Saxifraga: planting and care in open ground

The best ornamental varieties of saxifrage plants

Indoor saxifrage is perfect for beginning flower growers.
The undemanding nature of most species of this plant allows it to be placed in northern rooms and rooms with moderate access to sunlight. Bright lighting can make the plant look pale and cause disease.

This flower prefers dry and cool environments, it has massive leaves and generously produces tendrils. Saxifraga is a bush, the species of which like sparse watering, soil with plenty of sand, and look good next to petunias.

During the spring-autumn period, acceptable temperature values ​​for saxifrage range from 20 to 25°C. In winter, the plant will suit 12-15°C, its subspecies with variegated leaves will need from 15 to 18°C.

Lighting

The flower can be planted near the shady sides of the window; the best option is the western and eastern sides of the house. Northern sides are also allowed, but when placed on the southern side, it will be necessary to provide the saxifrage with protection from direct rays of the sun.

Direct sunlight is not allowed

Fresh air stimulates its growth, which is why it is often placed on a summer balcony. Intense lighting is harmful, but lack of sunlight can also cause fading. In an open garden, the plant is planted in the shade.

Use settled water at room temperature. The soil should not be oversaturated with moisture, as this will lead to rotting of the roots. Drying out the soil is also unacceptable.

From the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, the house plant is watered no earlier than the top layer of soil has dried to a thickness of 2-3 cm, this is about 2 times a week. When located on open ground, precipitation should be taken into account.

For the winter period, the watering schedule is once every 8-12 days. Water should not accumulate in leaf rosettes; this can also contribute to rotting, and therefore the best method of watering is a tray. It should feed the pot only until the soil is completely moistened.

Spraying

The saxifrage should be sprayed with the same water as for watering. Infrequent spraying is carried out in spring and summer. If the air in the apartment is dry, it is carried out occasionally in winter.

Humidity

In winter, it is not recommended to keep the plant near radiators or heating devices, but to increase air humidity, you can dry wet things on adjacent radiators.

Despite its love for moisture, saxifrage thrives in dry climates, while frequent spraying can be harmful.

Additional Information. Humidity is increased by containing expanded clay, moss or pebbles in the tray; another way to humidify the room is to place vessels with water near the pot.

This flower is adapted to obtain useful substances from scarce mountainous areas and rocks, which is why ordinary soil is not suitable for it. Ideal for saxifrage would be a combination of garden or greenhouse soil, crushed gravel, lime, peat and sand.

All this is enough in the same quantity with the exception of gravel, a handful of which is enough for a volume of 5 liters.

Top dressing

Soil enrichment is carried out in summer, winter and spring with a fertilizer solution diluted in water.

In winter, fertilizing is done once every one and a half to two months, the rest of the time every two weeks.

Note! With a lack of nutrients, the sprouts spread chaotically, and the leaf bases lengthen. An excess increases the risk of fungal diseases.

In winter, the flower remains dormant.

The low activity of saxifrage in winter is explained by its adaptability to weather conditions.
Control of humidity, temperature and fertilizers, the conditions of which are common to most species, should be observed.

Those of them that can grow outside the house and are at the same time in an open garden do not need to be watered and fertilized in winter. Before the onset of cold weather and snowfalls, moderate mulching is necessary; the saxifrage is covered with grass.

These flowers are very diverse in shape, color and size, providing a wide choice for enthusiastic gardeners. For example, the shady saxifrage produces small, soft pink inflorescences, while the opposite-leaved flowers are deep pink and large, becoming purple over time.

Types of flowers

Saxifragas bloom in colors such as:

• white,
• red,
• lilac,
• purple,
• yellow,
• pink.

Additional information: certain varieties gradually change shade. There are also two-color and variegated flowers; the inflorescences of some species are painted with colored spots.

Among the saxifrage flowers, flowers of five short, oblong-rounded petals predominate.

There are also four-petalled ones, but this is a great rarity not inherent in any particular variety. Common standard forms on a smaller scale are bells and complex designs such as the wicker type.

Flowering begins in late spring and early summer; some weather-sensitive varieties may bloom in July.

The formation of inflorescences begins at the end of spring of the second year; they grow in the form of loose panicles. The first time there may be a small number of flowers.

Some varieties bloom in the fall, but generally the flowering time is from three weeks to the end of summer. After it, the flower stalks remain sticking out, so they are usually cut off.

At this time, saxifrage does not need any additional care beyond the usual spring-summer care. For more orderly flowering, panicles are sometimes trimmed.

Cultivated varieties of saxifrage can improve the appearance of any area. Ideal for growing in flower beds, in flowerpots, as well as for organizing organized flower beds and large stones. To grow saxifrage in the garden, choose varieties of soddy saxifrage Arends. The best varieties of Arends saxifrage include:

• Variety “Purpurmontel” - plant height does not exceed 20-25 cm. The flowers are medium bright, purple-pink in color, forming a very dense green carpet. Blooms in early June. The “Purpurmontel” variety is not afraid of frost; when grown as a perennial plant, it does not require shelter.
• Variety “Snow Carpet” - plant height does not exceed 15 cm. The flowers are medium bright, white, forming a dense green carpet. Blooms in mid-May. The “Snow Carpet” variety forms a dense cushion up to 3-5 cm in height. Ideal for decorating rocky areas.
• Variety "Flora Carpet" - plant height no more than 20 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, white-pink. Blooms beautifully on alpine hills. Blooms in early June. The "Flora Carpet" variety forms a dense cushion up to 3-5 cm in height. The only variety that prefers to grow on the sunny side of the site
• Variety “Flamingo” - plant height no more than 20 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, white-pink. Planted in small groups in garden plots and flower beds. Blooms in early June.

The Flamingo variety is most often grown as a perennial plant. Winter-hardy variety.

This rhizomatous plant, which can grow up to 70 cm high, is characterized by:

• creeping stems;
• branched root system;
• pronounced basal rosette;
• fleshy and leathery leaves.

Saxifraga Arends at home
The described plant has several subspecies, which differ mainly only in the color palette. All can boast of resistance to cold and ease of care. Among the most popular varieties are:

• Flamingo. According to the name, it has a soft pink bud color;
• White Carpet. Small inflorescences with snow-white bells bloom above the dark green shoots. Maximum diameter - 1 cm;
• saxifrage Purple carpet (Pink carpet, Purple Carpet). Probably the most beautiful and noble of those listed. Saxifraga purpurea has an aristocratic burgundy color with a yellow core;
• Floral Carpet is a very popular and beautiful plant, which is distinguished by its delicate white and pink shades.

Purple Carpet

Saxifraga Flower carpet covers the ground with graceful petals. Therefore, it is not surprising that all subspecies are very often used for exterior design, especially landscapes.

For your information! On the Internet you can find another name - Anders' saxifrage, but this is a mistake. In the botanical encyclopedia, the plant appears as Arends' saxifrage and has no other names.

Despite its praised unpretentiousness and simplicity, saxifrage still requires some attention for abundant flowering. Several recommendations on how to care for the vaunted plant.

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Arends' saxifrage feels great both under aggressive sun and in partial shade. However, we must remember that keeping a plant in the shade for a long time can have a detrimental effect on its condition.

Important! It all depends on the air temperature. If it is above 20°C, it is advisable to provide the plant with a more shady place. Heat causes the rapid development of parasites and diseases, which has a very negative effect on the appearance of the plant.

Soil and fertilizers

Arendsa prefers light soils:

• loose build;
• low connectivity;
• easy workability.

Saxifraga in macro photography

One of the main factors when choosing soil is the presence of limestone, which has a very beneficial effect on the condition of the plant, fertility and good drainage.

Important! Superphosphate and bone meal are excellent fertilizers for saxifrage.

Although soil fertility is one of the main factors, you should not get carried away with fertilizers. The abundance of nutrients has an impact and is detrimental. Everything is good in moderation.

Watering and humidity

Saxifraga loves water very much. Watering should be done in moderation, since stagnant moisture destroys the roots of the plant. When planting, it is worth organizing in advance the drainage of excess water from the root system, ensuring drainage.

Regarding the temperature regime, saxifrage also has its own requirements. This noble plant does not survive at temperatures above 20°C. Surviving the winter is not a problem, but the heat can provoke many serious illnesses and the proliferation of pests.

How to grow seedlings from saxifrage seeds

From saxifrage seeds, seedlings are grown in closed ground. Grown seedlings are planted in open ground in early July. Seedlings planted in open ground will begin to bloom only after a year. Let's look at the step-by-step instructions for pre-sowing preparation of seeds and soil.

The optimal time for sowing saxifrage seeds is late March - early April

Saxifraga seeds are very small, so before planting, the seeds should be mixed with clean sand, which will help distribute the seeds evenly on the surface of the seedling box. Before you start sowing seeds, you need to perform several activities:

1. Seed preparation. Before sowing the seeds in planting containers, they should be stratified: the seeds are placed in a small bowl and sprinkled with a thin layer of sand and sent to the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Stratification of saxifrage seeds is carried out to improve germination and accelerate germination
2. Preparing the soil for sowing stratified seeds in a seedling container: The germination of saxifrage seeds depends not only on stratification, but also on the water and air permeability of the soil. It is best to plant seedlings in a vermicompost soil substrate.
3. Sowing seeds in a seedling container or peat tablets. " Stratified seeds are evenly distributed along with sand over the surface of the moist soil or placed 2-3 pieces in peat tablets and lightly sprayed with warm water. The container with seeds (peat tablets) is covered with film and placed on the warmest and brightest windowsill. As soon as the shoots appear, the film is removed from the container. The seedlings will sprout in 10-15 days.
4. Care. No watering is required until seedlings emerge. The main care is to remove accumulated condensation on the surface of the film.
5. Picking. As soon as the seedlings have 2 leaves, they are planted in separate containers - pots, cups for further development of roots and a larger feeding area.
6. Preparing the substrate and planting young shoots in cups.
   For pickled plants, choose a loose soil mixture, which is mixed with sand and peat in equal parts. The cups are filled three-quarters full with prepared soil and compacted lightly. Then use your finger to form a depression in the soil and begin replanting the seedlings. The saxifrage sprouts should be removed together with a lump of earth using a spoon. Before plunging the seedlings into the holes, it is recommended to shake off a little clod of earth and pinch the longest root for further development of the lateral roots. Growing saxifrage from seeds
7. Caring for pickled saxifrage seedlings. After picking, the seedlings are watered in moderate quantities with warm water. Cups with seedlings are removed for 48 hours away from sunlight.

Mandatory stratification of saxifrage seeds

Saxifraga seeds must be stratified (this applies to Arends saxifrage and other species). Stratification refers to simulating the cold winter conditions that seeds encounter in the wild.

This preparation procedure improves the germination of seeds (they germinate faster, more harmoniously), and it also affects future plants: seedlings grow stronger and have stronger immunity.

For stratification, seeds must be kept in humid conditions at a temperature of 2-4 degrees Celsius for 4 weeks (minimum 2-3 weeks). A shelf for vegetables in the refrigerator is ideal . During the procedure, you need to ensure that the seeds do not dry out; when dry, they are moistened with a spray bottle.

Note ! Seeds can be stratified both before sowing in a container with soil and after planting. The latter option is more convenient, because after stratification you will simply need to move the container from the refrigerator to a warm room.

Features of the procedure for different methods:

• Stratification after sowing seeds in a container with soil. Land according to a suitable pattern (described below). Moisten the soil and cover the container with a lid or film and put it in the refrigerator.
• Stratification before planting. To do this, mix the seeds with river, clean and calcined sand on a saucer. Moderately moisten the sand mixture, place in a plastic bag, and tie it. And then put it in the refrigerator.

Use in landscape design

Saxifragas are characterized as drought-resistant plants, therefore, for landscape design in a personal plot, saxifrages are planted in dry areas. They look great and grow in rocky areas, especially where unsightly areas need to be covered. "

Experts identify several mistakes that gardeners often make when growing saxifrage:

1. Grow in direct sunlight.
2. Seeds for seedlings are not subject to stratification.
3. The depth of planting seeds in the soil is more than 2 cm.
4. Application of mineral fertilizers during flowering.

Saxifragas look perfect on alpine slides.

Saxifraga Arends is very often used in landscape design for several reasons:

• unpretentiousness;
• the ability to grow where most plants die;
• beautiful ensemble with other plants.

Seedlings are used to decorate rock gardens. It looks harmonious with artificial embankments, therefore it is used as an element of eco-design. The juicy green tone of the leaf blades in an ensemble with contrasting inflorescences favorably fills the territory of an empty garden.

For your information! Saxifraga Purpurmantel is another elegant variety for exterior solutions. It looks advantageous not only in the garden, but also as a decoration for balconies and terraces.

How to properly plant saxifrage in open ground

Whatever one may say, saxifrage is accustomed to living in mountainous areas, growing well in rock crevices, on rocky soil, where there is no excess moisture. The gardener needs to try a little to create ideal conditions for such an interesting plant.

Choosing a landing time

Sowing seeds for potted cultivation can be done in any month; as for growing in an open area, certain rules must be followed due to the climate.

Boarding time:

1. March, April: seeds are sown.
2. May: After the last frost, strong seedlings are planted.
3. June, July: rooted cuttings are planted, after flowering they are divided and planted in large groups.
4. Autumn: seeds are sown for the winter without prior germination.

When sowing in open ground, the seeds are not hidden in the ground, but sprinkled with dry sand.

Selection and preparation of a site

For indoor maintenance of saxifrage, it is recommended to choose eastern, western windows, less often - northern ones, and southern ones will have to be additionally shaded.

For landing on the street, a place is selected according to completely different criteria:

1. Select a place on a slope where from 10:00 to 17:00 the area will not be in direct sunlight (constant shadow will negatively affect flowering).
2. Use a rake to remove lumps and large stones and loosen the surface well.
3. Do not allow water to stagnate (it should be damp, not wet).
4. It may be necessary to create artificial rocks from limestone (tuff), which regulates moisture levels by absorbing excess.

The presence of drainage will allow the plant to take root on any soil, the main thing is to loosen the soil in time for better air circulation.

Soil treatment and preparation

The soil requires medium fertility or a light composition, with the presence of limestone.

Soil composition for planting:

1. 1 part turf.
2. 2 parts humus.
3. 1 part sand.

The soil is thoroughly dug up along with compost and sand. It is necessary to ensure that the constituent parts of the soil are evenly mixed and that the soil is loose and moist.

The process of planting in open ground

Seedlings are planted in open ground from the end of May - beginning of June, without removing the remaining greenhouse soil from the root:

1. The distance between the seedlings is left about 8 cm, then it will look like a continuous carpet of saxifrage.
2. Planted at an angle, in the top layer of soil, between pebbles.
3. Water the seedlings and after a week, fertilize them for the first time.
4. Throughout the season, maintain regular watering (the soil should have time to dry between waterings), weed and loosen the soil in a timely manner.

If planting is done when dividing a bush, then the distance between new groups should not be less than 25 cm.

Reproduction and planting

Before planting seedlings, lime, gravel, sand and high-moor peat should be added to the soil. Seedlings are planted in open ground using the transshipment method. Flower growers recommend not watering seedlings in cups 2-3 days before transshipment so that the earthen ball with seedlings can be easily removed. Seedlings are planted in moist soil.

Saxifraga seedlings are planted at a distance of no more than 20 cm, which will allow you to obtain a continuous and dense flower carpet. Seedlings are planted only on the shady side of the site. Water the seedlings in the morning and evening as the soil dries out. Loosening and weeding are carried out as necessary. The plants are fed once a month strictly with mineral fertilizers. Fertilizer is applied along with water during irrigation.

In the table we consider the main types of mineral fertilizers, as well as the timing and rates of their application.

The optimal temperature for saxifrage flowering is 20°C

Saxifraga is the most resistant plant to diseases and pests; it is practically not affected by pests and diseases. With improper care, in rare cases, plants are affected by diseases such as septoria. You can rid the plant of the disease with a weak solution of copper sulfate. As a preventative measure, regularly inspect the plantings and remove affected buds, as well as maintain moderate watering.

Pests include green aphids. The pest must be controlled using Bordeaux mixture. As a preventative measure, carry out regular inspection and remove affected leaves. In the table we consider the main reasons for the appearance of septoria and aphids on saxifrage plantings.

When planting and propagating Arends saxifrage, there are no special differences from other plants. You can grow flowers both on rocky, depleted soil and on fertile, well-fertilized soil.

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Note! Excessive soil moisture leads to rotting of Arends' saxifrage.

It can grow both in the shade and in direct sun. The plant has no special whims, but the only thing that needs to be done regularly is watering.

In order for this amazing plant to bloom and delight its owners for a long time, it is necessary to follow certain rules when growing it from seeds.

Saxifraga White

Before sowing seeds, they need to be stratified. This is done for better germination. This procedure is performed in the following way:

1. Mix the seeds with sand.
2. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

Then you need to plant the seeds into seedlings. The next steps look like this:

1. Prepare containers with a special mixture.
2. Scald the soil with boiling water.
3. Spread the seeds mixed with sand over the surface.
4. There is no need to spray and cover the crops with film; there is no need to sprinkle with soil.

If all these steps are done correctly, then within 7-10 days the Arends saxifrage will produce its first shoots. Afterwards, stronger specimens with small leaves are dropped into peat pots.

To grow a plant in this way, various factors must be taken into account. However, the method is quite easy and fast. To get good bushes, it is recommended:

1. Cut off rooted shoots or shoots with aerial roots.
2. Transplant to a new place with a lump of earth.

Note! Arends saxifrage shoots do not tolerate cold.

Shoots that are longer than 5 cm are later cut and divided into several parts. The plant must be rooted in water or peat soil, but this must be done indoors.

Planting Arends saxifrage in open ground is very easy. You need to choose the right place for her.

• if this is an area with abundant sunlight, then it is important to regularly moisturize;
• in the case of partial shade, no special care is required.

Caring for saxifrage
It is customary to plant the plant in open ground in early June, when the seedlings are already sufficiently strong. After planting, Arends' saxifrage initially grows shoots, after which it blooms only after a year. The main thing is to choose the right soil, which will provide the plant with all the necessary nutrients.

How to properly plant saxifrage seedlings: preparation and sowing scheme

If you know all the steps and their sequence, then you can plant saxifrage seedlings absolutely correctly. Below are the main stages of this event.

By the way! Saxifraga can be grown both at home in a pot (on a windowsill, balcony) and in open ground in the garden. By the way, ground cover saxifrage looks ideal in rocky gardens (on an alpine hill, in a rock garden), as well as in ordinary flower beds in the foreground, in border plantings.

When to plant saxifrage: timing

As we have already found out, saxifrage seeds require mandatory stratification. This feature must be taken into account when choosing the timing for performing the procedure.

It is advisable to send planting material for stratification in the second half of February or early March . Thus, in the middle or end of March, you should begin to germinate the sown seeds in warm conditions. However, it is important to take into account the climatic features of the region where saxifraga is grown, for example, in the middle zone (Moscow region) - it is advisable to start germination in mid-March, in Siberia, in the Urals - from the end of March, but in the South - at the end of February.

Conclusion! If you want to sow the seeds first and then send them for stratification, then sowing should be done from mid-February to early March (inclusive).

But already stratified seeds should be planted for seedlings from mid to late March.

What soil to plant in

Saxifraga belongs to calciphilous plants (that is, crops that grow in soils rich in calcium). For this reason, even chalk or lime must be added to the soil mixture for seedlings. In such a substrate, seedlings will be able to develop normally.

You can make a soil mixture for seedlings with your own hands, to do this, mix the ingredients according to the following recipe : low-lying non-acidic peat (3 parts), river sand (1 part), perlite/vermiculite (1/2 part), add 1 to 5 parts of the resulting soil /2 part chalk or lime.

You can use universal soil for flower seedlings . However, you will need to add to it: for 5 parts of purchased soil, 1 part sand, 1/2 vermiculite and 1/2 chalk or lime.

Advice! When using sand, it is advisable to use river sand! Before use, it should be washed and calcined in a frying pan.

What container to sow in?

It is much more convenient to sow small seeds in a common, wide bowl . Thus, you can simply sow seeds evenly over the surface of the ground, without the need for spot transfer of seeds (as is the case with individual cups or cassettes).

You can plant saxifrage seedlings in any wooden or plastic box, container, or bowl. The optimal height of the container is about 7-8 cm. There must be drainage holes at the bottom of the container from which excess moisture will flow out.

Scheme for planting saxifrage seeds

For successful germination, it is important to follow the planting pattern. If it is violated, the seeds are unlikely to germinate normally. You can correctly sow saxifrage seeds for seedlings as follows:

1. First of all, you need to make a good drainage system: holes and a layer of drainage materials. To create a drainage layer, you can use perlite, expanded clay, the optimal layer is 2-3 cm thick.
2. Fill the container with soil mixture and level the surface.
3. Spray the surface of the soil generously with water from a spray bottle.
4. Since saxifrage seeds are small, it is recommended to mix them with a small amount of dry river sand. This way they can be sown more evenly and not so densely.
5. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface of the soil. Sowing of saxifrage is superficial, that is, there is no need to cover it with earth or sand!
6. After planting the seeds, you need to cover the container with a lid, or stretch cling film over it.
7. And then put it in the refrigerator for stratification. And if the seeds are already stratified, then transfer them to a warm room.

Reproduction and planting

Saxifraga, the planting and care of which is accessible to a gardener of any skill level, reproduces according to certain rules.

The usual vegetative method may not give results. The saxifrage plant reproduces through cuttings, seeds, layering and division of rosettes. All these methods are practiced either in early spring or in November. In this case, the seeds will germinate in the spring. Other methods should be planted in the fall, ensuring that the flowers have time to send out roots before frost and snow.

Germination of seeds

Most often, saxifrage for planting and care in open ground, as well as for indoor conditions, is sown indoors. In spring, the sprouts can be planted in the garden.

In the home version, the seeds are stratified by mixing them with sand and placing the container in the refrigerator for a period of a couple of weeks. The soil is slightly compacted, covered with the contents of the seed container and watered.

Then the container should be covered - the greenhouse effect stimulates seedlings. They will appear in 10 days; after they have 4 leaves, the sprouts are planted separately. They should receive moderate watering for the first few days.

Indoor seeding is more convenient and efficient

When planting in an outdoor garden, the next step is to prepare the soil. It should only be done when it is warm enough. For the future flower bed, apply a layer of soil suitable for saxifrage from 20 to 30 cm in thickness. The planted seedlings must be pre-watered again, and the soil is loosened at the planting points, where recesses are also made for the seedlings with an interval of 20 cm between them. After planting, these places are compacted a little; their first watering is carried out after about a week.

When sowing directly into the garden, the seed should be disinfected in potassium permanganate, strongly diluted with water, for a couple of days. Other fungicides will also work. The disinfected seeds are dried, sand is added to them, then the special soil already applied to ordinary soil is furrowed 1.5 cm. The seeds are planted, covered and watered.

Note! This is not the most effective method. If nothing has sprouted within a month after spring sowing, you can plant or sow other plants.

Rooting cuttings

The time for taking cuttings is late July. They should be from 7 to 15 cm long.

The shoot is cut below the node in flowers from two years old using a sharp blade. Its lower leaves are removed, and the cut is immersed in a diluted phytohormone for a few seconds.

The planting container is filled with wet sand. Before planting, treatment with charcoal powder is recommended. When the seedlings take root, they are planted separately or left in the sand until spring planting in the garden. In this case, tolerably cool temperatures and low lighting will be required.

Dividing bushes

This is the most common method. The sections of the plant that appear in the spring branching are separated in July, along with their roots, from the main bush by a sharp blade. The cuts are treated with wood ash, the rosette with fungicides, then the young saxifrage is planted in suitable soil. There should be at least 20 cm of free area around it. Planting in the garden should be done no earlier than spring. The first flowers can be expected next season.

Layerings

Picture 11 Layers serve to spread the cover of the bush

Note! The second most popular method of propagation is layering - this is the simplest method.

Under the new young shoots that have grown further away, in July small depressions are made in the ground, watered, after which the sprout is fixed there with a light handful of soil.

It should be watered on a standard schedule without overwatering in case of rainfall in garden conditions. The roots are produced in the fall, but the flower does not separate until spring. The cut is treated with wood ash, then the saxifrage from the layering is transplanted to its new place.

Growing and care

Saxifraga is not very demanding; you can grow indoor saxifrage at home, but it grows better in open ground. The requirements and care of saxifrage differ by species, so before purchasing seeds or seedlings you need to familiarize yourself with the needs of the species and provide the plant with conditions that are as close to optimal as possible. It is important to provide permeable soil and a quiet place.

Other questions are very variable and require individual adjustment depending on the species, for example they may differ:

• soil fertility,
• humidity,
• amount of sunlight
• frost resistance.

Planting and care in open ground

In natural areas, saxifrage roots penetrate small cracks and cracks in search of moisture and soil. Therefore, the soil in rocky gardens should be well-drained with crushed stone, gravel or expanded clay. Planting saxifrage in spaces between flat, oblique stones, with drainage, gives good results. This plant does not need too fertile soil, so fertilizer is not required.

Most saxifrages are suited to a southeast or southwest position. It is better to choose shaded positions at least during the hottest afternoon hours. A good neighbor would be a rock fragment, a stone, or a root.

Worth knowing! Varieties with small, stiff, silvery leaves tolerate more sunlight than plants with soft, lush green rosettes that have low light requirements.

Some types of saxifrage require seed stratification before sowing. It was experimentally found that for better germination, the seeds of Saxifraga paniculata need to be cooled for 5 weeks at 3 °C; the treatment ensures about 90% germination. The use of the method accelerates germination by approximately 6-8 times compared to unstratified seeds.

The variety of species allows you to select varieties that prefer dry, rocky growing positions or swampy areas, for which the soil must be fertile, humus, and sufficiently moist.

Saxifraga, characteristic of high mountain regions in the Himalayas or Pyrenees, grows on highly drained soil. However, many species prefer richer and more humid places, and therefore require humus soils that are sufficiently moist and permeable.

Therefore, you first need to find out the requirements of a particular species, and only then, if they meet the conditions in the garden, buy seeds. There is no point in buying plants without basic knowledge in this area.

Wintering

Saxifragas in the mountains under a thick and dry blanket of snow are able to survive frosts below -20 ° C; in the lowlands they die during snowless and rainy winters. Therefore, rockeries need to be protected from excess autumn and winter precipitation.

Saxifragas are grown mainly in rocky gardens - rockeries, alpine hills, in quiet places protected from winter winds. In winter, plants are hidden under a thick layer of snow. But in open spaces during snowless winters, saxifrages have no chance of surviving in such extreme conditions.

For the winter, saxifrage should be protected from windy weather (for example, by the branches of coniferous plants), as well as from excessive humidity. In the latter case, ordinary window glass is suitable, which will protect against excessive rainfall in winter. Film roofs can also be installed. Some more sensitive species are grown in pots.

Diseases and pests

Saxifragas are not susceptible to diseases and pests, but suffer due to inadequate position and care, and poor wintering.

1. Dying of the middle portions of the cushions is usually caused by over-compaction. Dividing into smaller fragments rejuvenates the plant and has a good effect on flowering.
2. Another reason for the death of entire pillows may be ants trying to build nests in them, or aphids feeding at the roots. The presence of these pests is often reported to us by birds (blackbirds and starlings) pecking at pillows in search of insects. As a precaution, saxifrage should be treated 2-3 times with a diluted insecticide (for example, against aphids) in the middle of each season. Aerosol preparations should not be used as they will settle on the leaves.

Below are the most interesting species and features of their planting and cultivation.

Possible problems in growing saxifrage

The plant is not too demanding to care for and is very resistant to various types of pests. But improper watering, excessive fertilizers and too high temperatures can cause diseases.

Arendsa: diseases and pests

Pests

The most common pests of Arends saxifrage are:

• spider mite, which appears exclusively during drought. Signs of a mite include yellowed leaves and clumps entangled in whitish cobwebs;
• green aphids appear as a sticky black coating on stems and leaves and are very dangerous for saxifrage;
• scale insects are pests that cover the entire plant and eat it. They can be collected manually, or you can use special solutions to destroy them;
• thrips are pests that also eat the plant. Signs of this pest are white spots on the leaves.

In the fight against parasites, it is worth using insecticides.

Diseases

Arends' saxifrage is rarely susceptible to disease, but if not properly cared for, this can still happen. Although the plant loves humidity, this can also become a big problem. Excessive moisture can lead to the development of various fungi and rot, which leads to the complete death of the plant. This is the result of large stagnation of water in soil that has poor drainage. To save a plant that has just begun to rot, you need to dig it up with its roots and trim off the rotten areas.

Important! Various fungi can develop on the plant, also as a result of excessive humidity. For example, rust, which turns the saxifrage stem red. To destroy the fungus, various solutions of soap and copper sulfate are used.

It is impossible to describe one single tip for growing a plant. Each type requires an individual approach. In gardens, gardeners have domestic saxifragas, which practically do not require strict care. Such varieties are resistant to winter.

Two main conditions when planting saxifrage: fertile, moist soil and a light location of the plant. Types of crops that require stricter control usually grow in the shade and are afraid of direct sunlight.

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Some species like dry soil with a lot of humus, others prefer fertile and moist soil. The blunt-leaved species prefers an acidic soil environment. Long-leaved saxifrage requires lime in the soil. Paniculata prefers neutral acidity of the soil and a large amount of calcium in it.

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The soil near the flowers should be moist, but without stagnation of liquid in it. It is necessary to spray the leaves on hot days. Air humidity for growing should be high. During the entire flowering season, saxifrage needs to be fed twice. Complex fertilizers with minerals are suitable for this.

Do not allow other plant debris to come into contact with the plant. This has a bad effect on the development of culture.

Gardeners mulch using crushed stone. This allows you to protect the saxifrage itself from overheating, and the rhizome of the plant from rotting.

Reproduction

There are several ways to propagate saxifrage.

• Division. In August, you can propagate saxifrage by dividing the bush. It is removed from the ground and divided into several parts, which are planted separately.
• Cuttings. At the beginning of summer, some plant species produce shoots. They can be used as cuttings. The branches must be at least ten centimeters long. Saxifraga is planted in fertile soil with peat. During the summer season, the cuttings will take root. For the winter, the young bush is covered from frost. Leaves are used for this. Some people transplant the bushes into pots and take them home. The following summer they are transplanted back into the garden and they begin to bloom.
• Independent reproduction in saxifrage occurs through layering. The shoots touch the ground, take root and separate from the mother bush.

Growing saxifrage from seeds

To propagate saxifrage in this way, you only need fresh seeds. They are planted in the soil at the beginning of winter. You can plant it in a pot, but be sure to put it in a cold room.

The seeds are poured onto the soil and sprinkled with a little soil and sand. Cover the whole thing with film and leave it in the refrigerator for three weeks. There are species that need to be left in such conditions for a longer time.

Once the stratification has passed, the container is placed in a bright room. After a couple of weeks, the seeds will sprout. Two or three leaves appear. During this period, each bush needs to be transplanted into separate small containers.

At the end of spring, seedlings must be accustomed to natural conditions. The hardening method is suitable for this. Boxes and pots are taken outside. In June it is already possible to plant bushes in open soil. The first year of life the plant will get used to, feed and gain height. Saxifragas will be able to bloom only after a year.

Those seeds that do not germinate are left in the pot and the soil is constantly kept moist. There are species that take about a year to emerge. If you buy Arends saxifrage in the store, the seed planting method will be easier. The seeds are planted in March in seedling boxes. You can sow the seeds in open soil at the end of spring.

garden plants

The best condition for the active growth and development of saxifrage is to grow the plant in the garden. You can use gardens in the form of slides, rocky flower beds. In such an atmosphere, the culture will feel comfortable and delight flower growers with its blooms.

Saxifraga can be planted separately. They look decorative not only with stones, but also with retaining walls.

Among the neighbors for the flower, you can select such crops as sedum, phlox, which grow in the form of a carpet, low-sized bells, and dwarf irises.

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This bush is resistant to diseases and parasites, but the health of the flower may deteriorate due to disruption of the living conditions and vital activity of pests.

Yellow, dried out and deformed lower leaves indicate old age of the plant, in which case it is time to carry out the renewal procedure.

The absence of branching and layering may indicate a lack of nutrients, which can be easily replenished with a quick-acting liquid fertilizer or a capsule of universal fertilizer placed 3-5 cm deep into the soil.

Fading and looseness of the bush can be observed both with a lack of lighting and with overheating - in this case, it is necessary to urgently change the location of the pot.

Additional Information. For preventive purposes, it is useful to care for the leaves by wiping them with warm water to remove dust once a month.

Frequent illnesses

• Excess moisture can lead to rotting of the root system. When wilting and blackening, the plant should be inspected for rotting roots. They are removed along with the affected leaves. You can try to root the preserved petioles in a temporary substrate of sand with pieces of sphagnum in a 50/50 ratio. A greenhouse effect is created, the pot is placed in a place with the recommended temperature and sufficient lighting. Saxifraga can produce its first sprout within a month.
• Rust infection occurs through fungal spores carried by insects; granular spots of the corresponding color indicate that the water balance is disturbed. Rust is treated by removing the affected areas and treating with a fungicide, which is repeated again after 10 days. In this case, the plant should be protected from the presence of conifers.
• Powdery mildew is a consequence of a fungus; white spots on the lower leaves are replaced by drops of moisture as the spores mature. This stops the flower's growth and makes it vulnerable to cold. Damaged sprouts should be separated and burned, and the plant itself should be treated with fungicides such as quadris or skor.

Main parasites

• Spider mite infestation manifests itself in dry saxifrage. The leaves turn yellow, and a light cobweb appears at their bases. This is treated by removing and burning the affected areas, then applying an insecticide.
• The sticky white coating on the leaves is the secretions of aphids; the flower is washed with soap and regularly sprayed with a settled mixture of garlic, pyrethrum, onion peels and pepper.
• The inflorescences and foliage of the plant attract scale insects; they multiply quickly when the flower lacks moisture. Symptoms include sugary discharge. Scale insects are treated by treating the affected areas with a mixture of 12 g of soap per liter of water once a week and collecting the pests by hand. In the future, saxifrage must be treated with biotlin or confidor.

Additional Information. In addition to these pests, the flower can become infected with thrips and nematodes.

The beauty of the plant deteriorates if the conditions during cultivation are not observed, which entails uneven stems and bald spots in the usually dense branching cover. Open ground can attract birds and mice to the flower.

In general, growing saxifrage is not difficult, and a wide selection of species opens up good scope for decorating a room or garden plot. The plant is quite suitable for inexperienced gardeners.

Prevention

Diseases can be treated in various ways, but it is much easier to prevent their development. To do this, it is important to remember that even the most moisture-loving plant can die from too much water. To treat the most common diseases, such as fungi and rot, you need to carefully examine the plant affected by the disease and carefully separate the damaged parts. There are also some products that help very well in destroying fungus (HOM, topaz, etc.).

Treatment of saxifrage
Arends saxifrage is a flower for all occasions: both practical to use at home and beautiful for design. If all conditions are followed correctly, the plant will delight residents and guests with its variegated, lush color.