Content
Saxifraga paniculata, or Saxifraga aizoon, belongs to the large family of herbaceous perennials (Saxifragaceae). The plant is found everywhere in mountainous areas, among rocks and stones, and has more than 400 different species. The name comes from two Latin words: “rock” (saxum) and “to break” (fragere). The culture is popularly called “gap-grass.”
In its natural habitat, the wide curtains of the tenacious paniculata color the lifeless stone passages with bright blooms
Botanical description of the species
Species characteristics of the herbaceous perennial paniculate tenacious saxifrage:
- the root system is developed, strong, branching;
- height of the stem part before flowering is 7-10 cm;
- height of the stem part during flowering is 20-25 cm;
- the basal rosette of leaves is dense, hemispherical;
- leaves are smooth, leathery, pubescent;
- the shape of the leaves is round or oblong, with a heart-shaped base, with teeth along the edge;
- the color of the leaves is bluish, dark green, green-blue, with white marginal teeth;
- panicle-shaped inflorescences, 5-6 cm in diameter;
- flowers are small, five-petaled, star-shaped, with 8-10 stamens;
- flower color is yellow, pink, white, white-yellow, cream, reddish, with small purple specks;
- fruit - multi-seeded bursa;
- Flowering time is June-July.
The leaf blades of the paniculate tenacious saxifrage emit a gray calcareous coating, which is clearly visible on the upper surface
Where and how does it grow
Paniculate saxifrage has an amazing feature - it makes its way to the light on lifeless areas of the earth's surface with a predominance of natural stone. Developed rhizomes easily take root on mountain slopes, penetrate rock cracks, and grow widely in narrow gorges, on limestone slopes, granite ledges, and rocky soil. Rupture-grass is not afraid of drought and wind. It even destroys stone barriers and forms thick and dense clumps. The root system and leaf rosettes of paniculate saxifrage grow in different directions and form original dense, hemispherical turf.
The plant blooms in May-June. Loose panicle-shaped umbrellas are formed until July-August, after which the rosette with flower shoots dies. Decorative appearance is valued not only among flowering crops. The miniature leaves are very beautiful, collected in original basal rosettes, reminiscent of exotic multi-layered flowers. New leaf “stars” are formed from the mother ones - on long stolons.
As a result of anthropogenic human activity, some varieties and types of saxifrage are listed in the Red Book of Russia and are protected by the state.
An unpretentious plant, paniculate tenacious saxifrage, found in the mountainous regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and the African continent
The best varieties
Different varieties of saxifrage paniculata (Saxifraga paniculata) are distinguished by a variety of colors: from classic yellow to white and various shades of pink. Hybrid and collection plants attract the attention of landscape designers everywhere. The culture is often used to decorate local areas and is valued for its unpretentiousness and easy care.
For the growth and full development of Saxifraga tenacious paniculata, human intervention is practically not required
Rosea
The tenacious saxifrage variety Rosea (Rosea) is an ornamental perennial that is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- peduncles straight, red;
- height of peduncles up to 24 cm;
- diameter of sockets 2 cm;
- bud color is pink-red;
- flower color from pink (at the beginning of budding) to light pink (in the process of wilting);
- the shape of the petals is oval;
- the color of the nectaries is green;
- flower diameter up to 8 mm;
- leaves are rounded, with a sharp apex;
- the color of the leaves is dark green with a ruby edging along the edge;
- leaf dimensions - 1.2 cm x 0.5 cm.
Flowering of Saxifraga paniculata Rosea (Rosea) is not accompanied by aroma
Atropurpurea
An exclusive ground cover, paniculate saxifrage variety Atrapurpurea, is characterized by the following characteristics:
- leaf color is rich green;
- height of peduncles up to 50 cm;
- inflorescences in the form of loose panicles;
- The color of the flowers is dark red.
The yellow nectaries create a bright contrast with the ruby-red glow of the petals, so the blooming paniculate Atrapurpurea looks very impressive
Macocha
The popular variety of saxifrage paniculata Makocha (Macocha) is distinguished by the following features:
- leaf rosette diameter up to 15 cm;
- height of peduncles up to 50 cm;
- The color of the flowers is white with yellow nectaries.
The paniculate saxifrage Makocha (Macocha) blooms from May to July
Balcana minima
The tenacious Balkan minimalist saxifrage (Balcana minima) is recognized as a rare collection variety. The size of the leaf rosettes fully justifies the name - no more than 2 cm in diameter. The decorative variety is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- height of peduncles - up to 30 cm;
- leaf blades are narrow, pointed, with marginal teeth;
- leaf color - bluish-green;
- inflorescences - paniculate;
- the flowers are small.
Balkan minimalist panicle saxifrage (Balcana minima) prefers well-drained, calcareous soil.
Ria
The sophisticated saxifrage paniculata variety Ria is capable of creating dense ornamental thickets. The plant is characterized by:
- paniculate inflorescences;
- inflorescence height up to 30 cm;
- flower color is white;
- leaves are narrow, jagged, pointed;
- Leaf color is gray-green, blue-green.
The tenacious saxifrage variety Ria begins to produce modest flower stalks in June
Pygmy
The ever-living saxifrage variety Pygmaea is recognized as one of the most spectacular representatives of the species. The plant grows in many low rosettes and prefers sunny areas on rocky, poor soil.
Paniculate saxifrage Pygmaea retains its decorative appearance throughout the year, as it tolerates frost painlessly
Minor
The tenacious saxifrage variety Minor forms a dense growth of rosettes and is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- leaves are narrow, jagged, sharp;
- leaf color is gray-green, blue-green with jagged calcareous projections;
- panicle-shaped inflorescences;
- the color of the inflorescences is uniform, pale yellow, or with purple splashes on a white-yellow background;
- flower size up to 7 mm.
The ever-living paniculate saxifrage Minor begins to produce flower stalks in June
Planting and care
All representatives of the Saxifraga family are not difficult to plant and care for. Hardy and frost-resistant, rift grass grows best in areas that resemble natural habitats. Decorative varieties are propagated in several ways:
- seed;
- vegetative (dividing the mother bush, cuttings).
Most often, separation of paniculate saxifrage rosettes is used along with part of the rhizome
Recommended timing
The best time to replant Saxifraga tenacious paniculata is the middle of the summer season. Young rosettes can be separated and replanted in early spring. Plots must contain viable root shoots. Mother plants are separated at least once every 4-5 years, as the rosettes begin to thin out and lose their decorative appeal. The crop is not replanted during flowering.
For seedlings, seeds of paniculate tenacious saxifrage are planted in March-April in planting boxes with treated soil mixture.
Numerous, tiny seeds of Saxifraga everliving paniculata fall into the soil by self-sowing, are stratified in winter, and sprout in spring
Site selection and preparation
Most landscape designers and gardeners prefer to decorate designer rockeries, rock gardens, and retaining walls with original ground covers.The most suitable place is a northern or eastern slope, slightly shaded areas of the garden. The following requirements apply to the soil:
- slightly acidic, neutral, loose, light, granular soil;
- sufficient level of drainage layer;
- the presence of lime chips, coarse sand, vermiculite, clay;
- high content of humus, humus, black peat, calcium.
Ever-living saxifrage looks original and aesthetically pleasing in picturesque crevices, between stones of various sizes.
Landing algorithm
The planting holes are shallow enough to accommodate plots. Parts of basal rosettes with small roots are placed in the soil, pressed down and thoroughly moistened.
When propagating from seeds, planting material is planted onto seedlings without deepening. The smallest seeds are mixed with fine sand, distributed over the surface of the soil and sprinkled with a little sifted soil. Seedlings appear in 2-3 weeks. For the growth and development of seedlings, a sufficient level of humidity must be maintained. Seedlings have a long period of development. Cotyledon leaves are formed only a month after emergence.
The distance between plants should be at least 10 cm, since saxifrage grows quickly and takes up free space
Watering and fertilizing schedule
The plant needs gentle, careful, but frequent watering. In addition to moistening, the soil around the root rosettes should be periodically loosened.
Fertilize saxifrage with superphosphate, as well as organic compounds with a large amount of bone meal.
Areas planted with ever-living saxifrage paniculata will look neat and well-groomed if faded inflorescences are removed in a timely manner
Preparing for winter
A characteristic feature of paniculate saxifrage is its frost resistance. It is not for nothing that culture is called ever-living. The plant does not require mandatory winter preparation.
In snowless winters, you can cover everlasting rosettes with sawdust or dry branches
Diseases and pests
The stress-resistant saxifrage ever-living paniculata is distinguished by its stable immunity. In rare cases, the plant may be attacked by ants. When large colonies of insects appear, saxifrage rosettes can be treated with modern insecticides. Universal aphid repellents are most effective.
Plants should not be treated with aerosol preparations, since the settling composition spoils the decorative appearance of leaf rosettes
Sometimes the leaves may show rust or wet rot in the central part of the plants. The cause of the fungus is insufficient drainage and lack of ventilation of sockets.
Spores of rust pathogens infect leaf blades and appear as red-violet spots. Gradually, the lesions grow, the leaves become deformed and dry out, as the process of photosynthesis is disrupted. The plant loses nutrients and dies.
For early control of rust on Saxifraga bushes, modern biological and chemical preparations are used (Bordeaux mixture, Abigapik, Topaz, Hom)
Wet bacterial rot attacks healthy rosettes. The pulp of the leaves softens and becomes covered with a layer of mucus. The infection quickly spreads to other plants. Affected bushes should be removed and burned, and the ground should be disinfected.
To prevent wet bacterial rot, autumn soil treatment with bleach, formaldehyde, and chloropicrin is used.
Conclusion
Saxifraga paniculata is a beautiful perennial ground cover that is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, frost resistance, rapid growth and excellent decorative qualities. The exotic shape of the leaf rosettes, bred to resemble a flower, maintains elegance all year round. The plant is characterized by a number of medicinal properties. In folk medicine, roots and leaves are used. Natural raw materials are used to prepare drugs for diseases of the genitourinary, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.
