Silver Velvet Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' (fortunei) (5/v)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet', also known as 'Silver Velvet' Saxifrage, is a visually striking plant with a distinctive appearance. Its foliage is comprised of rosettes that showcase velvety, silver-green leaves. The leaves have a soft texture, reminiscent of velvet fabric, which is where the plant derives its name from. They also have intricate patterns, possibly with a slight marbling effect, and are rimmed with fine hairs, giving a frosted or silvery appearance that glistens, particularly under the sunlight. The 'Silver Velvet' Saxifrage blooms with attractive flowers that add to its appeal. These flowers generally appear on stems that rise above the foliage, and they can come in various shades, typically ranging from white to soft pink. The blossoms are small and delicate, often forming clusters that provide a lovely contrast to the striking leaves below. The combined effect of this plant's unique foliage and dainty flowers makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and subtle color to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Silver Velvet Saxifrage, Fortune's Saxifrage, Silver Velvet Saxifraga
Common names
Saxifraga fortunei 'Silver Velvet'.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage 'Silver Velvet' is not known to be toxic to humans if ingested. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or irritations can occur. Ingesting plant parts is generally not advised due to the potential for upset stomach or other digestive discomfort due to the plant's constituents, not because of recognized toxicity.
To pets
Saxifrage 'Silver Velvet' is not recognized as being toxic to pets. As with humans, ingestion can still potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fiber and other components rather than poison toxicity. It is always advisable to discourage pets from eating any plants to prevent any possible adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' adds unique visual interest to gardens with its distinctive foliage that has a soft, velvety texture and silver color.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishment, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources.
- Groundcover: It serves as an excellent ground cover, filling in spaces quickly and helping to prevent weeds by blocking sunlight from the soil.
- Rock Gardens: Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' is particularly well-suited for rock gardens and can thrive in the crevices and atop stone walls adding diversity to the plantings.
- Seasonal Interest: With its persistent foliage and attractive blossoms, it provides visual interest across multiple seasons.
- Supports Pollinators: The flowers of Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-draining conditions.
- Compact Growth: Its compact and low-growing nature makes it suitable for borders, pots, or as a complement to other plants in mixed plantings.
- Reduces Erosion: As a groundcover, it can help to stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' can be used in miniature gardens to add texture and contrast against other small-scale plants, creating a lush, velvety groundcover effect.
- This plant serves as an attractive option for living walls or vertical gardens due to its cascading growth habit and striking foliage.
- The intricate foliage of Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' can be pressed to create unique botanical artwork for framing or crafting.
- Its foliage can be a delicate addition to fairy gardens, complementing mythical figurines and tiny structures with its fine texture.
- Photographers may use the plant as a backdrop or additional element in macro photography shots, capturing the detail of its leaves.
- Garden designers might use it to accentuate stone paths and rockeries, highlighting the cracks and crevices where it naturally thrives.
- For educational purposes, the plant can demonstrate adaptations in leaf texture and coloration to students studying botany or horticulture.
- Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' can be cultivated in terrariums, helping to create a controlled environment with miniature landscapes inside glass containers.
- The contrasting color and texture can inspire artists and designers in developing patterns and motifs for fabrics or wallpaper.
- Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' can be used as a natural dye source for small-scale or experimental textile dyeing projects.
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: The genus Saxifraga is known for its ability to grow in rocky and challenging environments, symbolizing the capacity to thrive despite difficulties.
- Tenacity: With its clingy roots, Saxifraga represents a tenacious grip on life and the perseverance to hold on and succeed against the odds.
- Endurance: The robust nature of the Silver Velvet variety of Saxifraga translates into the symbolism of endurance and the ability to withstand time and the elements.
- Protection: Historically, some believed Saxifraga plants have protective qualities, symbolizing safety and shelter from harm.
- Purity: Their delicate flowers and the 'silver velvet' foliage may symbolize purity and clarity, reflecting an unsullied and clean essence.
WaterSilver Saxifrage should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Ideally, water the plant with about 8-16 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions, every week during the growing season. During dormant periods in winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week or less, keeping the soil only slightly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent water retention on the leaves, which could lead to rot.
LightSilver Saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions, so it’s best to position the plant where it will receive filtered sunlight or shaded light, such as beneath taller plants or a loosely woven shade cloth. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it may scorch the leaves and damage the delicate foliage.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Silver Saxifrage ranges between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme heat and cold drafts, which can harm its growth.
PruningPruning Silver Saxifrage is generally done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain the plant’s compact shape. Trim off any undesirable leaves using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. The best time to prune is during the spring or after flowering to encourage new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifraga 'Silver Velvet' requires a soil mix that is well-draining, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand. It thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging between 5.5 and 7. A good recipe for the soil mix could be one part loam, one part peat, and one part sharp sand or perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
RepottingSaxifraga 'Silver Velvet', commonly known as Silver Velvet Saxifrage, benefits from being repotted every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate the soil and provide room for growth. It's important to timely repot to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSilver Velvet Saxifrage prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of a household environment. It does not require high humidity and should be kept away from very dry air conditions, making it a good candidate for most indoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade to full sun, shelter from extreme weather.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' begins with seed germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, typically in moist and well-drained substrates with exposure to light. Following germination, the seedling grows into a rosette of velvet-textured, silver-green leaves, a characteristic feature of this cultivar. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and begins to produce flowering stalks in the spring, adorned with small, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and once mature, the seeds are dispersed by wind or water, enabling the propagation of the species. Throughout the growing season, Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet' may also propagate vegetatively through runners in addition to seed production. The plant goes dormant during the colder winter months, reducing growth and conserving energy until the next growing season when the cycle restarts.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Saxifraga 'Silver Velvet', more commonly referred to as Saxifrage, can be propagated by division. This method is best performed in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy, which allows the divided plants ample growing season to establish themselves. To propagate Saxifrage by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division has a healthy portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into a well-draining soil mix, at the same depth they were originally growing. Keep the newly planted divisions well-watered, but avoid waterlogging to prevent rot. With proper care, the divisions will start growing into new plants, eventually filling out the space and flowering as mature Saxifrages.
