Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
Also in this family:
Alpine Saxifrage, Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Caucasian Saxifrage, Drooping Saxifrage, Elephant Ears, False Buck's Beard, Fringe Cups, Highland Saxifrage, Indian Rhubarb, Irish Saxifrage, Kidney Saxifrage, London Pride, Marsh Saxifrage, Mossy Saxifrage, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Pick-a-back Plant, Purple Saxifrage, Pyrenean Saxifrage, Rodgers Bronze-leaf, Round-leaved Saxifrage, Rue-leaved Saxifrage, St. Patrick's Cabbage, Starry Saxifrage, Tufted Saxifrage, Umbrella Plant, Yellow Saxifrage
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, riverbanks, rocky places, woodland.
Our largest flowering Saxifrage. Branched clusters of flowers which each measure 2 to 3cm across. 5 sepals. 10 stamens. 2 styles. Saxifraga granulata, or Meadow Saxifrage, displays its captivating charm with delicate, white to pale pink flowers arranged in loose clusters atop slender stems during the late spring and early summer months. Each blossom boasts five rounded petals surrounded by green sepals, while ten stamens with yellowish anthers and two to five carpels grace the flower's center. Emitting a mild, sweet fragrance, these dainty blooms entice an array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and flies, further accentuating the allure of the plant. The flowers' gentle elegance, juxtaposed against the bright green, lobed leaves forming a basal rosette, makes the Meadow Saxifrage a truly enchanting sight in meadows, grasslands, and woodland edges across its native European habitats.
Fruit:
Saxifraga granulata, or Meadow Saxifrage, develops small, rounded capsules as its fruit after the flowering period. These capsules contain numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed to propagate the species. As the capsules mature, they turn from green to a pale brownish colour. The release of the seeds allows Meadow Saxifrage to spread and establish new populations in its favoured habitats, contributing to the plant's continued presence and natural beauty in meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, and woodland edges throughout Europe.
Leaves:
The leaves of Saxifraga granulata, or Meadow Saxifrage, form a low-growing basal rosette. They are bright green in colour and have a distinctive lobed or toothed appearance. Each leaf is palmately compound, with the lobes radiating outward from the central point where the leaf attaches to the stem. The lobes give the leaves an attractive and somewhat intricate look, enhancing the plant's overall aesthetic appeal. The leaves are relatively small, typically ranging from 2 to 6 centimeters in length, and they are covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. The lush and compact arrangement of the leaves provides an appealing backdrop to the delicate and graceful flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stems, creating a captivating visual display in its natural habitats, such as meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, and woodland edges across Europe.
Aroma:
The flowers are fragrant.
Other Names:
Granulated Saxifrage.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Saxifraga granulata, also known as meadow saxifrage or granulated saxifrage, is a species of perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the saxifrage family and typically grows to be about 5-15 cm tall. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The leaves are basal, oblong and granulated. It is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and damp, rocky areas. It is also used in cultivation as rock garden plants.
Blog
Meadow Saxifrage, also known by its scientific name Saxifraga granulata, is a beautiful and hardy plant that is native to many parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom. With its attractive foliage and delicate white or pink flowers, Meadow Saxifrage has become a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of color and charm to their outdoor spaces.
In this blog, we will explore the characteristics and growing habits of Meadow Saxifrage, as well as some tips on how to cultivate and care for this lovely plant.
Description and Characteristics
Meadow Saxifrage is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) and has a spread of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches). Its foliage is made up of small, green, succulent leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are generally smooth and oval in shape and can range from 1-4 cm (0.4-1.6 inches) in length.
The flowers of Meadow Saxifrage are borne on slender stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers are typically white, but can also be pink or lilac in color, and have five petals that are arranged in a star-like shape. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Growing Requirements
Meadow Saxifrage is a relatively easy plant to grow and is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil and does not do well in wet or waterlogged conditions.
Propagation
Meadow Saxifrage can be propagated by division or by seed. Dividing the plant is the easiest method and can be done in early spring or late summer. Simply dig up the plant, separate the clumps, and replant them in a new location. Seed propagation is also possible, but can be more challenging as the seeds require cold stratification before they will germinate.
Care and Maintenance
Meadow Saxifrage is a relatively low-maintenance plant and requires little care once established. However, it will benefit from regular watering during periods of drought and a light application of fertilizer in the spring. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage the plant to produce new blooms and help to extend the flowering season.
In conclusion, Meadow Saxifrage is a charming and easy-to-grow plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Whether you are looking to add color to your garden or attract pollinators to your outdoor space, Meadow Saxifrage is a great choice for any gardener.
More Information
Meadow Saxifrage is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures and can even withstand light frosts. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
One of the key benefits of Meadow Saxifrage is its ability to attract pollinators to the garden. The delicate flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Meadow Saxifrage can also be used in a variety of garden settings. It is well-suited to rock gardens, border plantings, and as a ground cover. It can be paired with other low-growing perennials such as dianthus, phlox, or creeping thyme to create a colorful and diverse garden bed.
In terms of cultural significance, Meadow Saxifrage has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was believed to have astringent and diuretic properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions.
Meadow Saxifrage is a beautiful and resilient plant that offers many benefits to gardeners and local ecosystems. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this charming plant is sure to add color, diversity, and beauty to your outdoor space.
While Meadow Saxifrage is a relatively low-maintenance plant, there are a few additional care tips that can help ensure its success in the garden. Here are a few additional things to keep in mind:
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Soil: Meadow Saxifrage prefers well-drained soil, so make sure the planting site has good drainage. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
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Watering: While Meadow Saxifrage is drought-tolerant, it will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Aim to water deeply once a week rather than giving the plant a little bit of water every day. This will encourage deeper root growth and help the plant better withstand dry conditions.
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Fertilizer: Meadow Saxifrage doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
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Mulch: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
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Deadheading: Removing spent flowers can help prolong the flowering period and encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the spent flowers just above the next set of leaves.
By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your Meadow Saxifrage thrives in your garden and continues to provide beauty and benefits for years to come.
Video
Meadow Saxifrage filmed in Lancaster, Lancashire on the 15th May 2023.
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