a method most commonly employed in spring or early autumn. To propagate through division, gently lift the parent clump from the soil while trying to minimize root disturbance. Using a sharp knife or spade, slice through the clump to separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a fair amount of roots and several growth points. These divisions can then be replanted at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spaced out according to the plant's size, which is generally about 6 to 12 inches apart (15 to 30 centimeters). Water the divisions well after planting to help establish them. This method allows for quick establishment and a greater chance for successful plant growth.
