The so-called moss saxifrage (Saxifraga arendsii) is a particularly low-growing subspecies of saxifrage. Like other species of the genus Saxifraga, the moss saxifrage can be used perfectly as a cushion-forming plant in rock gardens or as a perennial flowering plant on natural stone walls.

Moss Saxifrage is usually hardy

Winter protection: only necessary for freshly planted specimens and cold frosts

As a plant originally native to the high mountains, the saxifrage is generally hardy even in very cold regions. Covering the moss saxifrage with leaves or twigs can be useful for various reasons:

  • in breeding specimens from the greenhouse
  • in specimens planted relatively late in the year
  • in winters with frosts

In the high mountains, the saxifrage is usually protected by a blanket of snow from severe frost until spring. Bald frosts are cold winter periods without snow cover, which can hit some plants hard. Saxifrage plants cultivated in front of stone walls can therefore react more sensitively to frost because they are strongly heated by the sun during the day and their protective snow cover melts.

Don't let the moss saxifrage die of thirst in winter

If the moss saxifrage does not get through the winter well, it does not have to be because the temperatures are too cold. Although the saxifrage should be planted in a location with permeable subsoil if possible, you should not let it dry out either. Before the onset of winter, check whether there is still sufficient contact between the shallow roots of the moss saxifrage and the ground. Sometimes, strong growth or rain-related underwashing can cause this direct contact to be lost and a cavity to form under the plants.

Beware of waterlogging and acidification

It is not only dehydration that can cost your moss saxifrage its life, it also does not tolerate persistent waterlogging. You should therefore loosen up very heavy and loamy soils by mixing sand and gravel under the substrate. Please also note that various conifers and conifers in the vicinity of the moss saxifrage can lead to slow acidification of the soil and that the moss saxifrage sometimes appreciates a little lime when tending to it.

tips

The seed capsules of the moss saxifrage only begin the germination process after a pronounced cold phase. Outdoors, however, it can be very difficult to distinguish the tender little plants from weeds in spring. Therefore, it usually makes more sense to collect the seeds, expose them to the freezing temperatures and then grow them in trays in a controlled manner.

Category:

Herbs