Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Mountain Saxifrage)
A popular plant in alpine gardens, Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Mountain Saxifrage) is a mat-forming evergreen perennial producing a dense carpet of tiny, overlapping, dark green leaves.
A popular plant in alpine gardens, Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Mountain Saxifrage) is a mat-forming evergreen perennial producing a dense carpet of tiny, overlapping, dark green leaves. In spring, bright magenta or purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with brownish orange anthers, are borne just above the foliage. A very rewarding species for the gardener, it is easy to grow from seed and cuttings strike well. Its beautiful displays of flowers make it a wonderful subject for rock gardens and pots.
- Grows up to 1-2 in. tall (2-5 cm) and 6 in. wide (15 cm).
- Best in part shade in humus-rich, neutral to alkaline, moist, but very sharply drained soils.
- Great choice for rock gardens or containers.
- Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite.
- Propagate by seed in spring or fall.
- Native to the high Arctic and high mountainous areas including northern Britain, the Alps and the Rocky Mountains.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 2 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 7 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Saxifraga – Saxifrages |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 1" – 2" (2cm – 5cm) |
| Spread | 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm) |
| Spacing | 6″ (15cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, Northeast, New Jersey, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming |
| Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |