Saxifraga umbrosa is a charming groundcover known for its rosettes of evergreen foliage and delicate sprays of star-shaped pink flowers. Perfect for shady borders, rock gardens, and woodland edges, this low-maintenance perennial adds timeless beauty to any garden.
Seed Treatment
Cold Stratification Required – To break dormancy and improve germination, place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag. Refrigerate for 4–6 weeks. Check occasionally—if seedlings begin to sprout during stratification, gently transplant them into pots with moist seed-starting mix.
When to Sow
- Indoors: Start 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
- Outdoors: Sow in fall for natural stratification or early spring after the last frost.
Sowing Instructions
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix with added grit or sand.
- Light: Seeds need light to germinate—press gently onto the surface without covering.
- Spacing: Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm (6–8 in) apart.
- Container Option: Suitable for trays or small pots with good drainage.
Germination Details
- Temperature: 15–18°C (59–64°F)
- Time to Germinate: 21–45 days (can be slow and irregular—patience is key)
- Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Mist gently to avoid washing seeds away.
Post-Germination Care
- Move seedlings to a bright, cool location with indirect sunlight.
- Water when the top layer of soil feels dry—avoid overwatering.
- Harden off young plants before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
- Plant in partial shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ideal for cool, shaded areas.
Long-Term Care
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- Trim faded flower stalks to maintain appearance.
- Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth and spread the beauty.
Saxifraga umbrosa thrives in cool climates and rewards patient gardeners with evergreen charm and airy blooms that dance in the breeze.