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Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Mountain Saxifrage)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Purple Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia, Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant
Saxifraga oppositifolia, Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant
Saxifraga oppositifolia, Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant

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 Saxifragaceae
Genus Saxifraga
Common names Saxifrage
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm)
Spread 5" - 6" (13cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, Vermont, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Saxifraga longifolia (Encrusted Saxifrage)
Saxifraga cotyledon (Pyramidal Saxifrage)
Saxifraga paniculata (Lifelong Saxifrage)
Saxifraga x urbium (London Pride)
Saxifraga stolonifera ‘Maroon Beauty’ (Strawberry Begonia)
Saxifraga stolonifera (Strawberry Begonia)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Saxifraga
Common names Saxifrage
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm)
Spread 5" - 6" (13cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, Vermont, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Saxifraga (Saxifrage) to pick?
Compare Now

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