London Pride Saxifraga umbrosa (11)

Names

• Family

  Saxifragaceae.

• Synonyms

  London Pride, St. Patrick's Cabbage, Whimsey, Prattling Parnell, Look Up And Kiss Me, None-So-Pretty.

• Common names

  Saxifraga umbrosa var. minor, Saxifraga umbrosa subsp. pindicola, Saxifraga hederifolia, Saxifraga umbrosa var. hederifolia, Saxifraga umbrosa var. cuneifolia, Saxifraga cuneifolia.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London pride, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widely documented toxicity or significant adverse effects caused by the ingestion of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and it is not advisable to consume plant material that is not intended for human consumption.

• To pets

  London pride is not known to be toxic to pets. It should not pose any significant risk to dogs, cats, or other animals typically kept as pets when they come into contact with or ingest this plant. However, ingestion of large amounts of plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the fiber content or individual sensitivities.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London pride, adds ornamental value to gardens with its attractive foliage and delicate pink or white flowers.
• Low Maintenance: London pride is easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilizing, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, London pride can tolerate periods of drought, which is helpful in regions with water scarcity or for xeriscaping.
• Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing gardeners to introduce beauty to dimly lit spaces.
• Ground Cover: The mat-forming habit of London pride provides an excellent ground cover, preventing weed growth and protecting soil from erosion.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of London pride attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity within the garden ecosystem.
• Seasonal Interest: With flowers blooming in late spring and early summer, London pride offers visual interest during these seasons, and its evergreen leaves provide year-round foliage.
• Edging and Borders: Due to its compact growth, London pride is ideal for use as an edging plant along borders, pathways, or in rock gardens.
• Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated by division or offsets, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
• Garden Versatility: London pride can be used in various garden designs, including cottage gardens, rockeries, or alpine troughs, offering versatile design possibilities.
• Companion Planting: It can be planted alongside other shade-loving plants, creating diverse and aesthetically pleasing plant compositions.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London pride, can be used as a natural dye, producing subtle colors on wool and textiles.
• The plant's dense mat-forming growth habit is often utilized in green roofing projects, offering insulation and aiding in stormwater management.
• Gardeners may use London pride in creating fairy gardens due to its low-growing, carpet-like foliage and delicate flowers, which add a touch of whimsy.
• London pride can be used in rock gardens to fill crevices and provide year-round green coverage, thereby reducing weed growth.
• This plant makes an effective ground cover in shaded areas where grass struggles to grow, thus preventing soil erosion on slopes.
• In floristry, the delicate blossoms of the London pride are used to add a spray of tiny flowers to bouquets and floral arrangements.
• London pride is sometimes planted in containers on balconies and patios, where its resilience to pests and diseases makes it an easy plant for urban gardeners to maintain.
• The plant is also used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach children about alpine plants and biodiversity in different ecosystems.
• Enthusiasts of miniature and model landscapes may use London pride to simulate larger plants or trees due to its small scale and dense foliage.
• In photography, the attractive foliage and blooms of London pride are popular subjects for macro photography, highlighting the plant's intricate details.

Feng Shui

The London pride is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The London pride is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Enduring Love: Saxifraga umbrosa, commonly known as London pride, symbolizes enduring love due to its ability to grow in the cracks of walls and survive harsh conditions, much like love that endures trials and tribulations.
• Tenacity: The plant's survival in difficult environments makes it a symbol of tenacity and the ability to thrive against the odds.
• Affection: The delicate flowers of London pride represent affection and care, often given as a gesture of fondness.
• Persistence: Its persistent growth habit gives it the symbolic meaning of persistence and the determination to continue no matter the challenges.