Saxifrage Saxifraga (Southside Seedling Group) 'Slack's Ruby Southside' (8)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' showcases a delightful form with a tufted mound of mossy, evergreen foliage that creates an attractive backdrop for its flowering display. Its leaves are small, rounded, and bear a slightly serrated edge, often presenting a soft, dense pillow-like form that is rich in texture. As a member of the Southside Seedling Group, it bears clusters of dainty blossoms that rise above the foliage on slender stems. The flowers make a striking impact with their color; 'Slack's Ruby Southside' suggests a ruby hue, a vibrant shade of pinkish-red that can add a pop of color to any garden setting. Each bloom consists of five petals that gently open outwards, revealing delicate centers and inviting pollinators to visit. The flowering period brings an added layer of interest and color contrast to the plant's predominantly green base. Overall, the appearance of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' is both charming and robust, with a lush, cushion-like greenery set against the passionate tones of its ruby-colored blooms. It's this combination of evergreen foliage and vivid flowering that endears this plant to many garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rockfoil, Saxifrage.
Common names
Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside'.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Saxifrage is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it is generally recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential unforeseen allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Saxifrage is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Therefore, ingestion of Saxifrage is unlikely to cause serious harm to dogs, cats, or other household pets. However, as with humans, consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
0.5 feet (15 centimeters)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: This plant typically requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Rock Garden Suitability: Thriving in alpine and rock garden conditions, it suits garden styles with rocky terrains or slopes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can tolerate periods of low water, suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone regions.
- Seasonal Interest: Its blooms provide a splash of color in the spring or summer, enhancing the garden's seasonal appeal.
- Ground Cover: Dense growth can help suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of surviving cold winter temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Decorative Foliage: The leaves of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can be ornamental, adding aesthetics to the garden even when not in flower.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of subtle colors depending on the mordant used.
- In macro photography, the intricate details and vibrant colors of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can create stunning, abstract images.
- These plants can be used in terrariums or fairy gardens due to their small size and the variety of textures they provide.
- Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can be planted in crevices of rock walls or walkways for a naturalistic, whimsical look in landscape design.
- Artists can use the pressed leaves and flowers of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' for botanical art or in mixed media projects.
- Edible Saxifraga flowers can be used to beautify salads or desserts, although it's crucial to ensure they haven't been subjected to any harmful pesticides or chemicals.
- The plant can be utilized in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about alpine flora and plant survival in tough conditions.
- Enthusiasts of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can join plant swap events or societies to exchange rare varieties and enhance their collections.
- Eco-conscious gift givers might use seedlings or small potted Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' as sustainable favors for weddings or events.
- The contrasting foliage and blooms of Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' can be used to design intricate garden patterns or mosaics when seen from above.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity - Saxifraga, commonly known as "rockfoil," grows in rocky crevices, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions and representing determination and persistence.
- Protection - Historically, some believed that rockfoil could ward off evil and protect against misfortune, hence symbolizing safety and security.
- Enduring Love - The resilience of rockfoil, which clings to the barest of footholds and blooms, can symbolize long-lasting affection that endures despite hardships.
- Adaptability - Rockfoil's capability to adapt to extreme conditions can represent the ability to prosper in different environments or situations.
WaterMossy Saxifrages, including 'Slack's Ruby Southside', prefer to be kept evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment, this might be once or twice a week. Use a watering can to gently water the soil at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Typically, you should aim to provide approximately half a gallon of water every two weeks, but always adjust according to the plant's response and the local climate.
LightMossy Saxifrages like 'Slack's Ruby Southside' thrive in partial shade to full sun. The best spot would be one that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the hot afternoon sun. Ensure that the plant is placed in a location where natural light is consistent but not overwhelmingly bright to maintain its vibrant foliage and encourage flowering.
TemperatureMossy Saxifrages like 'Slack's Ruby Southside' prefer cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from extreme cold. Heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to maintain the ideal conditions.
PruningFor Mossy Saxifrages like 'Slack's Ruby Southside', pruning is generally done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Prune in the early spring to encourage healthy, bushy growth and after flowering to maintain an attractive appearance. Pruning can be done yearly, cutting back the spent flower stems and any tatty leaves to promote new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifrage 'Slack's Ruby Southside' thrives best in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A good mix would be part peat, loam, and sharp sand to facilitate drainage. Amend with organic matter like compost to enrich the soil.
RepottingSaxifrage 'Slack's Ruby Southside' typically does not need frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years. Ensure to repot in the spring just before the growing season starts for best results.
Humidity & MistingSaxifrage 'Slack's Ruby Southside' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but can tolerate lower humidity if needed. It's important not to let the humidity drop too low to avoid the leaves from drying out.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, moist, well-draining soil, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil typically in cooler environments. Once sprouted, the seedling establishes a small rosette of leaves as it enters the vegetative growth stage, focusing on root and foliage development. This evergreen perennial then matures, producing its distinct foliage with scalloped edges and sprouting flowering stems. During its flowering phase, which occurs in late spring to early summer, it showcases small, star-shaped pink or red flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, completing its reproductive cycle, though it often primarily propagates through division. As a perennial, it typically survives through the winter months, regrowing from the same root system year after year, until the plant eventually senesces at the end of its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Saxifraga 'Slack's Ruby Southside' is by division. This process is ideally done in spring or autumn. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the ground and carefully separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. It is important to ensure that each new division has several growing points or rosettes. Once divided, the smaller clumps can be immediately replanted into well-drained soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This method is relatively simple and helps to maintain the characteristics of 'Slack's Ruby Southside' Saxifraga.
