Arends' saxifrage: planting and care, photo in the garden, Purple, White, Pink carpet, varieties

Arends' saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii) is a herbaceous groundcover perennial that can thrive and flourish in impoverished, rocky soils where other crops cannot survive. Therefore, the plant is often used in landscape design, successfully masking unsightly areas. Planting and caring for Arends' saxifrage should be culturally appropriate. Otherwise, with the cultivation of even such an unpretentious plant, certain difficulties may arise. Therefore, you should study all the recommendations in advance so that later there will be no problems.

Arends' saxifrage quickly fills the empty space

Botanical description

This evergreen groundcover is a member of the genus of the same name. This culture is characterized by numerous creeping shoots, which, when in contact with the ground, form roots in internodes. Due to this feature, Arends' saxifrage grows rapidly. Therefore, this culture is classified as bryophyte soddy plants. Its height reaches 10-20 cm - depending on the variety.

Leaves of a bright green shade with a silvery sheen, carved. They are collected in a root rosette and are attached with wide flat petioles. The plates are so close to each other that they create dense thickets that resemble moss.

Important! The leaves of Arends' saxifrage die off annually, and new ones grow on top.

The flowering period for this plant occurs from May to August, depending on the variety. At this time, 1-3 buds appear on the tops of thin shoots, which rise above the dense cap of leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped, consisting of 5 petals, and there are 10 stamens in the center. Their shade can be pink, red, white. At the end of flowering, fruits are formed in the form of two-chambered capsules, which contain small black oblong seeds. Pollination requires insects, but it can also happen with the help of the wind. The flowering period of Arends' saxifrage lasts a little over a month.

Where and how it grows

This culture is widespread and can be found anywhere in the world. Especially often, Arends's saxifrage is found in Russia, in Europe, in Central America, in the tropics of Africa and even in the Arctic latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

The plant is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and endurance. It can grow without any particular difficulties in rock crevices, for which it got its name. She can also settle in meadows, steppe slopes, edges of deciduous and coniferous forests, on the sides of roads.

Important! The higher the ground cover grows, the brighter and more luxuriant it blooms.

Arends' saxifrage varieties

On the basis of the wild species of this plant, varieties were obtained, the decorativeness of which has significantly improved. Their difference lies mainly in the color of the petals.This made it possible to combine different varieties, creating unique ground cover compositions.

Arends' saxifrage White carpet

Perennial is distinguished by its snow-white color. The diameter reaches 1 cm. The height of the shoots is 20 cm. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the region. Prefers shady places with fertile moist soil. It grows quickly in an open area.

White carpet requires shelter for the winter with leaves

Arends's Saxifrage Purple Carpet

This variety is distinguished by burgundy purple flowers with a yellow center. Plant height reaches 15 cm. Leaves at Arends' saxifrage Purple Robe dense, dark green hue. Flowering occurs at the end of May and lasts 30-35 days.

Saxifrage Purple carpet prefers to grow in light areas

Arends' saxifrage Pink carpet

From the name of the variety, it becomes clear that the shade of its flowers is pink, but there are still bright longitudinal stripes of a darker shade on the petals. The plant forms basal rosettes of green leaves. This variety begins to bloom in July and lasts until August. Plant height 15 cm. Differs in increased frost resistance.

The Pink Carpet variety prefers to grow in the shade on moist soil

Arends' saxifrage Floral Carpet

This look is a mix of several shades of colors: pink, white and purple. On sale, it is also found under the name Flower carpet. Plants grow to a height of 20 cm. They form a dense dense cover on the soil surface. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the growing region.

Mix Floral Carpet can be sown in the ground in April or September

Arends' saxifrage Peter Pan

A hybrid cultivar with bright pink petals. Plant height reaches 20 cm. Leaves are dense, bright green. Arends' saxifrage Peter Pan blooms in June and continues until mid-July. The variety shows the maximum decorative effect when planted in partial shade.

Arends' saxifrage Peter Pan is characterized by abundant flowering

Arends' Highlander Red Saxifrage

A variety with red petals and a bright yellow center. Plant height does not exceed 15 cm. Dense leaves have a dark green tint. Flowering begins in June. It prefers to grow in shady places rich in humus.

Anders Highlander Red's saxifrage looks perfect in combination with light varieties

Arends' saxifrage Highlander White

A novelty variety with red buds that turn white when opened. This contrast gives the plant an elegant look. Arends Highlander White's saxifrage forms a dense carpet. The height of the plant does not exceed 20 cm. Its leaves are dense, light green in color.

Arends Highlander White's saxifrage can be grown in full sun

Arends Variegat's Saxifrage

A feature of the variety is a light yellow border along the edge of the leaf plates. The height of Arends Variegat's saxifrage reaches 20 cm. The flowers are pink up to 1 cm in diameter and rise above the foliage. The flowering period begins in mid-June.

Variegata variety is characterized by fast growth.

Saxifrage Arends Lofty

A new generation of this culture, characterized by large flowers, the diameter of which reaches 1.5-2.0 cm. The height of Arends Lofty's saxifrage is 20 cm. The shade of the petals is pale pink. The ground cover begins to form buds in early June and continues for 4 weeks.

Arends Lofty's saxifrage is suitable for growing in pots and hanging planters

Application in landscape design

This ground cover is especially popular with novice and professional flower growers. He is able to easily fit into any landscape design.

Anders' saxifrage can be used for:

the foreground of multi-level flower beds;
landscaping of artificial reservoirs;
rockeries;
alpine slides;
rocky garden;
mixborders;
framing garden paths.

The plant looks good in combination with irises, muscari, decorated gentian and lingonberry. Joint planting of these crops allows you to get picturesque flower beds on the site. What Arends's saxifrage looks like in the garden can be seen in the photo below.

The ground cover is able to grow in one place for 7-8 years

Reproduction methods

To obtain new seedlings of this culture, you can use the method of cuttings, dividing the bush and seeds. Each of these methods has its own characteristics, so they should be studied in advance.

Anders saxifrage can be cut in spring and summer, before or after flowering. To do this, it is necessary to cut off individual root rosettes, place them in a wet mixture of peat and sand and cover with a transparent cap. Cuttings take root after 3-4 weeks. After that, they need to be planted in separate containers, and after 1 month, transferred to open ground.

It is recommended to divide the bush in the second half of the summer. Water the saxifrage abundantly the day before. Then the next day, carefully dig up the plant and cut it into pieces with a knife. Each of them must have root shoots and a sufficient number of aerial shoots. Then immediately plant the delenki in a permanent place.

The seed method should be used in the fall as stratification is necessary for successful germination of saxifrage. To do this, you should initially prepare the site and level the surface. Then moisten the soil, sprinkle the seeds evenly and cover them with a thin layer of sand no more than 0.2 cm. With the arrival of spring, the saxifrage germinates. When the seedlings get stronger, they can be planted.

Growing Arends' saxifrage seedlings

To get seedlings of this plant by the beginning of the season, it is recommended to use the seedling method of growing. Planting with Arends' saxifrage seeds should be done at the end of March. For this, you can use wide containers with a height of 10 cm. They must have drainage holes. Expanded clay should be laid on the bottom with a layer of 1 cm. And the rest of the volume should be filled with a mixture of peat and sand in equal amounts.

Growing Arends' saxifrage Pink Carpet and other varieties from seeds requires certain skills. Therefore, all recommendations should be strictly followed. You need to plant seeds in moist soil, without sprinkling it with earth. After that, the containers should be covered with foil and refrigerated for 2-3 weeks for stratification.

After this period, rearrange the containers on the windowsill and ensure the temperature is + 20- + 22 degrees. In this mode, Anders' saxifrage seeds germinate in 7-10 days. When the seedlings get stronger and grow 1-2 pairs of true leaves, they need to be dived into separate containers.

Important! At the initial stage, seedlings of Anders saxifrage are characterized by slow growth.

Planting and caring for Arends' saxifrage

In order for the ground cover to develop well and bloom profusely every year, you need to find a good place for it. You should also properly plant and arrange for care.

Important! Adult plants of Anders' saxifrage do not need special attention from the grower.

Recommended timing

Planting seedlings in a permanent place should be when the soil warms up enough and warm weather is established. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the procedure in mid-June. An earlier planting can lead to the death of immature seedlings.

Site selection and preparation

For Arends' saxifrage, it is recommended to select elevated shaded places so that moisture does not stagnate on them in winter, otherwise the plant will get wet. The slopes on the western or eastern side of the site are best suited. The plant tolerates shade well, so placement near shrubs and trees is allowed.

Arends' saxifrage can grow in any soil. But a day before planting, it is recommended to add sand, humus, fine gravel to the soil and mix thoroughly. Also, the land must be watered in advance, but not abundantly.

Landing algorithm

It is recommended to plant Arends' saxifrage seedlings in a permanent place in the evening.This will allow the seedlings to adapt slightly in the new area overnight.

Procedure:

Make small holes at a distance of 10 cm in a checkerboard pattern.
Remove the seedlings from the pot with a lump of earth on the roots.
Place in the center of the recess.
Sprinkle with earth and compact the surface at the base of the plant.
Pour a little over the edge of the planting hole.

Important! Arends' saxifrage seedlings bloom only after a year.

Watering and feeding schedule

At the initial stage, water the seedlings regularly in the absence of rain. To do this, use settled water with a temperature of +20 degrees. Moisturize 3-4 times a week in the morning or evening. To reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil, peat mulch should be laid at the base of the seedlings.

You need to feed Arends' saxifrage only with mineral fertilizers. The first time they should be applied 2 weeks after the transplant, and then 1-2 times a month. During the period of growing shoots, it is necessary to use nitroammophos. And before and after flowering, superphosphate and potassium sulfide.

Important! Arends' saxifrage does not respond well to overflow and excess nutrients in the soil.

Preparing for winter

With the arrival of the first stable frosts, the ground cover must be sprinkled with a layer of dry leaves or spruce branches. This plant does not need additional shelter for the winter, as it can dry out.

Diseases and pests

Arends' saxifrage can suffer from diseases and plant parasites if growing conditions are not suitable. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plant, and take timely measures.

Possible problems:

Powdery mildew. With the development of the disease, the leaves and shoots of the plant are initially covered with a white bloom, and then wither. For treatment it is necessary to apply "Topaz", "Speed".
Root rot. Prolonged cool and rainy weather can lead to the development of the disease. In this case, the aboveground part of the saxifrage becomes lethargic, as the roots cease to function. Diseased plants cannot be treated. They need to be destroyed and the soil watered with Previkur Energy.
Spider mite. A small pest that inhibits the development of a ground cover. The tick progresses in dry, hot weather. It can be identified by the small cobweb at the tops of the shoots. Use Actellic for destruction.
Aphid. The pest feeds on the sap of young saxifrage leaves. Forms whole colonies. This leads not only to a lack of flowering, but also to inhibition of growth. To fight, you should use "Inta-Vir".

Conclusion

Planting and caring for Arends' saxifrage should take into account the basic requirements of the culture. Then the plant will become one of the garden decorations, and will be able to successfully fill in unsightly places. If the growing conditions are ignored, the desired result will be radically different from the one obtained.

Reviews about Arends' saxifrage

Maria Kryzhova, 38 years old, Kaluga

My first experience with Arends' saxifrage was 5 years ago. Then I planted the seeds in the ground in the fall, and in the spring seedlings sprouted from them. I did not pay special attention to them, so in the end about 20% of those planted remained. When the plants got stronger, I transplanted, as it seemed to me successfully, to a sunny area. As a result, 6 pieces survived. The next year, I moved them under a tree in partial shade. The seedlings perked up and started to grow. Periodically began to water and feed. Now these are beautiful lush bushes that delight with abundant flowering.

Ilona Surkova, 35 years old, Bryansk

Arends's saxifrage was grown from seeds. She stratified for 3 weeks, after which seedlings appeared after 7 days. Seedlings develop slowly at first. Therefore, there is no need to rush with a pick, since the seedlings are very weak. The transplant was carried out in mid-June. Not all survived, about 30% left. But the next year the bushes got stronger and mastered the adjacent territory, so they successfully disguised empty spaces. The ground cover blooms profusely within a month.

Saxifrage Arends: growing from seeds, varieties with photos and descriptions, reviews