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An exquisite evergreen perennial - this is how the bryophyte saxifrage is described by many gardeners. This plant is really widely used in the design of gardens and personal plots. And all thanks to the peculiar 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 the lifeless rocky slopes.
Botanical description of the species
Bryophyte saxifraga (Saxifraga bryoides) is one of the representatives of the Saxifraga family of the same genus. A perennial herb belonging to the ornamental plant can be found in nature on the rocky areas of Europe.
It is a saxifrage mossy grass with rough oblong leaves, which, in the process of growing on the surface of the earth, forms a dark green loose carpet. It reaches a height of 10 cm.
The leaf plates are oblong-lanceolate (up to 7 mm), slightly bent upward, numerous, collected in small rosettes. Their tips have a pointed-thorn-like shape, along the edge you can observe short villi of a grayish-green hue.
Saxifrage peduncles are located above the rosettes, their length reaches 6 cm. Inflorescences are formed at the tips, 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. Saxifrage seeds are small, they are formed in large quantities.
The root system is powerful, branched, capable of penetrating into hard rocky soil.
Mossy saxifrage has several decorative varieties that will be a good decoration for rocky slopes, rockeries and other areas with solid soil in the garden.
Red Admiral
The variety of saxifrage mossy Red Admiral is very attractive, as beautiful small inflorescences of a rich crimson color rise above the green-emerald rosettes. The plant prefers places with diffused light, does not tolerate direct sunlight and waterlogging.
Red saxifrage flowers of this variety look very advantageous against the background of a green carpet.
Elf
The bryophyte saxifrage of the Elf variety, in contrast to the Red Admiral, has flowers of a less bright color. Inflorescences are represented by small baskets of a pale pink hue.
Elf plant is undersized, but blooming profusely
Fairy (Sprite)
Saxifrage mossy varieties Feya (Sprite) are decorated with very bright red flowers, towering over 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 effect
Application in landscape design
The decorative ground cover saxifrage mossy is successfully used in landscape design. It is great for growing in rockeries, on alpine slides, along curbs and other stone compositions.
Planting saxifrage mossy is carried out both as a single plant and together with other ground cover perennials.The main feature of combining these plants into a group is the correct selection of color so that the composition is not too flashy or, conversely, does not merge into one large spot.
In addition, designers often use mossy saxifrage of different varieties to separate the functional areas of the site. For example, a strip of unusual carpet can separate a flower garden from a common garden or create a framing for a resting place.
And the combination of mossy saxifrage with other flowering plants makes it possible to grow it together with petunias or phloxias. The formed lush clumps of these garden crops will delight not only externally, but dispel a delicate aroma around the garden.
Reproduction methods
Reproduction of bryophyte saxifrage is a simple process that even an amateur gardener can handle. At the same time, there are several methods of breeding this plant at once:
- seeds;
- layering;
- dividing the bush.
It is possible to grow a mossy saxifrage from seeds through seedlings, but subject to all sowing rules.
The seeds of the bryophyte saxifrage must be subjected to stratification. This improves germination and ensures stronger, healthier seedlings. Also, the container and the substrate are pre-prepared. The soil can be used universal, and if the mixture is prepared independently, then it is imperative to disinfect it using a manganese solution or calcining in the oven.
Since the seeds of mossy saxifrage are very small, they are mixed with a small amount of sand before sowing. Grooves are made and planting material is laid. It should not be deepened into the soil, you can only additionally sprinkle it with wet sand. After that, the container is covered with glass or foil and placed in a well-lit warm place.
The usual germination period for saxifrage seeds is 7 days, but sometimes seedlings can only be expected for 10-14 days. As soon as the sprouts become visible, the shelter is removed, while it is important to maintain a constant temperature of + 20-22 aboutC. Watering is carried out regularly, but does not allow stagnant water.
Seedlings of saxifrage mossy are very fragile and must be handled with care when transplanted into open ground.
Reproduction by layering of this plant is rarely resorted to. The most suitable time for this method is considered to be the period when the bryophyte saxifrage faded. They choose the strongest shoots from the mother bush and bend them to the ground, fix them with staples. Sprinkle on top with soil, watered abundantly. While they are taking root, it is important to keep the substrate constantly hydrated. For the winter, the saxifrage layers are not separated, but covered with spruce branches or insulated with sawdust. And in the spring, when the snow melts, with the correct actions, the young plant will root well and will be ready to separate from the mother bush.
Reproduction by dividing the bush is one of the simplest breeding methods for bryophyte saxifrage, provided that the mother plant is strong and healthy enough. To begin with, prepare the landing holes. The place for them should be chosen in partial shade. Be sure to equip drainage and sprinkle with soil mixture from turf, compost, lime and sand. Then, 2 hours before the separation procedure, the mother bush of the saxifrage is watered abundantly, this will help to dig it up more easily 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 the planting holes and sprinkled with soil, lightly tamped and watered abundantly with water. Before winter, be sure to insulate young plants with spruce branches or sawdust.
Planting and leaving
Depending on the method of reproduction, the timing of planting and the subsequent care of young bryophyte 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.
Timing
Planting mossy saxifrage in open ground should be done in the spring. Usually, seedlings are planted in a permanent place at the end of May and beginning of June, when the air temperature is set at around + 18-20 aboutC.
If direct sowing of bryophyte saxifrage seeds to a permanent place is assumed, then it is performed from March to April. At the same time, before the first shoots appear, they must build a kind of greenhouse, covering the area with a film. In the fall, before the onset of frost, seeds are sown for the winter without prior germination.
In the summer (June-July), the rooted cuttings of the saxifrage are transplanted, separating them from the mother bush.
Site selection and preparation
Mossy saxifrage is a non-capricious plant, but when choosing a place for planting, you should still rely on its natural preferences. It is best to highlight the area where diffused light predominates. Of course, saxifrage can grow in the open sun, but subject to all the rules for care and frequent watering.
The plant also does not have special requirements for soil, but it grows best on medium-fertile soil with weak or neutral acidity. If the soil on the site is heavy and does not have the required looseness, then peat and sand should be added to it. With increased acidity, lime must be added to the soil.
Saxifrage prefers soil with a high salt and limestone content
Landing algorithm
Basically, the process of planting bryophyte saxifrage itself has little difference from other horticultural crops. Algorithm of actions:
- To begin with, prepare shallow holes. When planting several plants, the distance between them should be kept at least 10 cm.
- Seedlings are planted at an angle, sprinkled with soil and lightly tamped.
- Water abundantly at the root.
Watering and feeding schedule
The bryophyte saxifrage is adapted to grow in harsh conditions, and excessive care can adversely affect its well-being. The plant does not like waterlogging, so watering must be carried out as the soil dries out. It is best to mulch the root zone, which will maintain a moderate soil moisture and minimize the frequency of watering.
As for fertilizers, bryophyte saxifrage practically does not need them. It is enough to make 1-2 top dressing per season. To do this, you should use superphosphate or bone meal. But it is better to refuse nitrogen-containing complexes, since their excess can lead to an abundant increase in green mass and the saxifrage simply will not bloom.
Wintering
The adult mossy saxifrage calmly tolerates frosts, so it does not need special shelter for the winter. But young plants must be insulated. Sawdust, dry leaves or spruce branches are suitable as a covering material.
Diseases and pests
Adapted to harsh conditions, bryophyte saxifrage also has a high immunity to diseases and pests. However, if you do not follow the care recommendations, then the plant becomes vulnerable. For example, over-watering can cause root rot or powdery mildew. To combat such ailments, the affected parts of the plant are removed, and as a preventive measure they are treated with fungicides.
Among pests, bryophyte saxifrage mainly affects aphids and spider mites. If they are found, you can resort to treating the plant with soapy water. Such drugs as Fitovern, Aktara, Tanrek are also effective against these parasites.
Useful properties and contraindications
In addition to its decorative appearance, bryophyte saxifrage is valued for its healing properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-hemorrhoidal properties.
Application in traditional medicine
Due to the content of essential oils, vitamin C, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarin, tannins in the leaves and roots of saxifrage, it is used as an anti-febrile 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, bryophyte saxifrage should be used as a medicine only after consulting 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
Bryophyte saxifrage is an amazing plant that can ennoble those areas where most garden crops can hardly take root. Moreover, in addition to its unusual and attractive appearance, it has healing properties.
