Strictly speaking, moss saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga x arendsii) is not a species, instead various hybrids are gathered under this name. The low-growing, cushion-forming perennial fits perfectly in sunny rock gardens or as a green covering of natural stone walls. The plant has a wide range of varieties and is also easy to care for.

Moss Saxifrage is often planted in rock gardens

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowers and flowering time
  6. location and soil
  7. Plant moss saxifrage correctly
  8. Pour moss saxifrage
  9. Fertilize moss saxifrage properly
  10. Cut moss saxifrage correctly
  11. Propagating moss saxifrage
  12. hibernate
  13. species and varieties

    14. origin and distribution

    The different forms of the hybrid moss saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga x arendsii) do not always have the same parent species, so that a specific assignment cannot be made. Strictly speaking, it is not a species term, but a collective term for different varieties of garden saxifrage. Incidentally, gardeners divide the numerous cultivars into sections for easier differentiation, with species such as the moss saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga hypnoides) and the turf saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga rosacea) probably representing the parent species of most cultivars.

    Incidentally, the botanical name Saxifraga x arendsii is a homage to the famous German gardener and plant breeder Georg Arends, in whose nursery the first hybrid saxifrage breeds were created.

    use

    Moss saxifrage is one of the classic rock garden plants and should not be missing in any rock bed. In addition, the undemanding perennial is very well suited for greening bare dry stone walls. Although the plant thrives best in bright locations, it is considered to tolerate shade well and can therefore also be planted in semi-shady to shady beds as a foreground or border. The herbaceous plant looks very pretty as an underplanting for deciduous trees and cleverly conceals bare spots. Saxifraga x arendsii are also very suitable as grave plants. Moss saxifrage can be combined particularly well with various ferns and shade grasses, but also with perennials such as bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis), elf flowers (Epimedium), cranesbill (Geranium), thrifts (Armeria), purple bells (Heuchera), bergenia (Bergenia), Combine columbine (Aquilegia) or divine flowers (Dodecatheon).

    appearance and growth

    The moss saxifrage, which grows up to 15 or 20 centimeters high depending on the variety, forms evergreen leaf rosettes, which over time can develop into dense cushions through side shoots and runners.

    leaves

    The leaf rosettes consist of up to five centimeters long, rather thick leaves that have a dull pale green color and are pinnate.

    flowers and flowering time

    In spring, the much higher flowering shoots, on which many small, cup-shaped flowers are attached, grow from the flat rosettes of leaves. Depending on the variety, these can appear in a wide variety of colors. For example, there are white, yellow, violet, pink or deep red varieties. Of particular interest, however, are varieties with changing flower colors that may fade or darken over time.

    The main flowering time of the Saxifraga x arendsii hybrids is in the months of May to June, although some varieties can flower much earlier if the weather is right. After flowering, capsule fruits are formed.

    location and soil

    The various Saxifraga arendsii hybrids have very different requirements for the location. Basically, almost all varieties thrive in partial shade to shade, although some varieties require more light than others. Basically, you can't go wrong with a bright but sunny location. The soil is much more important anyway, as it must have a high level of permeability and be fresh rather than dry. The perennial feels most comfortable in humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil, which is particularly preferable because moss saxifrage is difficult to fertilize due to its often low height. However, the plant also thrives very well in poor soil, but is then dependent on a regular supply of nutrients.

    Plant moss saxifrage correctly

    Plant the moss saxifrage seedlings in the months between spring and autumn at intervals of 20 to 30 centimeters in the bed, whereby the recommended planting distance depends heavily on the variety chosen. It is therefore important that you follow the instructions on the plant label. Before planting, work mature compost or well-rotted manure into the soil and submerge the root ball in a bucket of water before planting. This allows the roots to soak up moisture again and then grow more easily.

    Incidentally, specimens planted in spring do not flower until the following year, which is why autumn planting is preferable for rapid flowering. The cushion-like growth also only sets in with a delay of a few months.

    Pour moss saxifrage

    Most Saxifraga arendsii hybrids like fresh soil, which is why you should water them regularly, especially during longer dry periods. Always water the plants from below, never over the leaves. The water can accumulate in the rosettes, which in turn leads to rot and fungal diseases. For the same reason, a permanently damp substrate or even waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. During planting, it makes sense to mulch the area with bark mulch, gravel or similar so that the soil doesn't dry out too quickly and you don't have to water as much.

    If the moss saxifrage lets its leaves droop, it usually needs water. Healthy plants recover quickly after watering and are not damaged.

    Fertilize moss saxifrage properly

    Basically, you only have to fertilize Saxifraga arendsii hybrids in very lean locations or in the event of deficiency symptoms. To do this, spread some compost among the plants and work it into the soil lightly - and carefully so as not to damage the roots.

    Cut moss saxifrage correctly

    Regular pruning is not necessary, but dead leaf rosettes and faded stems should be removed promptly.

    Propagating moss saxifrage

    You can propagate the various hybrids of the moss-saxifrage easily, either by dividing them or by rooting cuttings. Since Saxifraga x arendsii only very rarely forms fruit and thus seeds, propagation via seeds is possible in principle, but is rarely used.

    division

    In any case, the plants should be dug up at intervals of two to three years, divided and planted separately in a new location - moss saxifrage has the habit of developing loose growth over time and thus getting holes in the cushion. Regular division gives you the compact and dense growth. And that's how it works:

    • Dig up the plants carefully.
    • Gently shake off clinging soil.
    • Tear or cut the plants apart carefully, including the root ball.
    • Cut away diseased plant parts and bald spots.
    • Place the individual plants in a new location or in fresh substrate.
    • Water the planting vigorously to encourage new roots.

    cuttings

    When propagating cuttings, take young shoots from the padded edges in early summer, which you either plant straight into the bed or first into a pot with potting soil. Some of these cuttings are already rooted, since moss saxifrage reproduces itself via runners. Incidentally, with the help of cuttings, bare spots can be covered very well by placing the plants on them. The cuttings grow well within a few weeks and close the gaps in the cushion.

    hibernate

    Moss saxifrage is very hardy and only needs light winter protection when it comes to freshly planted young plants or specimens cultivated in pots. In addition, frost - i.e. low minus temperatures without protective snow cover - can also become a problem, which is why you should cover the plants with brushwood or leaves in the cases mentioned. In the spring, remove the cover in good time so that the perennials can sprout again. However, watch out for late frosts and protect the plants from them if necessary.

    tips

    Moss Saxifrage is very robust and is rarely attacked by diseases or pests. Only the rosette rot, caused by too much moisture, for example, can become a problem. In this case, you should cut out diseased parts of the plant and ensure more drought.

    species and varieties

    There are around 480 different species of saxifrage, some of which are difficult to tell apart. The moss saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga x arendsii), which grows only about 10 to 20 centimeters high, is ideal for planting in rock gardens, but can also be planted in crevices or on dry stone walls. Here the low perennial shows its decorative flowers, depending on the species and variety in spring between March and April or in late summer between August and October. There is a large selection of varieties in different flower colors. For example, these are very suitable for the ornamental and front garden:

    • 'Blossom Carpet': growth height up to 20 centimetres, crimson flowers between March and April
    • 'Bob Hawkens': growth height up to 15 centimetres, pink flowers between May and June
    • 'Sleeping Beauty': growth height of up to 15 centimetres, light red flowers between May and June
    • 'Spring Snow': growth height up to 25 centimetres, pure white flowers between May and June
    • 'Ingeborg': growth height of up to 15 centimetres, dark red flowers between May and June
    • 'Peter Pan': growth height up to 15 centimetres, crimson flowers between March and April
    • 'Purpurmantel': growth height up to 15 centimetres, purple flowers between April and May
    • 'Rosenzwerg': growth height up to 20 centimetres, purple-pink flowers between April and May
    • 'Snow Carpet': growth height up to 40 centimetres, pure white flowers between March and April
    • 'White Pixie': growth height up to 20 centimetres, white flowers between April and May

    Moss Saxifrage Saxifraga bryoides

    In addition, the species Saxifraga bryoides, which is native to the Pyrenees and other European mountains, is also referred to as moss saxifrage. This perennial, which also forms cushions, is very similar to Saxifraga x arendsii, but usually remains smaller with growth heights of up to ten centimetres. This species also only flowers between July and August and therefore much later.

    Alternatives / Similar species

    Species that are also often planted in gardens are very similar to the moss saxifrage, such as the garden saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga cortusifolia) or the shrub saxifrage (bot. Saxifraga cotyledon). In contrast to the moss saxifrage, the garden saxifrage can also thrive in partially shaded to shady locations, and it only flowers in autumn between September and October. The shrub saxifrage, on the other hand, needs a sunny spot, but only flowers between June and July.

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Herbs