Saxifraga paniculata
Common name: Encrusted saxifrage · Livelong saxifrage · Silver saxifrage · White mountain saxifrage
Saxifraga paniculata is a perennial alpine plant in the saxifrage family, native to the mountains of Europe. It forms dense evergreen cushions of silver-grey rosettes whose leaf margins are encrusted with exuded lime, and in early summer sends up airy sprays of small white, often red-spotted flowers on reddish stems. Long-lived and slow-growing, it is a classic plant for rock gardens, troughs, and crevices, valued for both its foliage and its foamy bloom.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun in cool climates; afternoon shade where summers are hot
Water
Water moderately in growth; keep barely moist in winter and never waterlogged
Soil
Gritty, sharply drained, lime-rich mix; thrives in limestone scree and crevices
Hardiness
Zones 3–8
Mature height
10–30 cm (4–12 in) in flower
Pet safe
Saxifraga species are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
By division of rosettes or single-rosette cuttings after flowering; also from seed
Fun facts
- The silvery crust on the leaf edges is lime exuded through special pores, a signature of the encrusted saxifrages.
- The genus name Saxifraga means "stone-breaker," from its habit of rooting in rock crevices.
- Individual cushions can live for decades, which earned it the name livelong saxifrage.
- It is a favourite of alpine trough gardeners because it stays compact and flowers reliably without rich soil.