Content
Saxifraga x arendsii is a herbaceous groundcover perennial that can grow and bloom luxuriantly in depleted rocky soils where other crops cannot survive. Therefore, the plant is often used in landscape design, successfully masking unsightly areas. Planting and caring for Arends saxifrage should be carried out taking into account the requirements of the culture. Otherwise, growing even such an unpretentious plant may pose certain difficulties. Therefore, you should study all the recommendations in advance so that there are no problems later.
Arends saxifrage quickly fills free space
Botanical description
This evergreen ground cover plant is a member of the genus of the same name. This culture is characterized by numerous creeping shoots, which, when in contact with the ground, form roots in the internodes. Due to this feature, Arends' saxifrage grows rapidly. Therefore, this crop is classified as a bryophyte turfy plant. Its height reaches 10-20 cm, depending on the variety.
The leaves are bright green with a silver tint, carved. They are collected in a rosette and secured with wide flat petioles. The plates are so close to each other that they create dense thickets resembling moss.
The flowering period of this plant occurs from May to August, depending on the variety. At this time, 1-3 buds appear on the tops of thin shoots, which rise above the dense cap of leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped, consisting of 5 petals, and 10 stamens located in the center. Their shade can be pink, red, white. At the end of flowering, fruits are formed in the form of two-chambered boxes containing small black oblong seeds. Pollination requires insects, but it can also happen with the help of wind. The flowering period of Arends saxifrage lasts a little more than a month.
Where and how does it grow
This culture has become widespread and can be found in every corner of the world. Arends' saxifrage is especially common in Russia, European countries, Central America, the tropics of Africa and even in the Arctic latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.
The plant is unpretentious and hardy.It can grow in rock crevices without much difficulty, which is why it got its name. It can also settle in meadows, steppe slopes, edges of deciduous and coniferous forests, and on roadsides.
Arends saxifrage varieties
Based on the wild species of this plant, varieties were obtained whose decorative properties were significantly improved. Their difference lies mainly in the color of the petals. This made it possible to combine different varieties, creating unique ground cover compositions.
Saxifraga Arends White carpet
The perennial has a snow-white hue. The diameter reaches 1 cm. The height of the shoots is 20 cm. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the region. Prefers shady places with fertile, moist soil. In an open area it grows quickly.
White carpet requires shelter for the winter with leaves
Saxifraga Arends Purple carpet
This variety features burgundy-purple flowers with a yellow center. The height of the plant reaches 15 cm. The leaves of Saxifraga Arends Purple Robe are dense and dark green in color. Flowering occurs at the end of May and lasts 30-35 days.
Saxifraga Purple Carpet prefers to grow in light areas
Saxifraga Arends Pink carpet
From the name of the variety it becomes clear that the shade of its flowers is pink, but the petals still have bright longitudinal stripes of a darker shade. The plant forms basal rosettes of green leaves. This variety blooms in July and continues until August. Plant height is 15 cm. It is characterized by increased frost resistance.
The Pink Carpet variety prefers to grow in the shade in moist soil.
Saxifraga Arendsa Floral Carpet
This species is a mix consisting of several shades of colors: pink, white and purple. On sale it is also found under the name Flower Carpet. Plants reach a height of 20 cm. They form a dense dense cover on the soil surface. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the growing region.
Mix Floral Carpet can be sown in the ground in April or September
Saxifraga Arends Peter Pan
A hybrid variety of crop, which is distinguished by the bright pink color of its petals. The height of the plant reaches 20 cm. The leaves are dense, bright green. Arends saxifrage Peter Pan blooms in June and continues until mid-July. The variety shows maximum decorative value when planted in partial shade.
Saxifraga Arends Peter Pan is characterized by abundant flowering
Saxifraga Arends Highlander Red
A variety with a red tint of petals and a bright yellow center. The height of the plant does not exceed 15 cm. The dense leaves have a dark green tint. Flowering begins in June. Prefers to grow in shady places rich in humus.
Anders' saxifrage Highlander Red looks perfect in combination with light varieties
Saxifraga Arends Highlander White
A new variety with red buds that turn white when opened. This contrast gives the plant an elegant look. Saxifraga Arends Highlander White forms a dense carpet. The height of the plant does not exceed 20 cm. Its leaves are dense and light green in color.
Saxifraga Arendsa Highlander White can be grown in sunny places
Saxifraga Arends Variegata
A special feature of the variety is the light yellow border along the edge of the leaf blades. The height of Saxifraga Arends Variegata reaches 20 cm.The flowers are pink, up to 1 cm in diameter, rising above the foliage. The flowering period begins in mid-June.
Variegata variety is characterized by rapid growth
Saxifraga Arends Lofty
A new generation of this crop, characterized by large flowers, the diameter of which reaches 1.5-2.0 cm. The height of Arends Lofti saxifrage is 20 cm. The shade of the petals is soft pink. The ground cover begins to form buds in early June and continues for 4 weeks.
Saxifraga Arendsa Lofti is suitable for growing in pots and hanging plant pots
Application in landscape design
This ground cover is especially popular among beginners and professional gardeners. It can easily fit into any landscape design.
Anders' saxifrage can be used for:
- foreground multi-level flower beds;
- landscaping artificial reservoirs;
- rockeries;
- alpine slides;
- rocky garden;
- mixborders;
- framing garden paths.
The plant looks good in combination with irises, muscari, gentian and lingonberries. Planting these crops together allows you to get picturesque flower beds on the site. You can see what Arends' saxifrage looks like in the garden in the photo below.
The ground cover can grow in one place for 7-8 years
Reproduction methods
To obtain new seedlings of this crop, you can use the method of cuttings, dividing the bush and seeds. Each of these methods has its own characteristics, so they should be studied in advance.
Anders' saxifrage can be cut from spring and summer, before or after flowering. To do this, you need to cut off individual root rosettes, place them in a damp mixture of peat and sand and cover with a transparent cap. The cuttings take root after 3-4 weeks.After this, they need to be planted in separate containers, and after 1 month transferred to open ground.
It is recommended to divide the bush in the second half of summer. The day before, water the saxifrage generously. Then the next day, carefully dig up the plant and divide it into parts with a knife. Each of them must have root shoots and a sufficient number of above-ground shoots. Then immediately plant the divisions in a permanent place.
The seed method should be used in the fall, since stratification is necessary for successful germination of saxifrage. To do this, you should initially prepare the area and level the surface. Then moisten the soil, scatter the seeds evenly and cover them with a thin layer of sand no more than 0.2 cm. With the arrival of spring, saxifrage germinates. When the seedlings become stronger, they can be planted.
Growing Arends saxifrage seedlings
To obtain seedlings of this plant at the beginning of the season, it is recommended to use the seedling growing method. Arends saxifrage seeds should be planted at the end of March. To do this, you can use wide containers 10 cm high. They must have drainage holes. Expanded clay should be laid at the bottom in a layer of 1 cm. And the rest of the volume should be filled with a mixture of peat and sand in equal quantities.
Growing Arends Pink Carpet saxifrage and other varieties from seeds requires certain skills. Therefore, you should strictly follow all recommendations. Seeds should be planted in moist soil, without covering them with soil. After this, the containers should be covered with film and placed in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks for stratification.
After this period, move the containers to the windowsill and ensure a temperature of +20-+22 degrees.With this regime, Anders saxifrage seeds germinate in 7-10 days. When the seedlings get stronger and grow 1-2 pairs of true leaves, they need to be planted in separate containers.
Planting and caring for Arends saxifrage
In order for the ground cover to develop well and bloom profusely every year, it is necessary to choose a good place for it. You should also properly plant and organize care.
Recommended timing
Seedlings should be planted in a permanent place when the soil warms up sufficiently and the weather becomes warm. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the procedure in mid-June. Earlier planting may lead to the death of immature seedlings.
Site selection and preparation
For Arends saxifrage, it is recommended to select shaded, elevated places so that moisture does not stagnate on them in winter, otherwise the plant will get wet. Slopes on the western or eastern side of the site are best suited. The plant tolerates shade well, so it can be placed near bushes and trees.
Saxifraga Arends can grow in any soil. But a day before planting, it is recommended to add sand, humus, and fine gravel to the soil and mix thoroughly. Also, the soil needs to be watered in advance, but not abundantly.
Landing algorithm
It is recommended to plant Arends saxifrage seedlings in a permanent place in the evening. This will allow the seedlings to adapt a little to the new site overnight.
Procedure:
- Make small holes at a distance of 10 cm in a checkerboard pattern.
- Remove the seedlings from the pot with a lump of earth on the roots.
- Place in the center of the recess.
- Sprinkle with soil and compact the surface at the base of the plant.
- Water a little along the edge of the planting hole.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
At the initial stage, water the seedlings regularly in the absence of rain. To do this, use settled water at a temperature of +20 degrees. Moisturize 3-4 times a week in the morning or evening. To reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil, peat mulch should be laid at the base of the seedlings.
Arends saxifrage needs to be fed only with mineral fertilizers. They should be applied for the first time 2 weeks after transplantation, and subsequently 1-2 times a month. During the period of shoot growth, it is necessary to use nitroammophoska. And before and after flowering, superphosphate and potassium sulfide.
Preparing for winter
With the arrival of the first stable frosts, the ground cover must be sprinkled with a layer of dry leaves or spruce branches. This plant does not need additional shelter for the winter, as it can dry out.
Diseases and pests
Arends' saxifrage may suffer from diseases and plant parasites if the growing conditions are inappropriate. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plant and take timely measures.
Possible problems:
- Powdery mildew. As the disease develops, the leaves and shoots of the plant are initially covered with a white coating and then wither. For treatment it is necessary to use “Topaz”, “Skor”.
- Root rot. Prolonged cool and rainy weather can lead to the development of the disease. In this case, the above-ground part of the saxifrage becomes sluggish, as the roots cease to function.Sick plants cannot be treated. They need to be destroyed and the soil watered with Previkur Energy.
- Spider mite. A small pest that inhibits the development of ground cover. The mite progresses in dry, hot weather. It can be identified by small cobwebs on the tops of the shoots. To destroy, use Actellik.
- Aphid. The pest feeds on the juice of young saxifrage leaves. Forms entire colonies. This leads not only to a lack of flowering, but also to inhibition of growth. To fight, you should use Inta-Vir.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for Arends saxifrage should take into account the basic requirements of the culture. Then the plant will become one of the decorations of the garden, and will successfully fill unsightly places. If you ignore the growing conditions, the desired result will be radically different from the obtained one.
