Also known as Saxifrage · 115 gardener saves
Saxifraga: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Saxifraga, the genus most gardeners know as saxifrage. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Saxifraga varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedLondon Pride
Saxifraga x urbium 'Fair Maids of France'
#2 most savedFernleaf Saxifrage
Saxifraga stolonifera
#3 most savedHope's Wine Creeping Saxifrage
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Hope's Wine'
Saxifraga Harvest Moon
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Harvest Moon'
Kinki Purple Strawberry Begonia
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Kinki Purple'
Strawberry Begonia
Saxifraga stolonifera 'Veitchiana'
How to grow Saxifraga
What the Saxifraga varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Saxifraga year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Tidy up dead or damaged foliage before new growth starts.
- PropagateApril–September83% of varieties
Propagate by pinning down runners or dividing clumps.
- FertilizeMarch50% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring.
- DivideMarch50% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in well-draining, shaded spot.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Provide partial shade during hot summer days
- Apply fertilizer during the growing season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full intense sun in summer
- Avoid heavy clay soils that retain excess moisture
- Avoid waterlogging as it causes root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Saxifraga
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Saxifraga
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions at the same depth as original
- Water thoroughly and mulch lightly
- Allow 6 weeks to establish
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks until roots develop
Saxifraga questions
How many types of Saxifraga are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Saxifraga varieties. The most popular — ranked by 115 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Saxifraga grow in?
Across its varieties, Saxifraga covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Saxifraga bloom?
Most Saxifraga varieties bloom in late spring, early spring, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Saxifraga should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Saxifraga shows up in
Design with Saxifraga in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
