ORNAMENTAL PLANTS OF HORTICULTURE VALUE
Selection of perennials
Saxifraga L.
Saxifrage, rockfoil |
Saxifragaceae |
A large genus of about 300-370 species depending on classification.
In the FSU about 130 species, mostly in the Arctic and the Caucasus.
Many are well-known garden plants. They are very desirable because
of their life-forms.
S. juniperifolia Adams
The Caucasus. On humid rocks, on limestone, in shady places,
mainly in the alpine zone.
Plant forming a thick evergreen mosslike cushion or carpet.
Perennial shoots repeatedly branched and creeping. Vegetative
ascending shoots 3-7 cm. Leaves small, dark green, almost subulate.
Corymblike inflorescence with bright yellow flowers exceeding leaves
by 3-5 cm. V - evergreen plant, new leaves appear April-May. Fl -
May for 2-3 weeks. Fr - July. Propagation by seed and cuttings.
Prefers sunny places, but can grow in semishaded sites. Well suited
for the rock garden. Z 4. Poorly known in cultivation.
S. sachalinensis F. Schmidt
Far East (Sakhalin, Kuril Islands). On stony slopes in crevices
near sea shore.
Plant up to 35 (-50) cm. Rhizome short, oblique. Leaves 3-7 in
rosette, somewhat fleshy, ovate, 3.5-8.0 cm x 5 cm, pubescent,
reddish-violet beneath, green above. Inflorescence a loose panicle,
flowers minute, numerous, white. V - April to October. Fl - May.
Fr - June-July. P - by seed and by division. Plant in partially
shaded locations in rock gardens. Z 4.
Some other new species have been investigated, among them the
following.
S. subverticillata Boiss.
Caucasus (Dagestan and western Transcaucasus). In alpine zone.
Mat-forming plant 4-5 cm, leaves linear, flowers yellow.
Evergreen.
S. scleropoda Sommier et Levier.
Caucasus (the Great Caucasus and Transcaucasus). In alpine zone.
Mat-forming plant 5 cm, develops a dense evergreen cushion.
Flowers yellow.
Both species well suited to the rock garden. Z 5 (4). New.
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