1. Diadem of diamonds: the saxifrage of fortune
Originally from Japan, she likes cool shade and humus soils, like the undergrowth or rockery in the shade. Its flowering in fine and lovely stars then occurs in October when the flowerings of the others die off. ‘Rubrifolia’ bears red stems and leaves with purple undersides.
Height 30 cm, diameter 40 cm.
2. Splattered with rubies: “southside seedling”
It’s undoubtedly one of the prettiest S. cotyledon. First by its leaves, leathery and toothed which persist in winter, then by its flowers in May-June, a veritable cloud of small white flowers with a red heart. Perfect for giving relief to rockeries or stone troughs, it tolerates the sun but not damp soil.
Height 30-50 cm, diameter 30 cm.
3. River of garnets: moss saxifrage
There S. hypnoides (=S. exarata ssp. moschata) is distinguished by its covering habit and by its cultural requirements: it prefers neutral or even slightly acidic soil and a bright exposure but not in direct sunlight (the light shade of a tree or shrub for example).
It will then flower in May-June in shades of white, red, or pink. ‘Denso’ is even more compact, ‘Cloth of Gold’ is all golden with white flowers.
Height 10-15 cm, diameter 40 cm.
4. Beautiful tourmalines: saxifraga ssp. grisebachii
A real curiosity with its rosettes of interlocking leaves so encrusted with limestone that they appear powdered with white. Of the Marchthey stretch to give birth to curious inflorescences covered with purple hairs. ‘Wisley’ has dark pink bracts with green tips, ‘Feuer Kopft’ is redder, ‘Theresa’a very close hybrid, is smaller but very strong. Height 10-20 cm, diameter 20 cm.
5. Pearl necklace: saxifraga trifurcata
This pretty Pyrenean specimen likes stony lands rather calcareous, located in shade or partial shade although it tolerates morning or late afternoon sun. It will reward you with a profusion of white flowers between May and July, topped with numerous rosettes of jagged grass-green leaves. Height 30 cm, diameter 30 cm and more.
How to cultivate them?
Plant them in April or September in well-drained soil (rockery, low wall, trough), in partial shade (especially if you live in a region with scorching summers). Then, maintenance is simple: not too much watering, no fertilizer, but cleaning damaged leaves and faded flower stalks to keep them looking precious.