Saxifraga stolonifera Maroon Beauty (Strawberry Begonia)

Saxifraga stolonifera 'Maroon Beauty' (Strawberry Begonia) is a mat-forming evergreen perennial producing a dense cushion of scalloped velvety leaves adorned with pretty silver markings and reddish undersides. In mid to late spring, a profusion of white-flushed pink flowers rise on 18 in. (45 cm) delicate stems above the foliage and create a ravishing display. Strawberry Begonia can colonize an area with long, slender red stolons, similar to strawberries. It is useful as a shade-tolerant ground cover, quickly making large colonies after a few years. Perfect for the woodland garden, it is also a lovely addition to the rock garden or to hanging baskets on the patio and deck.

• Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Best in part shade to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soils. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils. Can be grown indoors and should be sited in bright indirect light.
• Great choice for beds and borders, rock gardens, or containers.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite.
• Easily propagated by rooting plantlets in soil.