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An exquisite evergreen perennial - this is how mossy saxifrage is described by many gardeners. This plant is indeed widely used in the design of gardens and personal plots. And all thanks to its unique appearance, as well as the ability to take root in the most difficult conditions.
From the name of the plant it is clear that its natural habitat is lifeless rocky slopes
Botanical description of the species
Mossy saxifrage (Saxifraga bryoides) is one of the representatives of the Saxifraga family of the genus of the same name. A perennial herbaceous plant, classified as an ornamental plant, it can be found in nature on rocky areas in Europe.
Saxifraga is a mossy herb with rough oblong leaves, which, as it grows on the surface of the earth, forms a dark green, loose carpet. Reaches 10 cm in height.
The leaf blades are oblong-lanceolate (up to 7 mm), slightly curved upward, numerous, collected in small rosettes.Their tips have a pointed, spiky shape; along the edge you can see short fibers of a grayish-green hue.
Saxifrage peduncles are located above the rosettes, their length reaches 6 cm. At the tips, inflorescences are formed, formed from oblong flowers from yellow-white to bright red shades.
The pistil is large, contains 2 carpels fused at the base. At the end of flowering, fruits appear in the form of an egg-shaped capsule. Saxifraga seeds are small and are produced in large quantities.
The root system is powerful, branched, and can penetrate hard rocky soil.
Mossy saxifrage has several decorative varieties that will be a good decoration for rocky slopes, rockeries and other areas with hard soil in the garden.
Red Admiral
The bryophyte saxifrage variety Red Admiral is very attractive, as beautiful small inflorescences of rich crimson color rise above the green-emerald rosettes. The plant prefers places with diffused light and does not tolerate direct sunlight and waterlogging.
The red saxifrage flowers of this variety look very advantageous against the background of a green carpet
Elf
Mossy saxifrage variety Elf, unlike Red Admiral, has flowers of less bright color. The inflorescences are presented in small baskets of a soft pink hue.
The Elf variety plant is short-growing, but blooms profusely
Fairy (Sprite)
The saxifrage variety Fairy (Sprite) is decorated with very bright red flowers rising above dark green small rosettes of oblong leaves. An unpretentious plant that can decorate even the most shady places in the garden.
The Fairy variety (Sprite) can grow on poor soils without losing its decorative properties
Application in landscape design
The decorative ground cover mossy saxifrage is successfully used in landscape design. It is great for growing in rock gardens, on alpine hills, along borders and other stone compositions.
Planting of bryophyte saxifrage is carried out either as a single plant or together with other ground cover perennials. The main feature of combining these plants into a group is the correct selection of colors so that the composition is not too catchy or, conversely, does not merge into one large spot.
In addition, designers often use different varieties of saxifrage to separate the functional zones of a site. For example, a strip of an unusual carpet can separate a flower garden from a common garden or create a frame for a relaxation area.
And the combination of mossy saxifrage with other flowering plants makes it possible to grow it together with petunias or phloxias. The resulting lush clumps of these garden crops will delight not only externally, but will diffuse a delicate aroma throughout the garden.
Reproduction methods
Reproduction of mossy saxifrage is a simple process that even an amateur gardener can handle. At the same time, there are several methods of breeding this plant:
- seeds;
- layering;
- dividing the bush.
It is possible to grow mossy saxifrage from seeds through seedlings, but provided that all sowing rules are followed.
Seeds of bryophyte saxifrage must be subjected to stratification. This allows you to increase germination and ensure stronger, healthier seedlings. The container and substrate are also pre-prepared.The soil can be used universally, and if the mixture is prepared independently, then it must be disinfected using a manganese solution or calcination in the oven.
Since the seeds of mossy saxifrage are very small, they are mixed with a small amount of sand before sowing. Furrows are made and planting material is laid. You should not dig it into the soil; you can only sprinkle it with additional wet sand. Afterwards, the container is covered with glass or film and placed in a well-lit, warm place.
The usual germination period for saxifrage seeds is 7 days, but sometimes germination can only be expected for 10-14 days. As soon as the sprouts become visible, the shelter is removed, and it is important to maintain a constant temperature of + 20-22 OC. Watering is carried out regularly, but water stagnation is not allowed.
Mossy saxifrage seedlings are very fragile and must be handled with care when transplanted into open ground.
Reproduction by layering of this plant is rarely used. The most suitable time for this method is considered to be the period when the mossy saxifrage has faded. They select the strongest shoots from the mother bush and bend them to the ground, fixing them with staples. Sprinkle the top with soil and water generously. While they take root, it is important to keep the substrate constantly moist. For the winter, saxifrage cuttings are not separated, but covered with spruce branches or insulated with sawdust. And in the spring, when the snow melts, if the actions are carried out correctly, the young plant will take root well and will be ready to separate from the mother bush.
Reproduction by dividing the bush is one of the simplest methods of propagating bryophyte saxifrage, but provided that the mother plant is sufficiently strong and healthy.To begin, prepare the planting holes. A place for them should be chosen in partial shade. Be sure to provide drainage and sprinkle with a soil mixture of turf, compost, lime and sand. Then, 2 hours before the division procedure, the mother saxifrage bush is watered abundantly, this will make it easier to dig it up without damaging the root system. After extraction with a sharp knife or garden spatula, the bush is divided into 2-3 parts. Each of them should have strong root branches and well-developed leaf rosettes. The resulting parts are transferred to planting holes and sprinkled with soil, tamped lightly and watered generously with water. Before winter, young plants must be insulated with spruce branches or sawdust.
Planting and care
Depending on the method of propagation, the timing of planting and subsequent care of young mossy saxifrage have some differences. But at the same time, there are a number of features that should be taken into account in order for the plant to take root well.
Deadlines
Planting mossy saxifrage in open ground should be done in the spring. Typically, seedlings are planted in a permanent place in late May early June, when the air temperature reaches + 18-20 OC.
If direct sowing of mossy saxifrage seeds is planned in a permanent place, then it is done from March to April. At the same time, before the first shoots appear, they must build a kind of greenhouse, covering the area with film. In the fall, before the onset of frost, seeds are sown for the winter without prior germination.
In the summer (June-July), rooted cuttings of mossy saxifrage are transplanted, separating them from the mother bush.
Site selection and preparation
Mossy saxifraga is not a capricious plant, but when choosing a place for planting, you should still rely on its natural preferences. It is best to highlight an area where diffuse light predominates. Of course, saxifrage can grow in open sun, but provided that all care rules and frequent watering are followed.
The plant also has no special requirements for soil, but grows best on moderately fertile soil with weak or neutral acidity. If the soil on the site is heavy and does not have the necessary looseness, then peat and sand should be added to it. If there is high acidity, lime must be added to the soil.
Saxifraga prefers soil with a high content of salts and limestone
Landing algorithm
Basically, the process of planting bryophyte saxifrage has few differences from other garden crops. Algorithm of actions:
- To begin, prepare shallow holes. When planting several plants, the distance between them should be maintained at least 10 cm.
- The seedlings are planted at an angle, sprinkled with soil and tamped lightly.
- Water generously at the root.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Saxifraga mossy is adapted for growth in harsh conditions, and excessive care can have a detrimental effect on its well-being. The plant does not like waterlogging, so watering should be done as the soil dries out. It is best to mulch the root zone, which will maintain moderate soil moisture and minimize the frequency of watering.
As for fertilizers, mossy saxifrage practically does not need them. It is enough to make 1-2 feedings per season.To do this, you should use superphosphate or bone meal. But it is better to avoid nitrogen-containing complexes, since their excess can lead to an abundant growth of green mass and the saxifrage simply will not bloom.
Wintering
Adult mossy saxifrage calmly tolerates frosts, so it does not need special shelter for the winter. But young plants should definitely be insulated. Sawdust, dry leaves or spruce branches are suitable as covering materials.
Diseases and pests
Adapted to harsh conditions, mossy saxifrage also has high immunity to diseases and pests. However, if care recommendations are not followed, the plant becomes vulnerable. For example, if you water too much, the roots may rot or powdery mildew may appear. To combat such diseases, the affected parts of the plant are removed, and treated with fungicides as a preventive measure.
Among the pests, mossy saxifrage is mainly affected by aphids and spider mites. If they are detected, you can resort to treating the plant with a soap solution. Also effective against these parasites are drugs such as Fitovern, Aktara, Tanrek.
Useful properties and contraindications
In addition to its decorative appearance, mossy saxifrage is valued for its healing properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antihemorrhoidal effects.
Use in folk medicine
Due to the content of essential oils, vitamin C, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarin, and tannins in the leaves and roots of saxifrage, it is used as an antifever agent. It also helps with infectious diseases and vomiting.
The antimicrobial effect of the plant makes it possible to use it to treat purulent wounds, boils and even the effects of frostbite.
Despite its high medicinal value, mossy saxifrage should be used as a medicine only after consultation with your doctor. It is also undesirable to use tinctures, teas and decoctions for pregnant women, during lactation and in the presence of thrombosis and bradycardia.
Conclusion
Mossy saxifraga is an amazing plant that can improve those areas where most garden crops have difficulty taking root. In addition, in addition to its unusual and attractive appearance, it has healing properties.
