Saxifrage 'Wisley' Saxifraga 'Wisley' (federici-augusti subsp. grisebachii) (7)

Water

Silver Saxifrage should be watered regularly but conservatively, ensuring the soil is moist but never soggy. During the growing season, water it with approximately 16 ounces of water once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. In winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks, closely monitoring the soil to prevent it from drying out completely. Make sure to provide a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot due to excess moisture, and always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering.

Light

Silver Saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it receives morning sunlight and is shielded from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Consider placing it in an eastern or northern exposure, ensuring it gets bright but indirect light for the majority of the day.

Temperature

Silver Saxifrage prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy in a range of conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 75°F, but it thrives best in temperatures between 50°F and 65°F. This plant does not tolerate extreme heat well, so it should be sheltered from hot temperatures in summer.

Pruning

Silver Saxifrage benefits from occasional pruning to remove any dead or damaged foliage and encourage bushier growth. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins for the best results. Deadheading the spent flower stems after blooming encourages more blooms. Overall, pruning is not regularly needed but can be done as necessary to maintain the plant's shape and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Saxifraga 'Wisley', commonly known as the Wisley Saxifrage, is well-draining, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand to increase drainage. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ideally between 5.5 to 7.0. It is crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Wisley Saxifrage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer, using a suitable soil mix that provides good drainage.

Humidity & Misting

Wisley Saxifrage thrives best in moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, it typically prefers an environment that mimics its natural alpine habitat, which is not excessively humid.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Grow in partial shade, with moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Saxifraga 'Wisley', commonly known as Wisley Saxifrage, begins with seed germination, occurring in a moist, well-draining environment typically in the spring. After germination, seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of foliage as they undergo vegetative growth. During its growing season, which is mainly in the spring and summer, Wisley Saxifrage experiences a period of maturation where it develops its characteristic fleshy leaves and prepares for flowering. Flowering usually occurs in late spring or early summer, when it produces panicles of small, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently lead to seed formation. Once pollinated, the flowers produce seeds which are dispersed by wind or water, completing the reproductive cycle. In the autumn and winter months, the plant enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy and survive colder temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Saxifraga 'Wisley', commonly known as Wisley Saxifrage, is best propagated through division, a method that is often employed in spring or early autumn. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of the plant from the ground using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the root system. The clump should then be broken into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has a portion of the roots and a few rosettes of leaves. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, preferably with some shade, as Wisley Saxifrage prefers cooler conditions. Water these divisions adequately to help establish them, using approximately 1 cup (around 240 milliliters) of water for each new plant, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.