Saxifrage Snowflake Saxifraga (Silver Farreri Group) 'Snowflake' (8)

Water

The Silver Saxifrage 'Snowflake' prefers consistently moist soil but does not do well with overwatering. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions. When watering, it is best to use a gentle shower from a watering can to avoid disturbing the plant's delicate foliage and flowers. Avoid letting the plant sit in water, and provide about half a gallon of water every week during the growing season, reducing the amount during the dormant winter months.

Light

The Silver Saxifrage 'Snowflake' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be placed in a location where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade for most of the day. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and damage the plant. A spot under a canopy of deciduous trees or on the north side of a building would be ideal for providing the right lighting conditions.

Temperature

Silver Saxifrage 'Snowflake' is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best in cool to moderate climates. It can survive temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth without the stress of extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning Silver Saxifrage 'Snowflake' is primarily done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a compact growth habit. It should be pruned lightly after flowering to encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer, just after the plant has finished blooming. Deadheading spent flowers also helps promote a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Snowflake Saxifrage prefers a well-draining soil mix, incorporating organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. A balanced soil mix might consist of one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or grit to ensure good drainage. The ideal soil pH for Snowflake Saxifrage is slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Snowflake Saxifrage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh soil nutrients and to accommodate root growth. Springtime is the best season to repot this plant, taking care not to damage the delicate roots.

Humidity & Misting

Snowflake Saxifrage enjoys moderate to high humidity but can tolerate a range of humidity conditions. It's not necessary to have a specific humidity level, as the plant is adaptable, but ensuring good air circulation can help prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Snowflake Saxifrage in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Ensure soil drainage, partial shade, and protect in severe winter.

• Hardiness zone

  6-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Saxifraga 'Snowflake', commonly known as Snowflake Saxifrage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade. These seedlings grow into small rosettes of leaves close to the ground, with a primary taproot anchoring them. As the plant matures, it develops a clump of attractive green foliage that becomes dense and lush, leading to its characteristic silver-marbled leaves. In the spring and early summer, it sends up slender stalks topped with panicles of star-shaped, white flowers, which are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed by wind or rain. Saxifraga 'Snowflake' is a perennial, and its foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, dying back in the winter but re-emerging from its rootstock the following spring to begin the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Saxifraga 'Snowflake', also commonly known as Saxifrage, is division. Typically, this is done in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in full bloom and the temperatures are mild, optimizing the conditions for root and plant establishment. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground using a garden fork, minimizing root damage. Then, gently tease apart the clumps of foliage and roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a decent chunk of roots attached. These individual sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced at least 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) apart to allow for growth, and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants. This method allows for a quick increase in the number of plants and ensures that the offspring will be true to the parent plant in terms of its characteristics.