One of the most wonderful of all Saxifrages, Saxifraga longifolia (Encrusted Saxifrage) is a mat-forming evergreen perennial producing a large, perfect and very handsome rosette of linear, glaucous, lime-encrusted leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), edged with silver. After 3-4 years, it develops a flowering stem, 2 ft. high (60 cm), forming a fountain of numerous rounded white flowers, rarely red spotted, in late spring and summer. Encrusted Saxifrage is monocarpic and dies after blooming. It is, however, very easy to grow from seed and will self-sow when happy. Its large rosettes can be stunning, to say the least, and make wonderful subjects for rock gardens and pots.

• Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 8-10 in. wide (20-25 cm).
• Best in full sun to part shade in moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerant to full sun in cool areas but protect from leaf scorch in warm areas. Maintain evenly moist soil during the growing season.
• A great choice for rock gardens or containers.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids, and glasshouse red spider mites.
• Propagate by seed in spring or fall.
• Native to the Pyrenees, Mont Serrat of eastern Spain and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa