Saxifraga Lilacina

Description

Saxifraga Lilacina, also known as Purple Rockfoil, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant is native to the rocky slopes of western North America, and it is commonly found in California and Oregon. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves that are green-gray in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are spoon-shaped, and they can grow up to 4 inches long.The plant produces a single flowering stem that can grow up to 12 inches tall. The stem is covered with small, star-shaped flowers that are purple-lilac in color. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and they attract bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Saxifraga Lilacina is a small, clumping plant that can grow up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves that are green-gray in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are spoon-shaped, and they can grow up to 4 inches long.The plant produces a single flowering stem that can grow up to 12 inches tall. The stem is covered with small, star-shaped flowers that are purple-lilac in color. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and they attract bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Saxifraga Lilacina is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Purple Rockfoil:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, but it should not be over-watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but it should be protected from hot afternoon sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Saxifraga Lilacina is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect your Purple Rockfoil:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause deformities. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use a slug bait to control them.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.

Habitat

Saxifraga Lilacina is native to the rocky slopes of western North America, and it is commonly found in California and Oregon. The plant is adapted to grow in rocky soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but it should be protected from hot afternoon sun.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Saxifraga Lilacina be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container has drainage holes.

Q: How often should I water my Purple Rockfoil?

A: The plant requires regular watering, but it should not be over-watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Q: What is the best time to plant Saxifraga Lilacina?

A: The best time to plant the Purple Rockfoil is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed.

Q: How can I propagate my Saxifraga Lilacina?

A: The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or by taking stem cuttings in the summer.

Related Plants

Here are some other plants that are related to Saxifraga Lilacina:- Saxifraga X urbium- Saxifraga X arendsii- Saxifraga X geum- Saxifraga X kochii- Saxifraga X media

References

– American Horticultural Society. (2002). A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants (p. 904). London: DK Pub.- Sunset Western Garden Book. (2012). (9th ed., p. 606). Menlo Park, CA: Sunset Pub. Co.- Saxifraga Lilacina. (2021). Retrieved 11 March 2021, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/saxifrage/saxifrage-lilacina-care.htm