Saxifraga x arendsii 'Purple Robe' - Saxifrage (Mossy Group) hybrid

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 8-10" x 10", part sun to part shade, a charming purply-red flower held above the foliage on diminutive stems in late spring-early summer, likes it cool and moist, but needs good drainage

Common names: S. x arendesii is a cultivar group known as the Saxifrage Mossy Group. This plant has occupied rock garden lovers for a very long time. Occupied means obsessed in this context, and I can see why, they are so darned cute. The group consists of numerous hybrids with parentage from S. rosacea Irish saxifrage), S. granulata (Meadow saxifrage), and S. moschata (Musky saxifrage).

Family:  Saxifragaceae

Origin/Distribution: see above and below 

Habitat: The parentage of this group has slightly varied natural habitats, S. moschata appears in alpine and subalpine regions and wants moderate humidity and light as well as good drainage, which is why it occurs tucked between rocks or on scree slopes. S. granulata enjoys lean soils in sloping meadows or grasslands or on a road edge, so, again, good drainage. S. rosacea is found on cliffs, scree, or  mountain streamside. All of these habitats provide a small rosette such as this a somewhat protected, humid environment with a decent amount of indirect light, but no wet feet.

More: Good for the cool, moist rock garden, lightly trim after flowering for a neat little rosette of foliage. Excellent trough plant, too. Beware the enchantment of the saxifrage!

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH