Bright flowers and silvery leaves that seem to grow from the very stones will undoubtedly attract the attention of even the most avid gardener and landscape designer. At the beginning of flowering - in May - these plants are a beautiful carpet of flowers. The rest of the time they create a green pillow, completely covering the ground.

Saxifrage is often used by craftsmen to create floral and herbaceous masterpieces. But this flower is also unpretentious. That does not create problems when caring for him. So if you are looking for plants for, or a border, you should pay attention to the photo of flowers in the article.

In the title photo - Saxifraga oppositifolia Saxifraga oppositifolia.

Saxifrage happens both annual and perennial culture. In nature, about 400 species of this plant are known. And it can grow even in the most favorable conditions. The distribution area of ​​​​this herbaceous plant is Europe, Asia, Central America and the tropics. This is creeping along the ground.

It happens to be miniature - only 5 cm in height. But it can grow up to 70 cm. The plant has a large rhizome, and silver-green leaves form a rosette. The silvery hue gives them lime, which they have the ability to accumulate. Among the leaves grow several stems that have flowers. The flowers have 5 petals. They can be pink, white, yellow and purple. Occasionally, saxifrage flowers are bright red.

Calmly tolerates frost. And it can grow even on soil of medium fertility.

Types and varieties of saxifrage

There are many species and varieties of this ornamental plant. Among them, the following types are most popular:

• Arends' saxifrage;
• Weaving saxifrage;
• Saxifrage paniculata.

Stone grinder shadow

Arends' saxifrage- This is a type of saxifrage, which is distinguished by its short stature. It grows up to 20 cm in height. During the growth of this species, a dense green coating is formed. The leaves are bright, green, separated from each other. This species begins to bloom in May. The flowers of this species are bright pink, bright red and white. Since this type of saxifrage is very resistant to frost, the Arends saxifrage is also popular in northern latitudes. Among the varieties of this species, the following most popular varieties can be distinguished:

1. flamingo,
2. Peter Pan,
3. snow carpet,
4. Sleeping Beauty.

Saxifrage purple mantle

Weaving saxifrage- also a low-growing type of plant. Its height ranges from 20 to 50 cm. This species grows on mountain slopes in Asian countries. It differs from others in the presence of long filamentous lashes. The leaves are almost round in shape. The flowers form complex racemes. They are mostly white or slightly red in color. Usually this type of saxifrage is planted at home. Blooms from May to August. Of the varieties of saxifrage weaving can be called:

1. Tricolor,
2. maroon beauty,
3. Harvest Moon.

Paniculata saxifrage or Thigh- This is a tall type of flower. Grows up to 60 cm in height. This species is rarely used as an ornamental decoration. Most often it is used as a remedy. The inflorescences of the paniculate saxifrage are umbellate, and the flowers are small in shape and usually white. Flowering of the species occurs in May-June.

Grass thigh

Landing in open ground and care

As already mentioned, saxifrage is an unpretentious plant. This is just a godsend for beginner gardeners. However, planting a saxifrage, as well as caring for it, has its own difficulties and nuances.

soil and place

First you need to choose a place for landing saxifrage. The soil can be any. It is not necessary that it be highly fertile and well fertilized. However, the saxifrage likes limestone. Therefore, where the flower will grow, it is worth adding a little lime.

It is very important to think over the limiter in advance. Since this flower, it occupies the entire area provided to it. It is necessary to ensure that he does not interfere with his neighbors in the garden.

The saxifrage can be planted both in the sun and in a dark place. In order for the plant to grow well and for a long time, enhanced soil drainage is necessary. If water stagnates at the planting site, the roots may begin to rot.

Saxifraga Jenkinsiae

When is the best time to plant?

The most suitable time of the year for planting a flower in the soil is spring. Don't wait for the heat to come. It is best to sow seeds in open ground in April.

How to plant in open ground?

To plant a plant in the soil, you need to perform a number of actions:

1. Form small holes in the ground;
2. Place a plant seedling in the hole;
3. Dig on top of the earth;
4. Water the bed generously.

It is desirable to add the following fertilizers to the soil for planting:

1. Lime;
2. Peat;
3. Sand;
4. Gravel.

Proper Care

Caring for saxifrage does not require much hassle. Most species of this rock-breaking plant tolerate heat, frost, and drought with ease.

The main secrets of care:

1. Water only when needed even if it's hot. Immediately after planting the saxifrage, it is required to monitor the level of soil moisture. Then, when the plant covers the soil, it itself can retain moisture in the soil. That is why the roots of the flower are not afraid of drought.
2. Weeding is only necessary in open areas around the saxifrage, as it is able to suppress weeds;
3. No need to cover the flower in winter because the saxifrage is not afraid of frost.

Grade Pablo Picasso (Saxifraga Pablo Picasso)

How to grow from seed?

Growing from saxifrage seeds is also quite possible and does not present any particular difficulties. Saxifrage can also be grown from seeds, planting them immediately in open ground or for seedlings. You can do it yourself. In order to plant a plant from seeds for seedlings, you must perform a number of the following steps:

• Fill the planting box with a thin drainage layer. Then you need to pour pre-prepared soil on top. It should include the following components: sod land, sand, peat.
• Plant pre-dried seeds in a box in early spring. Seeds do not need to be planted deep in the ground, it is enough to sprinkle them with sand a little and water them;
• To create a greenhouse effect, the box must be covered with foil. You can periodically moisten the soil by spraying it with water. The first shoots can be seen already on the 15th day;
• When real leaves appear, the plants must be planted in separate pots;
• As the pots warm up, it is advisable to take them out onto the balcony in order to harden the flower before planting it in open soil;
• In early June, it is already time to plant plants in open soil.

You can try planting saxifrage seeds immediately in open ground. However, not all of them can ascend. Seed germination time reaches 3 weeks.

Saxifraga ´Paul Cezanne´ Saxifraga ´Paul Cezanne´

How to plant and how to care at home?

Room saxifrage will perfectly decorate the apartment. To plant a plant in room conditions, you must choose a window that is not too illuminated by the sun's rays. In warm weather, it is advisable to put the plant on the balconies, as it loves fresh air.

The air temperature should be between 20-25 degrees from spring to autumn. And in winter, it is desirable to lower the temperature to 15 degrees.

The plant does not require abundant watering. In winter, saxifrage should be watered as little as possible. During the heat period, it is advisable to spray the flower with water. Water for irrigation should be taken warm and settled.

The land in which indoor saxifrage grows must be fertilized regularly. In the spring, this should be done 1 time in 2 weeks. In winter, 1 time in a month and a half will be enough.

Indoor plant

Landing in the autumn

Saxifrage is rarely planted in autumn. However, some gardeners plant seedlings of the plant in the autumn for the winter. This method of planting is no different from spring.

Application in landscape design

The saxifrage is very popular with landscape designers. With its help, real masterpieces are created. The best place for planting saxifrage is alpine slides and rockeries.

The saxifrage is perfectly capable fill empty spaces in the gardens. The plant is able to instantly turn an empty rocky place into a chic flower carpet. Also, these plants can decorate borders.

The flower goes well with other plants of the same height. The best neighbors for a saxifrage in a flower bed can be phloxes, irises or tiarellas.

Stone grinder Snezhnaya

video consultation

About whether it is possible to grow saxifrage from seeds earlier - in the Garden Experiments blog.

Arriving at the dacha, we most often admire beautiful brightly flowering plants, sometimes not noticing the charms of ground cover plants.

They are invisible, but so sweet and charming that without them, alpine garden slides, rockeries, trunk circles of fruit trees would look dull and uninteresting.

One of the ground cover is an unpretentious saxifrage. The photo shows how beautiful this plant looks in various flower arrangements.

Description

Quite a diverse color leaves spread along the ground, covering an unoccupied piece of soil, they prefer to grow in crevices of stones, on soil that is not rich in humus.

Common name saxifraga (Saxifraga), but the existing variety of species and varieties can satisfy the most demanding landscape designer.

Note: considered a perennial, but one- or two-year-old plant species can often be found.

The leaves have a different shape: from dense and leathery to small needle-shaped or oblong.

The natural growth of this flower in mountainous areas, she loves to settle in the gorges. Cultivated saxifrage - a godsend for a novice inexperienced gardener. Planting it is not difficult, and care is the easiest.

The existing variety of varieties is divided into several types, but mainly gained popularity:

How it breeds

Propagation by seeds has not become widespread, but if you want to experiment, then you need to do this in early spring. In April, you need to take care of a light, nutritious soil.

The seeds are small and, when planted, they are mixed with sand and scattered over the ground, lightly sprinkled with earth on top. After that, covering the container with a film or glass, it is put in the refrigerator.

After 2-3 weeks, without removing the film, the container is transferred to a bright, warm place.

After 10-12 days, the first seedlings appear. The grown seedlings dive into separate pots. Seedlings are transferred to a permanent place in June.

Take note: saxifrage grown in this way will only bloom next summer.

In warm spring, seeds can be sown directly into open ground in April. It should be noted that a minimum of seedlings will sprout. If they are not available within 2-3 weeks, then they will not come out at all.

A rather risky method, despite the fact that in the spring, when there is a lot of work on the site, there is an opportunity to take an easier path and get a positive result.

Reproduction by rosettes has gained more popularity than sowing by seeds..

During summer growth, after flowering, the saxifrage forms many side rosettes. For reproduction, the strongest and largest, without signs of illness, is selected.

The socket is carefully separated from the mother bush and placed in a small container with wet sand.

When the roots are formed, the shoot is transplanted into a flower pot with light soil and kept for 2-3 weeks, until the formation of real large roots, after which the plant can be planted in a permanent place.

Florist's advice: this planting method can be used in early spring or after the saxifrage has faded.

Another simple but reliable method of propagation is dividing the bush. Produced during the period when the saxifrage dropped all the inflorescences, this is the end of June-beginning of July.

Before the procedure, the bush must be poured abundantly with warm water, then carefully dug out, trying not to greatly damage the root system. The division of the bush is made into as many parts as required.

Note: it is necessary to ensure that all parts separated from the mother bush have roots and adult leaves.

Then, at the mother bush, the sections are sprinkled with ash or treated with diluted potassium permanganate, and it is placed in the old place. Separate delenki are transferred to a new place, in pre-dug shallow holes.

Fertilizer is preliminarily poured into the hole, mixed with the ground, watered and then the plant is placed.

Transplant and care

It is necessary to transplant the saxifrage:

• after 5-6 years of growth in one place, after this time it is required to renew the plant;
• it is worth thinking about transplanting to a new place if the plant starts to hurt. Before transplanting, the seat must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or copper (iron) vitriol;
• with strong growth, when there is no longer space in the flower bed or it grows in a continuous carpet, without gaps;
• when growing indoors, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the roots of the plant already occupy the entire space of the pot.

Gardeners advise: for normal growth, saxifrage requires light, well-permeable water soil. A drainage layer must be placed at the bottom of the landing hole.

Expanded clay or pebbles can be mixed into the ground with which the hole is filled up. You can take a sand and gravel mixture and mix it with nutrient soil.

Choosing a place to plant a saxifrage is not difficult. This is partial shade, so it grows well in the near-stem circles of fruit trees or at the foot of an alpine hill.

Do not try to grow this flower in a sunny place or in full shade..

Saxifrage should be provided with regular but moderate watering. All weeds are periodically removed, it is desirable to combine this procedure with loosening and top dressing.

You need to feed the flower once a month with a complete mineral fertilizer. After the saxifrage has faded, all flower stalks are removed. So the plant will be easier to prepare for the winter and it will look neat and beautiful until frost.

When growing at home, a saxifrage pot is best placed in the back of a room or in a room with windows facing east.

Diseases

The plant is resistant to fungal and viral diseases, but quite often, with excess moisture, root rot may appear.

In this case, drastic measures are taken - the plant is completely dug up, all healthy rosettes are cut off from it, and it is better to burn the rest of the plant. Healthy sockets are treated with a disinfectant solution and planted in a new place.

In a dry summer or with insufficient watering, a flower can become infected with a spider mite, with a large number of ants in the area, they can bring aphids to the plant.

Watch the video in which the florist talks about breeding methods and caring for a very unpretentious saxifrage:

Soddy saxifrage (lat. Saxifraga cespitosa)- flower culture; a representative of the genus Saxifraga of the Saxifrage family (lat. Saxifragaceae). The homeland of the species is the taiga and tundra zones of the Northern Hemisphere. In nature, the species grows in North America and Eurasia. Soddy saxifrage is especially common on open cliffs and rocky crevices in some states of America.

Characteristics of culture

Soddy saxifrage is represented by perennial plants no higher than 20 cm high, forming a dense basal rosette of leaves and a stem covered with glands and pubescent. The leaves are dark green, the lower ones are palmately separate, consisting of 5 segments, which have a linear shape with rounded tips; the upper ones are small, sessile, entire or thrice pinnately dissected.

The flowers of the saxifrage soddy are white, red or pink, numerous, small. The fruits are capsules containing a large number of seeds. Flowering occurs in June - July. Outwardly, the saxifrage soddy resembles an airy and at the same time very dense pillow. In culture, the species is used infrequently. Gardeners most often use hybrids obtained by crossing the species in question with the rose-shaped saxifrage.

In nature, by the way, one variety of soddy saxifrage was found - var. emarginate. It is represented by plants that form basal bunches of leaves close to each other, above which flower stalks rise, bearing inflorescences consisting of small white flowers. The species is found predominantly in Washington on rocky areas. Saxifrage soddy is frost-resistant, unpretentious to growing conditions, undemanding to care, propagated by seeds, dividing the bush and cuttings.

Growing features

Like many saxifrages, the species in question needs moist, permeable and loose soil. Plants will tolerate commonwealth even with poor soils, but with dry ones - in no case. They will not put up with either drought or waterlogging, this is detrimental to them. It is not recommended to plant plants on sandy (especially sunny areas), saline, waterlogged, compacted and heavy substrates. The location is preferably semi-shaded with diffused light, areas open to the sun are not forbidden, but in this case the plants need protection from the scorching rays at noon.

It is preferable to sow seeds of saxifrage soddy in seedling boxes in March. You can sow immediately in open ground, but still the first option makes it possible to get stronger seedlings. The seeds of the saxifrage are small, so they do not need deep embedding, they can be scattered over nutritious and moistened soil, and covered with a thin layer of fine-grained sand on top. With good care, seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks. In the phase of the first true leaflet, the seedlings dive into separate containers. In open ground, grown seedlings are planted in June - July.

Application in traditional medicine

Unfortunately, not all saxifrages can boast of healing properties, but this does not apply to the species in question. Dry roots of the plant are used in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system. Infusions and decoctions are prepared from raw materials, which are combined with other useful ingredients, for example, rosehip broth and honey. Saxifrage soddy has a strong antiseptic, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it is often advised to use it in the treatment of various inflammatory processes and disorders.

The saxifrage flower is an ideal plant for rocky gardens, alpine slides or composite mixborders. In its natural habitat, it can be found mainly in mountainous areas. This means that in rockeries the conditions for growing saxifrage are simply ideal. But if your site does not provide any rocky landscape elements - do not despair! With proper care during cultivation, the saxifrage will feel quite acceptable on gravel soil.

Surprisingly, this extensive genus in Russian gardens is represented by only a few species. Most often, the so-called "moss" is grown - Arends' saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii). Sometimes you can find large-leaved species.

There are about 370 species in the genus, most of which are very decorative.

Of course, saxifrage is not one of those plants that can be stuck in the ground and enjoyed. After all, even large-leaved species, so similar to ordinary perennials, live among stones in nature. And what about compact pillows?

On this page you can find photos, names and descriptions of different types of saxifrages, as well as the rules for their cultivation and reproduction.

Types of saxifrage: photo, name and description

The huge kingdom of saxifrages is divided by botanists into sections, and those, in turn, into subsections. It is not necessary to know the exact classification of saxifrages, but if one or another variety or species belongs to a certain group, it is easier to deal with agricultural technology.

The most common, simplest saxifrages that look like pillows are the saxifrages of the Saxifraga section:

soddy saxifrage (S. caespitosa)

Arends' saxifrage (S. x arendsii)

These species and their cultivars form mats that can be grown simply in the foreground of a flower bed, along paths, or between stairs, as a ground cover. These plants are very unpretentious, winter-hardy, tolerate short-term flooding and dryness. All their agricultural techniques for caring for saxifrage flowers will be reduced to periodic, once every five years, re-cutting, because. old plants are exposed in the middle and require updating. Plants remain low even during the period when the seeds ripen.

As can be seen in the photo, this type of saxifrage has abundant, lush flowering:

Members of the Gymnopera section are generally larger and have juicy, fleshy leaves. They grow rather slowly, bloom with whitish flowers on long peduncles. They prefer shady places, they can be used in forest areas both in cracks and simply in flower beds.

Then the Alpine aristocracy begins. The species included in the section Ligulatae are also called silver saxifragae. They really are silver! Not at all similar to the previous groups, their leaves are hard, covered with numerous white outgrowths and specks. The section is numerous, the most popular are:

saxifrage paniculata (S. paniculata)

saxifrage longifolia (S. longifolia)

saxifrage obtuse (5.cotyledon)

Other views are no less beautiful! Plants are decorative all year round (after all, their leaves are evergreen), bloom in early summer.

Pay attention to the photo - these saxifrage flowers are small, white or freckled, collected in complex inflorescences on relatively long stems:

There is no place for silver saxifrages in the garden. There they will be crushed by more nimble neighbors, and winter or spring moisture will be fatal for them. These aristocrats must live on an alpine hill, running roots between limestone blocks. They need plenty of light and occasional moisture during dry periods.

The finest, most impressive saxifrages belong to the Porphyrion, or inlaid, section. These miniature species in nature are found in the most severe conditions. Abroad, such plants are very popular, breeders have been crossing them for a long time and have bred many breathtaking varieties.

As shown in the photo, growing and caring for saxifrages is also possible in pots:

This is due to the fact that, firstly, some species and varieties require strict adherence to moisture and soil conditions, so they are kept in special alpine greenhouses. Secondly, saxifrages are grown in bowls to be shown at exhibitions. And thirdly, saxifrage grows well in conditions where the space for root development is limited.

It is pointless to list the types and varieties of porphyrions. If you see a tiny tussock of textured leaves, completely covered with flowers that almost do not rise above the plant or, on the contrary, collected on a bizarrely curved peduncle, you have a porphyrion in front of you.

Saxifrages of other sections are either rare in culture or not decorative enough.

Look at the photos of the saxifrages, the description of which is given above:

Saxifrage in the garden: growing conditions and care

Would you like to have a tiny rug covered with breathtaking flowers in your garden every spring? For planting and caring for saxifrage flowers, it is best to build a rock garden. The most luxurious saxifrages can grow exclusively in the cracks between stones, preferably limestone. Full sun or the lightest shade, watering but no stagnant moisture, permeable but fairly nutritious soil, and the obligatory gravel mulch are the "gentleman's kit" for saxifrage. The exception is the most unpretentious and rather large: Arends saxifrage, shadow, round-leaved and some others. They can be used in ordinary flower beds.

Pay attention to the photo - planting and caring for saxifrages can be done not only in the alpinhouse:

Most porphyrions feel great between stones in an open rock garden. To grow saxifrage healthy, as practice shows, the main thing is to provide them with loose soil containing limestone gravel, drainage and gravel mulch. In especially wet periods, it would be good to cover the saxifrage from the rains.

In nature, there are saxifrage pillows up to a meter in diameter, their age is even hard to imagine. In the garden, these plants are less durable, because artificially created conditions are rarely ideal. Saxifrage requires periodic renewal, young plants tolerate various cataclysms much better.

True aristocrats, saxifrages cannot do without disease. True, they usually appear either from old age, or from incorrect agricultural practices. The main symptom of the disease is the browning of individual rosettes. They must be removed, the plants sprayed with a fungicide and the soil limed.

Reproduction of saxifrage: how to grow a flower from rosettes and seeds

Reproduction of saxifrages is possible by rosettes and by seed. Getting "youth" is simple - you need to cut individual rosettes, tearing them off the mother plant as deep as possible. As a rule, in saxifrages, all shoots come from the root collar, but they often have adventitious short roots, which, if necessary, quickly develop into a full-fledged root system.

It is better to root cuttings in coarse-grained sand, under a layer of which a loose soil mixture is used.

Spring cuttings take root within a month, summer longer. In the process of rooting, it is necessary to monitor the moisture content of the substrate. Saxifrage can be transplanted, preferably in the spring after flowering.

In breeding, as well as in the reproduction of species, sowing seeds is used. Here, for different species, techniques will be different: for example, Arends' saxifrage sprouts very quickly when sown in warmth, and almost all porphyrions and silver saxifrage will require stratification. Seedlings develop slowly; in compact species, only one rosette grows in the first year of life.

These photos show how to grow saxifrage from seeds:

Saxifrage is an amazing ground cover perennial from the Saxifrage family. It is able to survive and flourish in conditions that are unsuitable for many living organisms. The saxifrage can be found at the foot of the mountains, on rocks and rocky mounds. It got its name for the ability to settle in the smallest cracks and gradually destroy the stone with its roots. The plant is also called "gap-grass". In nature, it grows in temperate climates throughout the Northern Hemisphere and is successfully cultivated in gardens as a ground cover.

Botanical description

Saxifrage is a rhizomatous plant 5-70 cm high. They have long creeping stems. The plant is nourished by thin, branched roots. They are at the base of the processes, and are also formed in the internodes of the shoots upon contact with the ground. As a result, loose turf grows very quickly.

Petiole leaves are collected in a basal rosette. They vary greatly in some species. The fleshy or leathery leaf plate can have a variety of shapes (oval, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, pinnate). Leaves are smooth or slightly hairy. They are painted in dark green, silver, gray or bluish. The leaves are gradually covered with a white bloom, it is especially noticeable at the edges. In fact, these are lime deposits that are released by the plant itself.

In May-August, the saxifrage is covered with small flowers. Correctly shaped corollas on vertical arrows up to 20 cm long are collected in loose panicles. They consist of five petals with a pointed edge, so they resemble a star or a wide open bell. The flowers are most often white, but yellow, pink and red are also found. They exude a subtle pleasant aroma.

The saxifrage is pollinated by insects, but it is also prone to self-pollination with the help of wind. In September, fruits are tied - multi-seeded boxes with dark small oblong seeds.

Species diversity

The genus of saxifrage is very diverse. It has over 450 species.

Plants form dense bright green sods up to 20 cm high. Openwork small leaves are divided into narrow strips. Miniature star-shaped flowers bloom in May-June. Plants tolerate even severe frosts well. Varieties:

• Flamingo - blooms with pale pink buds;
• White carpet - loose paniculate inflorescences with white bells up to 1 cm in diameter bloom over low dark green shoots;
• Purple carpet - peduncles and the flowers themselves are painted burgundy or purple, and the core of the bud is yellow.

The variety blooms very little, but it is distinguished by dense bluish-green sods that can grow even on slightly acidic soil. Varieties:

• Triumph - covered with red flowers in June;
• Rose Kenigen - dissolves bright pink delicate inflorescences.

Herbaceous perennial 4-8 cm high forms beautiful symmetrical rosettes of fleshy leaves with serrated edges. The foliage is gray-green or bluish-green. Paniculate inflorescences of yellow, red or white colors bloom from the center of the outlet on a long arrow.

Dense dark green thickets form cushions 30-60 cm high. Creeping stems quickly spread over long distances. In June, fairly large flowers with five rounded petals bloom. Opening, they are painted pink, but gradually become purple.

Shade-loving plant up to 20 cm high with whole evergreen leaves of rich tones. The oval leaves with uneven edges are covered with purple stains below. In July, paniculate inflorescences with white small flowers bloom over leaf rosettes. Their core is purple.

Creeping branched shoots are very densely covered with bright green foliage. The edges of the oblong leaves are cut into thin stripes, so the dense cushion resembles moss thickets. In summer, yellow-white flowers bloom on peduncles up to 6 cm long.

The ground cover plant forms a dense green carpet. It is covered with petiolate rounded leaves. In early summer, white flowers with purple dots on the petals bloom on arrows up to 40 cm long. Plants are shade-tolerant and frost-resistant.

Growing saxifrage from seeds

Saxifrage seeds remain viable for up to three years. Before sowing, they must be stratified. To do this, the seeds mixed with sand are placed in the refrigerator for 15-20 days. Sow them first for seedlings. In March, containers are prepared with a mixture of greenhouse soil and sand. The soil is scalded, and the smallest seeds mixed with sand are scattered on the surface. You don't need to deepen them. Crops are sprayed and covered with a transparent lid.

Sprouts appear after 1-2 weeks. The grown seedlings with 2-4 leaves swoop down on separate peat pots. In May, seedlings begin to take out during the day for hardening. In open ground, the saxifrage is transplanted in early June. She intensively builds up shoots, but blooms only next summer.

Vegetative reproduction

Creeping shoots take root on their own. Roots form in the axils of the leaves upon contact with the ground. It is enough to cut off the rooted shoot from the mother plant and carefully transplant it to a new place with a clod of earth. Honestly, daughter rosettes are formed on the stems even without contact with the ground. They grow aerial roots. In the spring, the shoot is cut off and planted in open ground.

Shoots 5-10 cm long are cut into cuttings in summer. You can root them in water or loose sandy-peat soil. In autumn, a full-fledged small plant is obtained, but it is not yet ready for wintering in the garden. It is grown indoors and only transplanted outside next spring.

Landing and care at home

Saxifraga are very tenacious and unpretentious plants. They are grown in open ground, and are also used as an indoor flower. Plants develop best in well-lit areas or in partial shade. In the garden for seedlings, shallow pits are prepared at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. The saxifrage is undemanding to the composition of the soil, but prefers loose, well-drained substrates with a slightly alkaline reaction. The soil is dug up with slaked lime, gravel, sand and peat before planting.

Indoor flowers are planted 2-3 plants together to get a denser bush. They are transplanted as needed when the flower becomes crowded in a pot. The container is selected shallow, but wide enough. Pebbles, broken bricks or expanded clay are necessarily poured into the bottom with a thick layer.

During the period of active growth, the optimum temperature for saxifrage is + 20 ... + 25 ° C. For the winter, it is lowered to + 12 ... + 15 ° C. Variegated varieties are not recommended to fall below +15…+18°C. If indoor flowers are kept warm in winter, additional lighting is needed, otherwise the stems will stretch out a lot.

The saxifrage feels best at high humidity, so the sods need to be sprayed periodically. Watering is done by sprinkling. It is necessary to moisten the soil with care so that the water does not stagnate at the roots, and the top layer has time to dry out. The saxifrage covers the entire soil, so there is no need to weed the soil near it. It also successfully suppresses weeds.

In spring and summer, saxifrage thickets are fertilized twice a month. Usually alternate organic with mineral complexes. In winter, feeding is continued, but they are carried out less frequently (every 1.5-2 months).

The plant overwinters in temperate climates without shelter. Even if some of the shoots freeze in severe snowless winters, young shoots will appear from growth points in early spring and close the bald spots on the ground. Peduncles live only one year and dry out in autumn.

Indoor flowers are cut in half in spring in order to preserve the decorative effect of the bush longer. But in any case, after 5-6 years, the plant needs to be rejuvenated, since the bases of the shoots are strongly stretched and exposed.

Possible difficulties

With excessive dampness and stagnant water, the saxifrage is affected by powdery mildew and rust. Mold spots may also appear on the leaves. To prevent such diseases, it is necessary to keep the plants in a drier room and limit watering. Damaged leaves and shoots are cut off, and the remaining parts are treated with "copper sulfate" or fungicides.

Sometimes spider mites, mealybugs and aphids settle in the thickets. They quickly disappear after treatment with an insecticide (Aktara, Pirimor) or a soapy solution.

Use of saxifrage

A delicate green carpet, over which pink and white flowers on long stems rise like artificial ones, is suitable for landscaping rockeries, alpine hills and decorating masonry. The saxifrage easily decorates voids and decorates borders. It is also used in indoor gardening and as an ampelous plant. Phloxes, tiarellas, lingonberries or Chinese gentian can become partners for saxifrage.

The use of saxifrage as a medicine is known. Its leaves contain a large amount of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, organic acids and coumarins. Decoctions are taken as anti-inflammatory, anti-febrile and analgesic drugs. With their help, bronchitis, tonsillitis, gout, hemorrhoids, purulent rashes and skin ulcers are treated.