Saxifraga aka Rockfoil

Taxonomy

Saxifraga, also known as rockfoils or saxifrages, is the largest genus in the Saxifragaceae family, encompassing approximately 465 species of perennial plants. Derived from the Latin words saxum (meaning "rock" or "stone") and frangere (meaning "to break"), the name saxifraga suggests a potential medicinal use in treating urinary calculi, rather than actual rock-breaking capabilities. These holarctic plants typically form low mats, growing up to 10cm in height, with lobed leaves that create rosettes of evergreen foliage. During spring, they produce small, white, star-shaped flowers on short stems that rise above the foliage. In garden settings, Saxifraga species are often cultivated as rosette plants, reaching around 30 cm in height. The blooming period varies depending on the species, ranging from late spring to autumn, and the flowers are usually petite and can be white, pink, or red in color.

Common names

Rockfoil

How to care for Rockfoil

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Rockfoil, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Rockfoil thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Rockfoil.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Rockfoil plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia