Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Mountain Saxifrage)
Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Purple 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. 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 |
Alternative Plants to Consider
By Danita Delmont, Emmor, Shutterstock, xulescu_g, Flickr
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.
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 |
