Saxifraga bryoides
Saxifraga bryoides · Saxifragaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant saxifraga bryoides: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Mossy Saxifrage
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, in compact rosettes
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Mature size
- 5-10 cm tall, 10-15 cm wide
- Growth
- Very slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Alps and Pyrenees
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to moderately rich
Care
Exposure
Place your mossy saxifrage in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates sunny rocky areas in alpine gardens well. Light summer shade in very hot regions also suits it.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period (spring-summer). Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. In winter, significantly reduce watering to prevent rosette rot.
Soil and substrate
Use very well-drained substrate, made up of light potting soil, coarse sand and gravel. Saxifrage hates waterlogging. In pots, choose alpine or scree soil.
Fertilizer
A light application of diluted liquid fertilizer in spring is enough. This plant prefers poor soils and overfeeding promotes chaotic growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or rotting rosettes and spent flowers to maintain the compact appearance. Aerate the clump if overcrowded.
Diseases and pests
Rosette rot is the main problem, especially with excessive moisture. Aphids can occasionally affect young shoots. Improve air circulation and check soil drainage.
Did you know?
Mossy saxifrage takes its Latin name 'bryoides' from its resemblance to mosses found in alpine rock gardens. For centuries, it has adorned dry stone walls and mountain rockeries in the Alps, where its ability to colonize the most inhospitable rock crevices has made it emblematic of alpine flora.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.