Wheatley Rose Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Wheatley Rose' (7)
ABOUT
The Saxifraga 'Wheatley Rose', commonly known as the Wheatley Rose Saxifrage, has a lush and ornamental appearance. It is characterized by its attractive foliage that forms a low-growing, compact mound, often enticing to gardeners who seek a ground cover or an accent for rock gardens. The leaves of the Wheatley Rose Saxifrage are small and rounded, with a slightly serrated edge, giving them a delicate look. They are often a bright green color, providing a vibrant backdrop for the flowers. The flowers are the most striking feature of the plant. They bloom in clusters on slender, upright stems that rise above the foliage. Each flower of the Wheatley Rose Saxifrage is quite small, but they are numerous, creating a dramatic effect when in full bloom. The petals are usually a delicate shade of pink or rose, sometimes with faint white or yellow marks that lead into the center of the flower. The bloom period often occurs in the spring or early summer, during which the plant is covered in a profusion of these exquisite flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. Adding to the charm of the Wheatley Rose Saxifrage, the blossoms are accompanied by a subtle fragrance, which can be appreciated when kneeling close to the plant or in the stillness of a serene garden setting. This plant, with its combination of delightful foliage and enchanting flowers, is a popular choice for those looking to bring a touch of elegance and natural beauty to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Wheatley Rose Saxifrage
Common names
Saxifraga 'Wheatley Rose'.
ToxicityTo humans
Saxifrage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the Saxifrage 'Wheatley Rose' is unlikely to cause serious harm or symptoms of poisoning. However, it's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Saxifrage is also typically safe for pets and is not known to be toxic to animals. Ingesting parts of the Saxifrage 'Wheatley Rose' should not result in symptoms of poisoning for most pets. Despite its relative safety, it's advisable to monitor your pets around plants and prevent them from chewing on any plant material to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or unexpected allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetics: Saxifraga 'Wheatley Rose', commonly known as Wheatley Rose Saxifrage, features pink blossoms that add a splash of color to gardens, especially rockeries and alpine displays.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Wheatley Rose Saxifrage is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering which can save on water resources.
- Low Maintenance: This plant generally requires little upkeep in terms of pruning and care, which can be ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Cold Hardy: Wheatley Rose Saxifrage can withstand cold temperatures, making it a sturdy and resilient plant in climates with harsh winters.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: It tends to be resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes, making it a practical choice for stabilizing banks and bed edges.
- Long Blooming Period: It often has a lengthy flowering season from late spring to mid-summer, providing extended enjoyment 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 can serve as a beautiful focal point in macro photography due to its intricate patterns and vivid colors, appealing to gardening enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Education and research: Botany students can study the Saxifraga's growth habits, reproduction, and survival mechanisms in different climates and terrains as a part of their curriculum.
- Fairy gardens: Small and delicate in appearance, Saxifraga can be used to create enchanting fairy gardens, providing a whimsical touch to miniature landscapes.
- Rock garden adornment: With its preference for rocky outcrops, Saxifraga can be used to enhance the aesthetics of rock gardens, simulating its natural alpine habitat.
- Artistic motif: The plant's form and color can inspire artists and can be used as a subject in watercolor paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Living mulch: Saxifraga spreads to form mats that can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in garden beds or between stepping stones.
- Container gardens: Saxifraga can be planted in small pots and containers for decorating balconies, patios, or window sills, adding a splash of color to urban environments.
- Cultural symbol: In some cultures, Saxifraga can represent resilience or determination due to its ability to grow in tough, rocky conditions and can be used in cultural ceremonies as a symbol.
- Erosion control: The sturdy Saxifraga can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks and prevent erosion with its extensive root system.
- Winter interest: Saxifraga varieties with evergreen foliage can provide visual interest in a garden landscape during the dull winter months.
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- Enduring Love: Saxifraga, also known as rockfoil or stonebreaker, often represents enduring love due to its ability to grow and thrive in rocky crevices, symbolizing love that persists even in hard conditions.
- Perseverance: The plant's natural habitat on rocky ledges signifies tenacity and the ability to persevere through challenging circumstances.
- Affection: With its delicate blossoms, Saxifraga is sometimes associated with affection, suggesting a tender and gentle form of love.
- Protection: Its etymology, derived from Latin, means "stone-breaker," which has been interpreted as a symbol of breaking through obstacles, offering protection against difficulties.
- Maternal Love: The nurturing way Saxifraga grows, often in cushion-like clumps, can be seen as a symbol of the nurturing aspects of motherhood and caring.
WaterMossy Saxifrage, including 'Wheatley Rose', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to watering once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Use room temperature water to gently moisten the soil around the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the foliage. Provide approximately 16-24 onzes of water per watering session during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightSaxifraga 'Wheatley Rose', commonly known as Mossy Saxifrage, thrives best in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. It can also tolerate dappled sunlight throughout the day, making it a versatile choice for various garden locations with bright but indirect light.
TemperatureThe Mossy Saxifrage, including 'Wheatley Rose', can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best in cooler conditions. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for gardens in colder climates. However, it might not survive extended periods of heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit without adequate shade and moisture.
PruningPrune Mossy Saxifrage 'Wheatley Rose' to maintain its shape and encourage dense, healthy growth. Trim back any dead or damaged growth after the plant has finished flowering, typically in the late spring or early summer. Pruning once a year is generally sufficient, but you can also remove any stray or overgrown stems throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Mossy Saxifrage, use well-draining soil with peat, sand, and perlite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingThe Mossy Saxifrage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingMossy Saxifrage prefers moderate humidity levels but will adapt to the average home humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mossy Saxifrage in bright, indirect light; water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Grow Mossy Saxifrage in partial shade, moist soil, shield from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of 'Wheatley Rose' Saxifrage begins with seed germination in spring, when the weather provides enough warmth and moisture for the seed to sprout. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first leaves and roots as the plant establishes itself. As vegetative growth progresses, the plant develops a rosette of leaves and a sturdy root system in preparation for future growth and reproduction. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, 'Wheatley Rose' produces clusters of delicate, rose-colored flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed production, allowing the plant to disperse seeds for the next generation. Throughout autumn and winter, 'Wheatley Rose' may enter a period of dormancy, reducing growth and conserving energy until the next growing season arrives.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Saxifraga 'Wheatley Rose', commonly known as Saxifrage, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate Saxifrage by division is in the spring, just as the plant is emerging from dormancy and beginning to show new growth. This process involves carefully lifting the plant from the ground and gently separating the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. You should choose vigorous sections and replant them immediately at the same soil depth they were growing before. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. Avoid letting the roots dry out during this process as it can significantly impact their ability to regrow.
