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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
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1" - 2"
(0cm - 10cm)
Spread 5" - 6"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spacing 6" (20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Alaska, Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, Northeast, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Saxifraga longifolia, Encrusted Saxifrage, Silver Saxifrage, King of Saxifrages , Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant
Saxifraga cotyledon, Pyramidal Saxifrage, Great Alpine Rockfoil, Greater Evergreen Saxifrage, Silver Plume, Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant
Saxifraga paniculata, Lifelong Saxifrage, Saxifraga aizoon, Saxifraga malyi, Evergreen Perennial, Evergreen Saxifrage, Rock Garden Plant
Saxifraga x urbium, London Pride, None-So-Pretty, St. Patrick's Cabbage, Whimsey, Prattling Parnell, Look Up and Kiss Me , Groundcover, Evergreen GroundcoverAGM Award
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Maroon Beauty', Maroon Beauty Strawberry Begonia, Saxifraga 'Maroon Beauty', Groundcover, Evergreen Groundcover
Saxifraga stolonifera, Strawberry Begonia, Creeping Saxifrage, Strawberry Saxifrage, Mother of Thousands, Wandering Jew, Aaron's Beard , Groundcover, Evergreen GroundcoverAGM Award
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
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1" - 2"
(0cm - 10cm)
Spread 5" - 6"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spacing 6" (20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Alaska, Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, Northeast, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Not sure which Saxifraga to pick?
Compare Now

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