Fortune's Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' (fortunei) (5)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' is a charming plant characterized by its mounding foliage and delicate floral display. The leaves are typically rounded and form a dense, low carpet of bright green. This cushion-like foliage serves as the backdrop for the plant's most striking feature: its flowers. The blooms emerge on slender, wiry stems rising above the foliage and create a soft, airy effect. Each flower is dainty, with petals exhibiting shades of pink that can range from a pale blush to a more vivid hue, often with lighter or darker centers that add depth and contrast. The blossoms are generally small but plentiful, forming a "haze" of pink that hovers over the green leaves, giving the plant its descriptive name. Throughout the blooming period, this plant is a source of subtle color and texture in the garden, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of soft, pastel elegance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Fortune's Saxifrage, Pink Haze Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga fortunei 'Pink Haze'
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifraga 'Pink Haze', more commonly known as just Saxifraga, is not generally considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence or reportage suggesting that ingestion of this plant leads to poisoning in humans, and it is typically regarded as safe around adults and children. Therefore, accidental ingestion of Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' is not expected to produce toxic symptoms in humans.
To pets
Saxifraga 'Pink Haze', commonly known as Saxifraga, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no widespread documentation or cases indicating that pets suffer from toxicity when ingesting this plant. As such, it is considered non-toxic, and ingestion is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious health issues in pets. However, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' adds beauty to gardens with its delicate pink flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance - It is known for being a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for rock gardens and drought-prone areas.
- Ground Cover - It can serve as an effective ground cover, spreading to fill spaces and suppress weeds.
- Cold Hardy - This plant is resilient in colder climates, being able to survive and thrive in lower temperatures.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers of Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial to the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest - With its flowering season in the spring, this plant provides seasonal interest after winter, adding cheerfulness to the landscape.
- Soil Adaptability - Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil.
- Compact Size - Due to its compact growth habit, it is suitable for smaller gardens or for growing in containers.
- Edge Planting - It is ideal for planting along edges of borders or walkways, adding definition and color to garden paths.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Groundcover in miniature landscapes: Due to its compact nature and dense foliage, Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' can be utilized as a living carpet in fairy gardens and other small-scale landscapes.
- Culinary garnish: The delicate pink flowers can be used to add a splash of color as an edible garnish on cakes and desserts, though consumption should be done with caution and knowledge of potential allergies.
- Educational purposes: Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' is an excellent specimen for botanical studies because of its distinctive growth pattern and the way it demonstrates survival in rocky terrains.
- Photography subject: The plant's aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite among photographers, especially when it blooms with its pink haze of flowers.
- Art inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and colors of this plant for various art projects, including watercolor painting and botanical illustration.
- Crafts: The tiny blossoms can be pressed and included in handmade paper or used to adorn picture frames and greeting cards.
- Moss garden complement: Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' can be planted alongside mosses in a shade garden to add texture and contrast with its unique foliage and blooms.
- Terrariums: This plant's small size and adaptability make it an ideal choice for enclosed glass terrariums, where it can thrive under controlled conditions.
- Rock garden accent: The Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' is commonly used in alpine and rock gardens to soften harsh lines and edges, complementing stones and boulders.
- Seasonal decor: The blooms can be used to create seasonal wreaths and centerpieces for spring or summer-themed events and decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga fortunei is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga fortunei is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The name Saxifraga comes from Latin, meaning "stone-breaker," which symbolizes the plant's strength and its ability to endure even in the harshest conditions, such as growing in the cracks of rocks.
- Perseverance: The Saxifraga's ability to survive and flourish in challenging environments lends it the symbolic meaning of perseverance and tenacity.
- Longevity: Many Saxifraga species are known for their longevity, with some plants living several years, symbolizing a long and healthy life.
- Protection: Historically, some believed that Saxifraga plants had medicinal properties and could offer protection against ailments, thus symbolizing safety and shelter.
- Adaptability: Adapting to various rocky terrains and elevations, the Saxifraga signifies adaptability and the capacity to thrive in diverse circumstances.
WaterThe Strawberry Begonia should be watered regularly but with care not to overwater, as it prefers to be slightly moist but not soggy. During active growth in spring and summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once a week, using about 16 ounces of water each time. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the soil is dry to touch, as overwatering can lead to root rot in cooler temperatures. Always allow water to drain freely to prevent waterlogging.
LightThe Strawberry Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. It’s best situated in an east- or north-facing window where it will receive gentle morning sunlight and avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves of the plant.
TemperatureStrawberry Begonias prefer cool to moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but these should not be sustained. Keep the plant away from drafts, sudden temperature changes, and heating or cooling vents to maintain consistent temperature conditions.
PruningPruning the Strawberry Begonia is typically done to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to encourage bushier growth. It should be pruned lightly as needed, preferably in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Dead flowers can also be trimmed away to promote new growth and a more tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Haze Saxifrage thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 5.5 and 7.0. A soil mix that includes equal parts peat, coarse sand or perlite, and loam is ideal for maintaining the right moisture and aeration balance.
RepottingPink Haze Saxifrage should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. The beginning of the growing season is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingPink Haze Saxifrage prefers moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%. High humidity can promote fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with cool temperature.
Outdoor
Choose a partly shaded spot with cool moist soil.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Pink Haze' (fortunei), commonly known as pink haze fortunei saxifrage, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in moist, well-draining soil in partial to full shade. The seedling develops into a rosette of leaves, during which time root establishment and foliage growth take priority. As the plant matures, it develops its characteristic fleshy, scalloped leaves and starts to form a dense, low-growing mat. The next stage is the flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer, where small, star-shaped pink flowers bloom on slender stalks rising above the foliage. After pollination, the plant sets seed which, when dispersed, can give rise to new plants, thus continuing the species' life cycle. Saxifraga 'Pink Haze' is a perennial, so after the flowering period, the plant continues to live and will enter a period of dormancy in the winter, with new growth resuming in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Saxifraga 'Pink Haze', commonly known as Saxifrage, is best propagated in the spring or early summer, when the plant’s growth is most active. The most popular method of propagation for Saxifrage is division, where the gardener carefully separates the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a part of the root system attached. To do this, you gently dig up the plant, shake off the excess soil, and tease apart the clumps into smaller pieces. Each piece should ideally have several growth points. These separated sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, watered gently but kept moist until they establish. New plants from division typically adapt quickly and will start to show growth within a few weeks, provided that they are kept in conditions similar to those of the parent plant—bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
