Southside Star Saxifrage Saxifraga (Southside Seedling Group) 'Southside Star' (8)
ABOUT
Saxifraga 'Southside Star' is a charming and visually striking perennial with a rosette-forming habit. It features a dense gathering of small, rounded leaves that are typically bright green in color. The foliage often has a slightly fleshy texture and may show a hint of silver or red at the edges, adding to its ornamental appeal. During the blooming period, Saxifraga 'Southside Star' produces delicate star-shaped flowers. These blooms are usually white or pale pink and showcase distinct vein patterning, giving them a particularly intricate look. The flowers rise above the foliage on thin, wiry stems, creating a delightful contrast between the earthy green rosettes and the airy blossoms above. The overall impression is one of a dainty and intricate plant, with its fine details being most appreciated up close.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Southside Star Saxifrage, Starry Saxifrage, Rockfoil.
Common names
Saxifraga (Southside Seedling Group) 'Southside Star'
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrages are generally not known to be toxic to humans, and there is no specific information indicating that 'Southside Star,' or any plants from the Saxifraga (Southside Seedling Group), are poisonous when touched or ingested. Therefore, if eaten, this plant is unlikely to cause any severe symptoms of poisoning in humans. However, ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause some discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach due to the novelty and fibrous nature of the plant material.
To pets
Saxifrages, including the 'Southside Star,' are not known to be highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no widely recognized evidence indicating that this specific cultivar or any other plants from the Saxifraga (Southside Seedling Group) present significant toxicity risks for pets. If ingested, mild gastrointestinal discomfort could still occur simply because the fibrous plant material can be difficult for pets to digest and is not part of their typical diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal - Adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and star-shaped flowers.
- Low maintenance - Typically requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought tolerance - Capable of surviving in dry conditions once fully grown, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold hardiness - Resistant to cold temperatures, allowing it to thrive in many climates without requiring winter protection.
- Attracts pollinators - its flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Rocks and alpine garden suitability - Well-suited for rock gardens and alpine settings due to its growth habit and durability.
- Erosion control - Its root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Long blooming period - Typically offers a long season of blooms which can enhance garden interest for an extended period.
- Groundcover - Can function as an effective groundcover, filling in spaces and helping to suppress weeds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- 'Southside Star' can be used in terrariums due to its small size and attractive foliage, adding greenery to miniature landscapes.
- It can serve as a natural mulch when its leaves and spent blooms are left to decompose, providing nutrients to surrounding soil.
- This variety can be used in fairy gardens, as its delicate leaves and star-shaped flowers complement the whimsical theme.
- The plant can be a subject for botanical illustration and photography due to its detailed and starry flowers.
- It can be incorporated into green roof designs, as it is tolerant of shallow soil and can thrive in this environment.
- The Saxifraga can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth and alpine plant life.
- Its flowers can be used to garnish salads and desserts for a touch of elegance, though they're not commonly consumed.
- 'Southside Star' can act as a natural ground cover, suppressing weeds in garden beds with its dense growth habit.
- The plant might be used in art installations, providing a live element that evolves and grows over time.
- Saxifraga's dense mats can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas where other plants might not thrive.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance - Saxifraga plants are known for their ability to grow in rocky and challenging environments, symbolizing the trait of perseverance in the face of difficulty.
- Protection - The thick foliage of some Saxifraga species can symbolize protection, as they cover the ground and can prevent erosion.
- Strength - With their capacity to split rocks as they grow, Saxifraga plants can be seen as a symbol of strength and the power of nature.
- Tenacity - Their hardy nature and capability to survive in extreme conditions make Saxifraga symbolize tenacity and determination.
- Purity - The white and delicate blooms of 'Southside Star' may symbolize purity and innocence.
- Timelessness - Saxifraga can also symbolize timelessness due to their long-lasting presence in their natural habitats, often seen in ancient and undisturbed places.
WaterSaxifraga 'Southside Star' requires moderate watering, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. This might translate to watering approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. Use a gentle pour of water directly on the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, with an amount of about 16 ounces of water per watering session for a standard size plant. Adjust the amount based on the plant size and the pot's drainage.
LightSaxifraga 'Southside Star' thrives best in partial shade to filtered sunlight. It's ideal to place it in a spot that receives morning light and is protected from the intense afternoon sun, as prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight can damage the foliage. The plant can also grow well in areas with bright, indirect light, making it suitable for a sunny window with a sheer curtain or a position just out of direct sunlight.
TemperatureSaxifraga 'Southside Star' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, but it is essential to protect them from frost. The plant should not be exposed to temperatures above 80°F for prolonged periods as it may cause stress or damage.
PruningSaxifraga 'Southside Star' benefits from light pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to encourage denser growth. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers after blooming can also promote the plant's overall health and appearance. Typically, pruning every year or as needed when you notice parts of the plant that require attention will suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifrage 'Southside Star' does well in a soil mix that provides good drainage, composed of one-part loam, one-part peat, and one-part sharp sand or fine grit, with an added handful of leaf mold if available. Aim for neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingSaxifrage 'Southside Star' generally requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate any growth. Repot in spring or early summer to allow the plant time to establish before winter.
Humidity & MistingSaxifrage 'Southside Star' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions; however, avoid excessively dry air which can damage the foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place under bright, indirect light; ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, protect from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Southside Star' begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in early spring in cool, moist conditions, ideally in rocky or gravelly soil. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a compact, mound-forming perennial, with rosettes of spoon-shaped, fleshy leaves. Throughout spring and into early summer, the plant produces erect, branching stems bearing panicles of star-shaped, white flowers with distinctive red spots, attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers will develop into seed capsules, releasing seeds to propagate the next generation. Throughout the growing season, Saxifraga 'Southside Star' continues to expand vegetatively, with offsets that can be divided from the parent plant to produce new individuals. Once winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, reducing growth and surviving the cold months often under snow cover, to resprout again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Saxifraga 'Southside Star' is through division. This is typically done in the spring or early autumn. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant with a garden fork, minimizing damage to the roots. Gently tease apart the plant sections, ensuring that each division has a number of rosettes and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method allows for relatively rapid increase of your plant and maintains the overall character of the original specimen.
