Sugar Plum Fairy Saxifrage Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy = 'Toujya' (fortunei) (5)
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ABOUT
The Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy, is a charming and vibrant perennial known for its attractive foliage and delicate floral display. This plant forms a low, compact mound of green, leathery leaves that are often arranged in a rosette-like pattern. The leaves may have a slightly scalloped or serrated edge, adding to their textured appearance. Throughout the blooming season, the Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms are typically a soft pink color, with deeper pink highlights creating a subtle, two-toned effect. The flowers rise above the foliage on slender, arching stems, lending an airy and whimsical look to the plant. The overall effect is one of a dainty and enchanting addition to any garden setting, creating splashes of color that can brighten up rock gardens, borders, or containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Sugar Plum Fairy Saxifrage, Toujya Saxifrage.
Common names
Saxifraga fortunei 'Toujya', Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy, commonly known as the Saxifrage, is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, it is considered safe, and there are no common reports of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, it is unlikely that eating any part of the Saxifrage will result in toxic consequences for humans.
To pets
The Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy, commonly referred to as the Saxifrage, is not recognized as a toxic plant to pets. It is widely considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. There should be no symptoms of poisoning in pets from ingesting any part of the Saxifrage plant. It is generally safe for pets, and there are no well-documented cases of toxicity from this plant to household animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Saxifraga are known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attractive foliage: 'Sugar Plum Fairy' has decorative leaves that add texture and interest to garden spaces.
- Ground cover: Due to its spreading habit, it is excellent for covering bare spots and creating a lush carpet in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, these plants can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal blooms: They produce delicate flowers that can add a pop of color during their blooming season.
- Rock gardens: They are ideal for rock gardens due to their preference for well-drained soil and compact growth habit.
- Border planting: Saxifraga can be used effectively as border plants to edge paths and garden beds.
- Winter interest: Some varieties of Saxifraga have evergreen foliage ensuring year-round interest in the garden.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy's unique foliage and delicate blooms make it an excellent subject for macro and garden photography enthusiasts.
- Art Inspiration: The intricate patterns and vivid colors of Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy can inspire artists and designers for paintings, textile patterns, and other artistic creations.
- Educational Model: Botany educators can use Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy to teach about rock garden plant species, their adaptations, and their ecosystem interactions.
- Culinary Garnish: The non-toxic leaves and flowers could potentially be used as a decorative, edible garnish for plating desserts and specialty drinks, as long as they are pesticide-free and cleaned thoroughly.
- Miniature Gardens: Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy is suitable for fairy gardens or miniature landscapes, providing a touch of whimsy and color.
- Feng Shui Element: In Feng Shui, placing a Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy might contribute to bringing positive energy and balance into a living space through its vibrant life form.
- Gift Plant: Its attractive appearance and small size make Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy a wonderful gift for plant enthusiasts or as a housewarming present.
- Seasonal Decorations: The plant can be incorporated into fall or winter displays due to its frost-resistant foliage, providing a natural element to holiday decorations.
- Theme Gardens: Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy can be included in a 'fairy tale' or fantasy-themed garden, where its name and delicate appearance add to the charm of the theme.
- Watercolor Painting Tutorial Subject: Perfect for watercolor artists to demonstrate the techniques for painting delicate petals and dew-covered leaves reflecting the morning light.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Saxifraga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Saxifraga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The saxifrage genus, to which the Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy belongs, has the symbolic meaning of endurance and determination. These plants often grow in challenging environments such as rocky crevices, demonstrating their ability to persist through hard conditions.
- Devotion: In some traditions, saxifrages symbolize devotion, possibly due to their perennial nature and the way they cling to their chosen place in nature, suggesting a deep and enduring connection.
- Perseverance: Related to its meaning of endurance, the Saxifraga Sugar Plum Fairy also represents perseverance. It stands as a metaphor for one's ability to keep going despite obstacles and adversities.
WaterThe Mossy Saxifrage, or Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy,' prefers evenly moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water this plant thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment, this may mean watering approximately every 7 to 10 days. Use roughly half a gallon of water for regular watering for a medium-sized plant, ensuring it reaches the root zone without causing waterlogging. During the winter months, decrease the amount of water to prevent root rot, but never let the soil become bone dry.
LightMossy Saxifrage flourishes in partial shade to full shade conditions. It's best situated in a location that receives dappled sunlight or even in the understory of larger plants where it can be protected from the intense midday sun. Avoid placing the Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' in prolonged direct sunlight as it may scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Mossy Saxifrage ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a cold-hardy plant. However, in regions where temperatures can rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it's crucial to provide some shade to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning isn't typically required for Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' as it helps maintain its compact form naturally. Remove any spent flower stalks and dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation. Light tidying can be done in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering to keep it looking neat.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSaxifragas, commonly known as rockfoils, require a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 to 7.5. A suitable mix can be created using equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regularly check the pH to maintain the ideal conditions for the Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy'.
RepottingRockfoils should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot the Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' in the spring, just before new growth begins, using the appropriate soil mix outlined previously. Carefully lift the plant and place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingSaxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' prefers moderate environmental humidity levels around 40-60%. It's important to ensure that the location it's placed in does not become too dry, as this can impede the plant's growth and health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor care, place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
For outdoor planting, choose a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSaxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' begins its life as a seed, which when sown and provided with adequate conditions, will germinate and sprout. The seedling will then develop into a young plant, forming a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As it matures, the plant grows and expands its root system and leaf structure, eventually producing flowering stalks that feature small, attractive flowers. After pollination, these flowers will set seed, completing the reproductive cycle. Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy' is a perennial, so after flowering, it will enter a period of dormancy, mainly during colder months. The plant resumes growth in spring, repeating its life cycle annually, with each individual plant living for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Saxifraga 'Sugar Plum Fairy', commonly known as Sugar Plum Fairy Saxifrage, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. The best time to divide this saxifrage is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, and water them well. This process helps to rejuvenate and stimulate further growth, as well as increase your numbers of this delightful groundcover.
