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Description
Saxifraga Oppositifolia, also known as Purple Saxifrage, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant is native to high-altitude environments such as the Arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions. Saxifraga Oppositifolia is a small plant that grows up to 5 centimeters in height and has a spread of 15 centimeters. It has evergreen leaves that are rounded and fleshy, with a purple or reddish tint. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that can range from white to pink or purple.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Saxifraga |
Appearance
Saxifraga Oppositifolia is a small plant with rounded and fleshy evergreen leaves that are purple or reddish in color. The leaves grow in a basal rosette and are typically 0.5-2.5 cm long. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that can range from white to pink or purple, and are about 0.5-1 cm in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters on short stems and bloom from April to August.
Care Guide
Saxifraga Oppositifolia is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Saxifraga Oppositifolia prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.- Fertilization: This plant does not require a lot of fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season.- Soil: Saxifraga Oppositifolia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.- Hardiness Zones: Saxifraga Oppositifolia is hardy in USDA zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saxifraga Oppositifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common problems include:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug and snail bait to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
Habitat
Saxifraga Oppositifolia is native to high-altitude environments such as the Arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions. It grows in rocky, well-drained soil and can tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. This plant is often found in areas with a short growing season and harsh winter conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saxifraga Oppositifolia a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Saxifraga Oppositifolia is a great plant for beginners because it is easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.
Q: How often should I water Saxifraga Oppositifolia?
A: Water Saxifraga Oppositifolia regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: What is the best soil for Saxifraga Oppositifolia?
A: Saxifraga Oppositifolia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Q: Does Saxifraga Oppositifolia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Saxifraga Oppositifolia produces small, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Saxifraga Aizoides- Saxifraga Arendsii- Saxifraga Caesia- Saxifraga Cernua- Saxifraga Cochlearis- Saxifraga Cotyledon- Saxifraga Crassifolia- Saxifraga Hirsuta- Saxifraga Oppositifolia
References
– “Saxifraga Oppositifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.- “Saxifraga Oppositifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 25, 2021. http://www.rhs.org.uk.- “Purple Saxifrage.” Arctic Flora and Fauna. Accessed August 25, 2021. http://www.arcticflora.ca.
