Contents
Description
Saxifraga Androsacea, commonly known as rockfoil or rock saxifrage, is a small perennial herb that belongs to the Saxifraga family. It is native to the high mountain ranges of Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians, where it grows in rock crevices, cliffs, and scree slopes. The plant has a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves that are dark green and hairy. During spring and summer, it produces clusters of tiny white or pink flowers with yellow centers that bloom on short stalks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Saxifraga |
Appearance
Saxifraga Androsacea is a small plant that grows up to 10cm in height and 20cm in width. It has a rosette of hairy, dark green leaves that are spoon-shaped and arranged in a basal pattern. The leaves are about 2cm long and 1cm wide. During spring and summer, the plant produces clusters of tiny white or pink flowers with yellow centers that bloom on short stalks. The flowers are about 1cm in diameter and have five petals.
Care Guide
Saxifraga Androsacea is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered moderately. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is not too wet.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add some peat moss or sand to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. Ensure that it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Saxifraga Androsacea is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saxifraga Androsacea is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. You can control them by using slug bait or copper tape.- Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not overwatered.
Habitat
Saxifraga Androsacea is native to the high mountain ranges of Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. It grows in rock crevices, cliffs, and scree slopes at elevations of up to 3000m. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate extreme cold and wind.
Question and Answer
Q. Can Saxifraga Androsacea be grown in containers?
A. Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q. How often should Saxifraga Androsacea be fertilized?
A. The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Q. Is Saxifraga Androsacea poisonous to pets?
A. No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q. How long does Saxifraga Androsacea bloom?
A. The plant blooms during spring and summer, usually from May to August.
Related Plants
– Saxifraga cotyledon- Saxifraga paniculata- Saxifraga oppositifolia- Saxifraga caesia
References
– “Saxifraga androsacea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 27 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287355&isprofile=0&.- “Saxifraga androsacea.” Plant Finder. Accessed 27 May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8426/Saxifraga-androsacea/Details.
