Content
- 1 What does saxifrage look like?
- 2 Types and varieties of saxifrage with photos
- 3 Saxifraga in landscape design
- 4 Useful properties of saxifrage
- 5 Conclusion
Garden saxifrage is a beautiful plant represented by a wide variety of species and varieties. Summer residents value perennials not only for their decorative properties, but also for their beneficial properties.
What does saxifrage look like?
Saxifraga is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Saxifraga family. It usually rises 5-70 cm in height and has a developed rhizome. The rosette of leaves near the surface of the earth grows to the sides and forms a dense hemispherical turf.The plates can be oval, heart- or diamond-shaped, dark green, bluish or silver, depending on the variety.
Saxifrage flower stalks rise noticeably above the rosettes of leaves
A photo of perennial saxifrage shows that it blooms with small, star-shaped, five-petalled buds, usually collected in panicles. The color can be white, yellow or pink, the decorative period lasts from the beginning of summer until autumn.
Types and varieties of saxifrage with photos
Before choosing a plant for your summer cottage, you need to study the types of saxifrage, varieties and photos with names. Perennials differ among themselves in size, shape of leaves and shades of inflorescences.
Bedrenets
Saxifraga (Pimpinella saxifrage) is a herbaceous plant up to 60 cm tall. It has a hollow, straight stem with slight pubescence; from the beginning of summer, umbrella inflorescences of white or pinkish hue appear on the tops. The photo of Saxifraga Bedrenets shows that the scutes consist of approximately twelve individual buds.
The berenets has a size and shape that is atypical for saxifrage
Manchurian
Manchurian saxifrage (Saxifraga manchuriensis) is a dwarf plant with shoots about 45 cm tall. The powerful basal rosette consists of dense dark green rounded leaves; the flowers of the species are white and pink. The decorative period begins at the end of July; the buds, collected in capitate inflorescences, remain attractive for about a month and a half.
Manchurian saxifrage has high frost resistance
Grainy
Saxifraga granulate is a plant with straight, pubescent stems up to 40 cm high. A small tuber is noticeable at the base of the basal rosette; the leaves of the perennial are sessile, dissected, and dark green.The species blooms in early summer, bearing white buds united in loose clusters. Remains attractive for about two months.
Granular saxifrage has a faint almond odor
Round-leaved
Round-leaved saxifrage (Saxifraga rotundifolia) is distinguished by thin branching stems with small round leaves of a dark green hue. The flowers of this species are small, porcelain-white, with red splashes on the petals. The plant is especially valued by gardeners for its long decorative period - from early summer to autumn. Flowering occurs very lushly and abundantly.
Round-leaved saxifrage tolerates shade and winter frost well
Opposite foliage
Opposite leaf saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) has small emerald leaves arranged in pairs. Creeping stems reach 15 cm in length; the species is characterized by very early spring flowering. The plant produces small pink-red buds that turn purple as they develop. It grows well and can form lush turf.
Opposite leaf saxifrage grows well in the north, but does not tolerate warm climates
Urban (shadow)
Urban saxifrage (Saxifraga urbium) rises no higher than 15 cm above the ground and forms a continuous carpet. The leaves of the plant are oblong, but wide, with a serrated edge. The buds are small, light pink, united into loose panicles. The peculiarities of the variety include early flowering - from late May to early July.
Unlike many other species, urban saxifrage overwinters well in the middle zone.
Tongue
Reed saxifrage (Saxifraga lingulata) is a perennial plant up to 35 cm. Green leaves, collected in a rosette, have a light edge.The buds of the variety are white, forming drooping openwork inflorescences. It reaches its maximum decorative value in July and can remain beautiful until the onset of autumn.
Reed saxifrage is planted both in the sun and in the shade; the white buds look equally good
Soddy
Soddy saxifrage (Saxifraga cespitosa) is common in Eurasia and North America. The stems of the plant are up to 20 cm tall, pubescent and straight, the flowers are usually white, yellowish or greenish. The decorative period begins in June and can last all summer; the species is unpretentious and resistant to low temperatures.
In some regions of Russia, soddy saxifrage is listed in the Red Book
Juniper-leaved
Juniperus saxifrage (Saxifraga juniperifolia) has thin leaves that resemble pine needles. The plant is compact, up to 15 cm in height, when planted alone it resembles a small dark green prickly hummock. It bears spike-shaped flowers of a yellow hue and blooms in late May or early June.
Juniper-leaved saxifrage looks good in rocky gardens next to conifers
Hawkleaf
Saxifraga hieracifolia rises to an average of 50 cm above the ground. The leaves of the plant are thick, with a serrated edge and pubescence at the bottom. The flowers are greenish or reddish in color and bloom quite late - in July and August.
Hawkleaf saxifrage is not very decorative and is not in particular demand among gardeners
Evergreen
Evergreen saxifrage (Saxifraga paniculata) is a dwarf species and grows only 8 cm above the ground. Forms a thick carpet when it grows abundantly.The leaves are fleshy, bluish-green and toothed, and the flowers are usually white. The plant blooms towards mid-summer.
Evergreen saxifrage retains the bright color of its leaves even in the cold season
Snezhnaya
Snow saxifrage (Saxifraga nivalis) is one of the most frost-resistant varieties. It rises on average 20 cm above the ground. The flowers of the plant are rather inconspicuous - with white petals and a green base. It acquires maximum decorative value from mid-June and retains it for about a month.
Snow saxifrage thrives in arctic climates
Saxifraga Arends
Saxifraga arendsii is the most common interspecific hybrid among gardeners. Plants usually grow no more than 20 cm and bear pinkish or white flowers. They become decorative from late spring to mid-summer.
Saxifraga Arends is represented by numerous decorative varieties
The best varieties
Not all saxifrages are popular among summer residents and flower growers, but only the most beautiful of them. Usually we are talking about hybrid varieties bred artificially; they combine attractiveness and ease of care.
Ice Queen
The decorative variety Ice Queen has elongated leaves with a silver-green color. The flowers of the plant are snow-white and appear on the shoots at the standard time in early summer. The perennial grows very quickly and tolerates negative temperatures well.
You can grow Ice Queen on the site without winter shelter
Purpurmantelle
Saxifraga Purpurmantel is a frost-resistant ground cover variety for decorating alpine hills and low walls. It rises up to 20 cm above the ground, forms a thick carpet of basal leaves.In late spring it produces medium-sized purple-pink flowers.
Purple Robe
Hybrid saxifrage Purple Robe grows on average up to 15 cm above ground level. The variety begins to bloom at the end of May; the buds are dark, carmine-red. The perennial looks harmonious in rocky gardens next to other low-growing plants and is easy to care for.
Saxifraga Purple mantle remains decorative from the beginning of spring until snow cover
Floral carpet
The Floral Carpet variety can reach 20 cm in height. It features variegated blooms of pink, white and purple. It grows abundantly in all directions, prefers well-lit areas, but tolerates slight shade.
The Flower Carpet variety enters the decorative period at the end of spring
Pink carpet
The pink carpet (Carpet Pink) reaches only about 7 cm in height. Looks good in mixed compositions among other miniature plants; the variety is often grown as part of rocky gardens. The perennial blooms in early summer, the buds are dark pink and very abundant.
Pink carpet can be grown in the middle zone and northern regions
Purple carpet
Variety Carpet Purple reaches 15 cm above the ground surface. The perennial leaves are green, collected in dense rosettes, flowers are purple in color up to 4 cm in diameter. Blooms in May and June and does best in partial shade in moist soil.
Saxifraga Purple carpet tolerates frost well and only requires covering with a layer of foliage
Snow carpet
The Carpet White variety thickly covers the soil in the designated area. It grows on average up to 20 cm, blooms from May to early July.As the name implies, the buds are snow-white; during the decorative period, the plant looks very impressive. White saxifrage prefers well-moistened soils and loves lighted areas.
Variety Snow Carpet does not require shelter for the winter
Tricolor
The Tricolor variety is distinguished by variegated foliage - green with a wide white-pink border. The shoots of the plant are long, climbing, up to 60 cm. The flowers are rather modest, reddish or snow-white in loose panicles. The variety is mainly valued for its decorative leaves.
Saxifraga Tricolor is often bred as an hanging plant.
Rosea
Rosea reaches 20 cm in height and forms dense thickets of lobed leaves collected in rosettes. The shoots of the plant are thin; large pink flowers appear on them in May and June.
Saxifraga Rosea is often used in rock gardens in semi-shaded areas
Harvest Moon
Harvest Moon is a compact saxifrage up to 30 cm tall with yellow-green coloring of pubescent leaves. In May and June it bears star-shaped flowers with elongated white petals. Due to the unusual coloring of the foliage, it retains its decorative effect even after the buds fall off.
The original Harvest Moon variety can be grown in the middle zone and in the south
Schneeteppich
The hybrid saxifrage Schneeteppich grows an average of 15 cm above the ground. The flowers of the plant are star-shaped, pure white and quite beautiful. The perennial blooms in late spring or early summer and retains its maximum beauty for about a month and a half.
The Schneeteppich variety looks especially impressive in well-lit areas
Blutenteppich
The saxifrage Bluttnteppich rises only 12 cm above the ground.At the beginning of summer it bears bright pink-red buds and is capable of forming a low, thick carpet in a rocky garden or rock garden. Pairs well with lighter, low-growing plants.
In winter, the Bluetenteppich variety requires shelter - its frost resistance is average
Variegata
Saxifraga Variegata is a ground cover variety up to 30 cm above ground level. The leaves of the plant are wide, green with yellow stripes, and spatulate in shape. The rosette can reach 8 cm in diameter. The perennial blooms in June; its buds are white with pink cores.
The contrasting leaves of Saxifraga Variegata look especially good in the sun
Flamingo
Saxifraga Flamingo reaches 15 cm in height and reaches its maximum decorative value in late spring. The flowers of the plant are pink and look attractive both in the light and in the shade. Valued by gardeners for the delicate shade of the petals and endurance.
Saxifraga Flamingo blooms continuously for about a month
Saxifraga in landscape design
Low-growing garden saxifrage is most often used to create miniature compositions. Usually you can see it:
- in rock gardens and rockeries;
Saxifraga feels great on rocky soils
- in decorating borders;
Using saxifrage you can effectively emphasize the line of the path
- in artistic compositions;
Saxifraga combines harmoniously with other perennials
- in the design of the banks of reservoirs;
Saxifraga not only decorates coastal areas, but also prevents slopes from crumbling
Photos of saxifrage in landscape design demonstrate that the plant decorates and enlivens any space.
Useful properties of saxifrage
The perennial plant is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its numerous beneficial properties.Medicines based on it:
- have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects;
- help with high fever;
- used for otitis media and furunculosis;
- relieve inflammation and pain from ulcers, carbuncles and phlegmon;
- help relieve hemorrhoids;
- are beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea;
- have a beneficial effect on seizures.
The perennial can even be used in complex therapy for oncology.
The use of saxifrage herb in folk medicine
To treat diseases, several herbal remedies are prepared. In any of its forms, saxifrage has a positive effect on the body when used correctly.
Recipes
To prepare medicines, dried leaves and underground parts of a perennial plant are used:
- Tea. The saxifrage root should be thoroughly crushed, a small spoonful of it should be brewed in 250 ml of water and left for about 20 minutes. Drink the product on a full stomach three times a day; you can add a little honey to the cup.
- Infusion. To create a medicinal drink, you need to grind half a large spoon of the roots of the plant, pour a glass of hot water and leave for three hours. Drink 100 ml of the product up to four times a day.
- Decoction. The drink is prepared from fresh leaves of the plant - 30 g of them are boiled in 300 ml of boiling water in a water bath for 15 minutes. Then the product is cooled, filtered and topped up with clean liquid to the original volume. Take the drink two large spoons four times a day on an empty stomach.
When using infusions and decoctions of a perennial plant, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosages. Active substances in roots and leaves in too large quantities can cause harm.
Saxifraga roots contain more valuable substances than leaves
Rules of application
Traditional medicine offers several recipes that can bring relief from acute and chronic diseases. The success of therapy depends on compliance with the norms and dosages of administration.
For kidney stones
A strong tincture helps a lot with kidney stones. They do it like this:
- 100 g of dry roots are poured with 500 ml of vodka;
- seal the container and put it in a dark place for ten days;
- filter through cheesecloth.
Take saxifrage medicine for kidney stones, 30 drops up to five times a day on a full stomach. The product relieves swelling well, removes excess fluid from the body and helps with small stones.
For gallstones
For cholecystitis, liver diseases and gallstones, it is recommended to take a decoction of the medicinal plant. The recipe looks like this:
- two large spoons of crushed leaves are poured into 300 ml of water;
- Boil over low heat for 15 minutes;
- cool under the lid and filter through cheesecloth.
You need to take two large spoons of the prepared decoction shortly before eating.
For asthma and bronchitis
Saxifraga has a beneficial effect on asthma, cough and tonsillitis. The remedy is prepared according to the following recipe:
- pour a small spoonful of dry roots into a glass of water;
- bring to a boil on the stove;
- Immediately remove from heat and cool.
To improve the taste, natural honey is added to healthy tea. You need to take the drink three times a day on a full stomach.
For gout
The perennial plant helps remove uric acid deposits from joints.The medicine is prepared as follows:
- 20 g of leaves are poured into 200 ml of water;
- Simmer the product in a water bath for 15 minutes;
- Infuse for another 45 minutes under the lid until cooled;
- filter through cheesecloth.
You need to take the decoction after meals, 30 ml up to four times a day.
Herbal teas based on saxifrage help with rheumatism and arthrosis
For gastrointestinal diseases
The medicinal plant can improve the condition of gastritis, ulcers and pancreatitis in remission. For medicinal purposes, make the following decoction:
- pour 250 ml of boiling water into a large spoon of dry roots;
- keep in a water bath for ten minutes;
- insist for another half hour.
The cooled product is filtered, a spoonful of honey is added if desired, and the drink is taken on an empty stomach, 70 ml three times a day.
Restrictions and contraindications
The benefits and harms of a medicinal plant are not always the same. You cannot take decoctions and infusions based on perennials if:
- varicose veins and tendency to thrombosis;
- individual allergies;
- bradycardia;
- hypotension.
During pregnancy, it is better to avoid saxifrage Bedrenets; the same goes for breastfeeding; the perennial can provoke allergies in a newborn. Plant-based products are not offered to children under seven years of age.
Conclusion
Saxifraga is a useful, very beautiful and unpretentious crop in terms of growing conditions. There are many types and decorative varieties of plants; for your summer cottage you can choose only one of them or combine several at once.
