Saxifraga cymbalaria
Saxifraga cymbalaria · Saxifragaceae
📷 Franz Xaver · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around saxifraga cymbalaria and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to June, yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 10 to 20 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Balkans
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rocky or gravelly
Care
Light exposure
Saxifraga cymbalaria prefers full sun to partial shade. It particularly enjoys rocky areas or stone walls where it benefits from good light without excessive direct summer heat. In very warm climates, partial afternoon shade is welcome.
Soil
This saxifrage requires very well-drained soil, preferably rocky or gravelly, similar to its natural mountain habitat. Avoid stagnant water at all costs. A mixture of potting soil, gravel, and coarse sand is ideal for container growing.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period (spring and autumn). During summer, reduce watering if the soil remains moist. In winter, significantly decrease watering as the plant enters dormancy. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer
Light balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which would promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowering. A rock plant generally has minimal nutritional needs.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is truly necessary. Simply remove faded flowers to extend flowering and dead or damaged leaves. This plant remains compact and naturally well-shaped.
Diseases and pests
Saxifraga cymbalaria is generally hardy and not very susceptible to diseases. Watch for excess moisture that could promote root rot or powdery mildew. If problems occur, ensure that drainage is optimal.
Did you know?
Saxifraga cymbalaria was once used in traditional medicine to treat kidney stones, hence its genus name 'Saxifraga' (from Latin 'saxum' = stone and 'frangere' = to break). Its preferred natural habitat remains rocky cliff faces and stone crevices, where it clings with elegance, making it perfect for alpine gardens and old stone walls.
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.