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Vladimir 03/17/2020
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The beauty of nature is unique; plants can exist and actively develop in the mountains, under not very favorable conditions, in deserts, on dry sands, on poor lands that can give little. Saxifraga has flowers of incredible beauty; planting and caring for it are extremely simple. It will perfectly withstand frosts and summer drought, and will delight the eye with its small, but variegated flowers for a long time.
Description
Saxifraga belongs more to mountain plants, as its name suggests. It prefers to grow between stones with a minimum of nutrients and poor watering, but is a bright spot in any landscape design with stones. In addition, some varieties are used not only to create beautiful compositions; in medicine, medications necessary for many are made from all parts of the plant.
Saxifraga (Saxifraga Caespitosa)
The natural habitats of the species are Eurasia, Central America, and mountainous areas of tropical Africa; it is under such natural conditions that the trunk can develop perfectly. Saxifraga can be either an annual or a perennial; now there are more than 400 species of this plant. The trunks bloom from May to August.
They differ from each other in external characteristics:
- come in different sizes
- can be grown both in open ground and in pots
The leaves can also be a distinctive feature; in some species they are very small, and in others they are medium in size. There is a saxifrage whose foliage grows only 5 cm, some species can grow up to 70 cm in height. In this case, the bushes of the plant will completely cover the soil with a radius of up to 12 cm.
The leaves of saxifrage are collected in a basal rosette, usually green. Sometimes the leafy part may have a bluish tint; this occurs due to the plant’s ability to accumulate lime. Each leaf has several flower stalks, on which flowers of different colors with five petals open over time.
Saxifraga paniculata
Flowers usually have delicate shades: pink, white, purple, yellow, some varieties are distinguished by red flowers. Some species have paniculate inflorescences, are cold-resistant and differ from their relatives in their complex root system. After flowering, in place of each flower, a seed box with a large number of small grains is formed. When sowing, not all will sprout; many will die from excess moisture.
Indoor varieties are most often hanging, grow and develop well on northern windows, but they still need light. This flower is easy to care for and plant; even a novice gardener can grow it both indoors and in the garden. Saxifraga will do well without moisture and will grow even if it is not regularly fertilized.
Mulching, loosening
Stagnant moisture is a problem that causes the roots and leaves of saxifrage to rot. It is useful to periodically loosen the soil around ground cover plants. A sufficient level of aeration has a positive effect on the growth of any flowers, including saxifrage.
Mulching is an effective method of retaining moisture. Interestingly, medium-sized stones are often used to cover the soil around plants. Under dense cover, weeds practically do not grow. Before forming a layer of mulch, be sure to moisten the substrate.
Types and varieties
There are more than 400 species of saxifrage in nature , some of them are grown in the garden, others are preferable to have on the windowsill. The plant is not picky in its care and endures all difficulties and hardships.
Saxifraga is often used in landscape design; with the help of the flower you can create magnificent compositions. It is often used as a border plant, sometimes flower beds are decorated with saxifrage so that it seems that a flower blanket has covered a certain area
Saxifraga alba
Rocky places can be improved with low-growing plants of mountain origin. The varieties feel great between stones and will gradually cover everything around with variegated small flowers.
Not all species are used by flower growers; some remain wild. No more than a dozen are popular, now we will look at them in more detail.
Arends
The low-growing hybrid is a great success among flower growers and landscape designers. It is used to add zest to classic front gardens; the plant also looks great in the modern design of flower beds in the yard.
Saxifraga Arends
With the help of the species, the effect of a flower carpet is achieved on any type of soil, even in the most remote and shaded corners of the garden. Arends' saxifrage is one of the decorative hybrids that are grown outdoors.
The hybrid feels best in the north, where the climate and soils are ideal for it. Saxifraga is planted in groups to quickly achieve the desired effect.
The main characteristics are:
- the plant reaches 10-20 cm in height
- bushes often intertwine with each other
- the leaves are small, separate, have a rich green color
- flowering occurs in May-June
Suitable only for growing in flower beds; as a houseplant it does not grow well. And then he dies.
Most often, the following varieties are used in garden and garden design:
- Purpurmantel , whose name speaks for itself. The plant has low, up to 20 cm, stems with purple-pink tassels.
- Bluetentheppich forms a 15 cm mat of bright red flowers. The plant's decorative properties are excellent; it is often used as a border plant, but excess bushes are regularly removed.
- Schneeteppich will help create a snow-white carpet in the summer. The rich greenery of the leaves hardly breaks through the many white flowers; the leaves can reach 10 cm in height.
- The flamingo has an identical color to the bird; the delicate flowers will fit perfectly into any landscape design and become an integral part of it. Seeds and seedlings of the variety are not yet very common in our country, but this will not last long, Flamingo is successfully gaining momentum.
- Peter Pan will fit perfectly into an alpine hill with any other ornamental plants; small pink flowers with yellow centers will not leave anyone indifferent. The openwork of small leaves is visible between the flowers and this gives a special charm to the variety.
Bedrenets
A herbaceous perennial, saxifrage, which is rarely grown for decorative purposes . The stem can reach 70 cm in height, has umbrella-like inflorescences that are not at all attractive, but is an indispensable raw material in pharmacology. The distribution area is limited to the European part of Siberia and the Caucasus. It is found in pine forests, in glades and forest edges, and on grassy slopes of mountainous areas.
Saxifraga Bedrenets
Flowering occurs in May-June; the flowers themselves are unremarkable, small, white, collected in large umbrellas. All parts of the plant are used to produce medicines, the seeds and leaves are especially valued.
Soddy
The soddy type of plant came to us from the northern regions of Eurasia and North America. The trunk is characterized by a dense basal rosette of leaves, the lower ones have significant branches, the lower ones are more dense and erect. The leaf plates are painted dark green, the lower ones have pronounced veins.
Saxifraga Soddy
The flowering of Saxifraga turf is not long, usually no more than three weeks, but very beautiful. Small flowers can be pink, red, white. During the flowering period, the stem looks like a large pillow with a colored print. You can admire the beauty in June; depending on weather conditions, sometimes flowering is postponed to July.
Indoor view
Indoor saxifrage varieties are ideal for growing by amateur gardeners . Its unpretentiousness and excellent decorative qualities allow it to be used in the most northern and dimly lit rooms. The ideal microclimate for the plant will be dry and cool air, which is often observed in our apartments in winter.
Homemade look
The homeland of the trunk is the mountainous regions of Japan and China, where with the help of shoots the plant clings between stones, then small roots are formed, which obtain food for themselves on these poor soils. Gradually, the roots stimulate the growth of new leaves, and a new bush is formed.
The indoor species differs from other varieties of saxifrage in having larger leaf blades; in addition, the staff will have a large number of tendrils, which look very impressive in a hanging pot.
Indoor saxifrage can be combined indoors in multi-level pots with petunias, such a neighborhood will have an excellent appearance.
The only important condition for home cultivation is minimal lighting; in bright light, the leaves of indoor saxifrage will become faded and inconspicuous. Gradually the flower will begin to hurt and may die. The plant needs minimal watering; it is better to use light soils with a high sand content.
Some species of saxifrage are listed in the Red Book and are protected by law.
Growing saxifrage: start simple
Unpretentious soddy saxifrage (S. Caespitosa) and Arends (S. arendsii) form soft mats and bloom with white, pink or red flowers on graceful peduncles. With this saxifrage you can practice all the techniques of planting, sowing, cuttings, and then move on to more complex species.
They are magnificent in bloom - they make colorful rugs. Pads without flowers are also good - both consistently green and compact throughout the year. Only old plants can prop up in the middle in winter, and a “bald spot” will appear at the pillow. It is better to rejuvenate such curtains by planting small pieces for rooting.
These saxifrages, introduced into cultivation long ago, have varieties, for example, with semi-double flowers or with very short peduncles.
If it were not for the high growth rate, this saxifrage could be recommended for a rocky garden. However, its place is more likely in the curb, on a retaining wall or near a path, where, despite its low growth, it will not get lost. But if you do plant it among stones, you need to do it away from more delicate plants or periodically trim the edges of the curtain.
The second species that can most often be found among lovers of alpine trifles is paniculate saxifrage (S. paniculata). This is an unpretentious and winter-hardy plant from the mountains of Europe, having rather large rosettes with lime-like outgrowths along the edges of the leaves.
Reproduction methods
To get a good, healthy plant, you need to propagate it correctly. Saxifraga is no exception to this; simply tearing off a branch and sticking it into the ground will not work. There is only a small chance that the plant will take root after this method; in order to be sure to have saxifrage in your garden or home, you will have to study all known methods of its propagation.
Young plant seedlings
The standard is propagated in several ways:
- seed, carried out by sowing purchased seeds in the ground or through growing seedlings
- by cuttings, through planting young branches with roots taken from whiter adult plants
- layering, when the side branches are cut off and transplanted to the right place
- dividing the rosettes, it is important to preserve the rhizome on each part
Each of the methods is carried out in early spring or before winter , but it is worth counting so that the cutting or divided bush has time to take root in a new place.
You should not expect sprouts from seeds sown before winter; the plant will make itself known in early spring. The bole will bloom in June-July; in the first year it may not be abundant. In the future, the saxifrage will only grow and delight the eye with a colorful blanket.
Propagation by seeds
Growing by seed
The seed propagation method most often involves growing seedlings in closed ground, and then planting young plants in open ground . But some gardeners practice sowing seeds directly into the ground.
For that. To obtain the maximum possible number of saxifrage seedlings, it is necessary to sow the grains correctly.
The procedure is carried out as follows:
- It is first necessary to statify the seeds; to do this, add a little ordinary sand to them, pour them into a container and place them on the top shelf of the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks;
- the next step will be direct sowing into a container with soil; for this, the soil is lightly compacted and sprinkled with seeds and sand, watered;
- It is advisable to cover the container with glass or wrap it with film, this creates a greenhouse effect that accelerates the germination of plants;
- the first shoots will hatch within 10 days, then the plant will begin to develop more rapidly;
- When the trunks have four true leaves, it is advisable to plant them in separate pots, this will allow them to grow faster and simplify transplanting into open ground.
After this, they wait until the soil warms up enough and plant the saxifrage babies in the prepared soil. The first days you can water the plants moderately, and then you should exclude water altogether for the benefit of the plants.
It is worth understanding that the plants will show themselves in all their glory only in a year; this season will pass without flowering.
Planting seedlings in open ground
Although saxifrage is considered a frost-resistant plant , seedlings are planted only after frosts on the ground have passed. After this, young plant seedlings can be planted in the prepared area of the flowerbed or garden.
Plant ready for transplanting into open ground
To do this, the pots with seedlings are well watered, the soil is loosened in the chosen place and depressions are made. A seedling with a lump of soil is placed in each hole, sprinkled with soil from the garden bed, and lightly compacted.
There is no need to carry out additional watering; the moisture already received will be enough for the trunk. The next watering can be done after 5-7 days if there was no precipitation during this period. The bushes should be placed according to a 20x20 cm pattern, so that they have room to grow later.
Sowing in the ground
It is also practiced to sow seeds in open ground; for this, it is also necessary to prepare the grains . There is no need to statify them, this process will take place naturally during the wintering period, but it won’t hurt to disinfect them.
Sowing seeds in open ground
To do this, the grains are soaked for several days in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or any fungicide . Afterwards it is dried and mixed with sand. In the selected area, shallow furrows are made, up to 1.5 cm, and the seeds are sown. The furrows are lightly covered with garden soil and watered.
It is best to carry out the procedure in early spring, but sowing is also possible before winter. You should not expect 100% germination; saxifrage does not reproduce well using this method. In the spring, after 25 days after the procedure, no seedlings have appeared, you can safely plant other plants in this place, saxifrage will no longer appear.
Cuttings
Cutting scheme
Using this method, propagation is carried out in July, after the end of the flowering period of the trunk.
To do this, do the following:
- wet sand is collected in a box or container;
- in an adult plant that is more than two years old, several young side shoots are cut off;
- It is advisable to treat the cut with crushed charcoal to protect both the plant and the cuttings from diseases and pests;
- the cut parts are rooted in a container with sand, and in the fall they are planted in a permanent place;
- You can leave young seedlings to overwinter in the sand; for this, select a cool place with low light;
- In the spring, overwintered cuttings are planted in open ground in the same way as saxifrage seedlings.
Update the plant stems in a timely manner, then the flowerbed will always look great. Saxifraga has a spectacular appearance for 5-6 years, then it needs to be replaced with a young plant.
Dividing the bush
This method is the most common; most often, gardeners renew saxifrage or share plants with just a piece of the bush. Every spring, warmth and moisture stimulate the plant to send out additional side shoots and roots. Gradually they turn into a full-fledged plant, which is connected to the main trunk by leaves. It is in this place that it is worth separating the young growth, but this should be done only after the end of flowering.
Bush division scheme
A shoot is cut off from an adult trunk with a sharp knife; it is advisable to treat the cut site with wood ash. The resulting plant is treated with fungicides and planted in pre-prepared soil according to a 20 cm x 20 cm pattern. By winter, the young plant will take root, and in the spring of next year you can expect the first flowers.
Layerings
Reproduction by layering is quite popular; it does not require a lot of time and effort. It is enough to take a longer side branch, make a small depression under it, and water it . Next, lay the cuttings and lightly sprinkle them with garden soil and press down a little.
Reproduction scheme by layering
Periodically, in the absence of precipitation, the cuttings must be watered with small portions of settled water. In the fall, the cuttings will already have their own roots, but there is no need to trim them; it is better to do this in the spring. It is advisable to sprinkle the cuttings with ash, and transplant the cuttings along with the earthen ball to a permanent place of residence.
To ensure reliability, the cuttings can be pinned with small spikes made of wood or metal, and mulched with peat for the winter.
Care
Saxifraga is considered a favorite of flower growers because of its ease of care, but in order to have a beautifully designed ridge, an alpine hill, or just a certain area of the garden, the plant must be surrounded with care. There are no particular difficulties in this, but the process must be taken responsibly.
Saxifraga Peter Pan
In order for the selected saxifrage variety to bloom and grow, it is necessary to provide it with the following conditions:
- First of all, we choose the right place, it should be shady; direct sunlight will soon destroy the garden flower.
- Before planting, pay attention to the soil; it should not be heavy or have stagnant moisture.
- During the growing season and flowering, saxifrage is rarely watered. It is necessary to moisten the soil only in cases where there is no precipitation for more than a month. But at the same time, moderate watering is carried out, preferably flowing, but this depends more on the soil.
- Loosening the soil around saxifrage plantings is necessary; this will protect the trunk from stagnation of moisture. Provides oxygen access to the root collar.
- Weeding is also an important element of care; weeds will not contribute to the growth and development of the flower carpet, so it is better to remove them promptly and regularly.
- Pruning will help maintain the attractive appearance of garden plantings; after flowering, it is necessary to remove all dry flower stalks and leaves.
In addition, a couple of times a month, adult trunks need to be fed to stimulate flowering and better growth to the required areas. It is worth considering that not everything is suitable for saxifrage; first carefully study the necessary information. Universal garden products will not be suitable, but now we will find out which ones will be ideal.
Plant nutrition
It is necessary to stimulate growth and support the plant during the flowering period with fertilizing, but it is important to know which ones are suitable and will not destroy the plant. Saxifraga is picky; nitrogen-containing substances have a negative effect on it; a complex of mineral substances would be an ideal option.
Saxifraga oppositeifolia
But they must be introduced using a special method:
- The fertilizers chosen for saxifrage must be applied along with watering.
- Before preparing the solution, be sure to read the instructions and use exactly half the specified amount of the substance for the indicated amount of water.
- Mix thoroughly and water the plants.
It is advisable to loosen the soil well before applying, remove weeds and excess plants from the flowerbed area.
Much does not mean good, this rule is effective for feeding saxifrage. Excess nutrients will only harm the plant, can cause diseases, attract pests, which will completely destroy the plantings.
Preparing for winter
All varieties of saxifrage tolerate winter cold and frost well, since most varieties come from ancestors from the north. But still, some varieties need help in wintering in order to protect and preserve them.
Juniperus saxifraga
An important point for her will be the preservation of the shoots during reproduction; they must be mulched for the winter with peat or dry small sawdust, and covered with leaves or spruce branches on top.
Well-rooted plants tolerate winter well; their preparation consists of completely cutting off the above-ground part of the plant and covering it with dry leaves or spruce branches. The layer should not be very thick so that air flows normally, otherwise the plants can support and provoke the development of putrefactive diseases.
The soil
The saxifrage plant came to our gardens and flower beds mainly from mountainous regions or from very poor soils that were not suitable for most plants. She learned to take the most from such soil, to survive on it and at the same time to bloom. On good soils rich in nutrients, the plant is unlikely to please with lush greenery and flowering.
Saxifraga Arends
To give the hybrid the opportunity to fully develop, provide it with the right soil, on which it will please the eye for a long time. To do this, it is advisable to remove the top layer of garden soil before planting seedlings, and fill it with a specially prepared soil mixture.
It is unlikely that you will be able to find such a composition in the store, so it is better to make it yourself, for this you will need:
- peat
- greenhouse or garden soil
- lime
- sand
- fine gravel
The first four ingredients are taken in the same proportion, and it is enough to add a handful of pebbles to 5 liters of ready-made soil mixture. The prepared soil is laid on the places where saxifrage grows in the fall, during the winter and early spring it will become compacted, after which it will be possible to plant the plants.
Remove the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm, it is no longer worth it, the roots of decorative saxifrage do not penetrate very deeply.
When sowing seeds and propagating by cuttings, it is advisable to use the same soil; on heavier ones, young plants may not take root or may constantly get sick and wither.
We are creating special conditions: you will have to... move mountains!
Cushion-shaped saxifrages are inhabitants of mountains: crevices, caverns in stone, vertical walls. Their rigidity, hard protrusions, scaly structure, bluish color or powdery coating - all these are adaptations developed to reduce evaporation and withstand mountain solar insolation. The roots are designed in such a way that, on the one hand, they firmly hold the pillows in extreme conditions, and on the other hand, they are able to extract moisture and nutrients from the farthest crevices of the stone, in which it is most often stored.
But saxifrages are not used to the opposite: it is difficult for them to cope with excess moisture if it stagnates in the roots or around the root collar. They are not used to the summer heat: it is always cool in the mountains. So how can you please them?
Many quite winter-hardy saxifrages look amazing when planted in containers and require virtually no care other than watering. They are not afraid of prolonged freezing of the soil: in nature they often grow on cliffs completely devoid of snow. The place for saxifrage must be selected with special care; they simply will not grow in the garden bed.
Diseases and pests
Plant requiring attention
All varieties and types of saxifrage are characterized by increased resistance to many diseases and plant pests.
But sometimes, under certain circumstances, the trunk can be affected:
- fungal diseases
- root rot
- powdery mildew
- mealybug
- spider mite
- aphids
Root rot is a consequence of fungal diseases that occur as a result of improper watering or poor soil drainage . The methods of combating these diseases are drastic; diseased plants, along with their rhizomes, are removed from the flowerbed. The vacated space must be treated with fungicides and the soil replaced.
Light, but not heat
Saxifragas should not be planted in direct sunlight, but so that they receive a lot of light, but with protection from the midday heat. A difficult task that can be solved in several ways. Firstly, saxifrage can be planted on the northern, eastern or western side of the rock garden, not at its very top. Then the stones will block them from the sun, and there will be enough light. Secondly, direct light can be blocked by a fairly tall plant located on the south side of the saxifrage. It could be a lumbago bush, for example, or one of the dwarf conifers. Just when planting, maintain a distance so that the leaves of the plants do not fall on the pillow.
Compatibility in landscape design
The low-growing flower is often used in landscape design in various combinations . Its excellent ability to survive and grow on the poorest soils allows it to improve and tidy up the most unfavorable areas of the garden. It is enough to sprinkle rocky areas with a thin layer of garden soil and plant a couple of saxifrage bushes there; in a couple of years there will be a dense carpet of lush greenery and variegated small flowers.
Alpine slide
In addition to single plantings, saxifrage is actively used for ridges and alpine slides; the trunk looks especially impressive with low-growing flowering specimens. Ideal options would be irises, phlox, tiarella.
As borders, saxifrage is combined with purslane , but this proximity will not last long; purslane must be constantly reseeded.
Large tubs with saxifrage are very popular ; in winter they are admired indoors, only the temperature is selected accordingly.
Plant properties
Saxifraga shady variegata
Almost all types of saxifrage from the garden have medicinal properties; everything useful for the human body is found in the leaf blades:
- alkaloids
- flavonoids
- organic acids
- vitamins
- fatty acid
These substances have antitumor, antihemorrhoidal, and antiseptic properties. The decoction calms exacerbation of asthma, relieves symptoms of vomiting and infectious diseases, inflammation of the genitourinary system and liver. Fresh leaves will alleviate the condition and help eliminate purulent rashes on the skin.
You can use saxifrage as a medicine only after consulting with a specialist; uncontrolled use can negatively affect human health.
Don't overfeed!
The soil should be granular, moisture-absorbing and permeable. Somewhere inside the rock garden or at the bottom of the container there may be a rather nutritious layer, where the saxifrage will eventually reach with its roots. But overfeeding risks that the plant tissues will become too loose and some kind of putrefactive infection will penetrate into them. Therefore, it is better not to feed saxifrages at all than to overfeed, and the soil mixture should consist of two-thirds granular components (limestone gravel, coarse sand, vermiculite) and only one-third be nutritious (clay, black peat and humus). Nitrogen fertilizers are contraindicated for saxifrage; this element is best given as part of complex fertilizers. You can use superphosphate, or you can add organic substances, such as bone meal and blood meal.
Some types of saxifrage are so difficult to cultivate that collectors grow them in alpine greenhouses, where all the required conditions are maintained. Special rock gardens are also created for saxifrages, the best stone for which is considered to be calcareous tuff-travertine, which is very hygroscopic.
