Saxifraga Purpurteppich

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Saxifragaceae

Order

Saxifragales

Genus

Saxifraga

Species

x arendsii

Description

A compact-growing ornamental herbaceous perennial, ideal for creating dense ground cover in flower beds or on green roofs similar to soft cushions of rich foliage from which daisy-shaped flowers in elegant colour tones rise during the spring-summer period. Resistant to low winter temperatures, it prefers well-draining soils free from stagnation.

Variety description

A plant with a very distinctive moss-like foliage of a beautiful lustrous green from which emerge small daisy-like flowers of a fuchsia-pink colour.

Curiosities and special features

The term Saxifraga comes from sáxum meaning stone and frángo meaning to break, emphasising the plant's ability to grow in the cracks of rocks or stones where it penetrates with its roots.

Origin and distribution

The wild form grows wild in the mountainous areas of Asia and Europe up to 3000 metres altitude. The hybrids currently present are the result of crosses between different species, specifically S. hypnoides × S. moschata × S. rosacea.

Flower size

The flower is small, giving elegance and sinuosity to the bloom.

Leaf

The leaves have distinctive wedge-shaped laminae.

Flowering period

It flowers from early spring to summer for a duration of 50 to 70 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.1 to 0.15 m, perfect for creating dense ground cover.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Versatile in its use, due to its rounded habitus, it is widely used to decorate flower beds, planters, green roofs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small, with a gamopetalous corolla and slightly veined petals. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of 50 to 70 days. It exudes a sweet, delicate scent. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact growing variety.

Plant habit

The globular habit allows for a scenic final effect outlined by dense, regular pads of foliage from which the characteristic daisy-like flowers rise.

PH

As with many ornamental grasses, the ideal pH of the soil or substrate is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flower bed, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky stones. Add 5/10 cm professional flowering plant substrate to the surface and carefully level out.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun; avoid excessively sunny locations during the hottest hours.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C. The vital temperature is between -3 and 30 °C. It is suitable for cold winter climates and can also withstand frozen ground.

Use

Due to its compact growth and resistance to cold, it is considered the optimal choice among herbaceous plants in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness, resistant to winter cold.

Soil

It prefers a peaty, sandy, well-draining soil; a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended for use in planters.

Difficulty

Overall, cultivation is fairly easy with a low level of management effort.

Growing tips

For proper vegetative growth, it is recommended to

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

Perfect both in homogeneous monochrome groups and in composition with other ornamentals such as Arabis caucasica, Aubrieta hendersonii.

Planting

For bed planting we recommend an average density of 25 plants per square metre to ensure the correct development of each specimen, thus obtaining a proportionate and compact final composition that best expresses the aesthetic value of the plant with its spring-summer blooms. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the lumps, and finally watering immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours and avoiding water stagnation.

Propagation

By apical cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or with an irrigation system. When transplanting, assist the seedling to ensure it takes root properly in the new site by keeping it at a constant but not saturated humidity. Afterwards, allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between irrigation sessions, but avoid dry spells, and do not over-water to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

From the beginning of spring until the end of summer, following proper post-transplant settlement, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate, which should be diluted in the irrigation water.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity for pets not known, consider case-specific.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Avoid placing the plants in very sunny and warm areas. Ideally, plant it on surfaces that have little soil.