Saxifraga x urbium 'Variegata'

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syn. 'Aureopunctata', 'Variegata Aurea'
LONDON PRIDE SAXIFRAGES
Family: Saxifragaceae Pronounced: saks-if-FRAG-uh ur-BEE-um

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Garden.
Plant Group: Perennial.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: 2-7, 14-17. USDA zones: 6-7, 8 in the mild maritime Pacific Northwest. Heat zones: 7-6.
Mature size: Height: 12 inches (with flowers) (30 cm).
Flowering period: April through June.
Flowering attributes: Loose panicles of white flowers with dots of red and yellow, on a stem that rises from the rosette center.
Leaf attributes: Spoon-shaped, mid-green leaves with random splashes of yellow.
Growth habit: Spreading.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Average to moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Well balanced organic fertilizer in spring.
Propagation Methods: Divide rosettes in spring or autumn.
Pruning Methods: Cut back stems to rosette when flowers fade.

Rainy Side Notes

Many years ago, a gardener gave me a tiny piece of this wonderful perennial with great foliage. It followed me from one garden to the next, where it now grows on a rock wall and next to my front steps. I've noted that some resources say it spreads vigorously, which gives the impression that it’s a thug. Not so, although it does spread; it’s at a slow pace, and if it goes too far, it is easy to pull the errant rosettes. Push the rosettes into soil and they will root readily.

This saxifrage is partial to our mild climate. The ones that grow in partial-to-full shade in my garden look the healthiest, which may be due to being in an area that keeps its moisture longer. They do not care for dry soil, so I give them supplemental watering during our drought period in summer.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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