17) Saxifraga, Heuchera and other Saxifragaceae

Propagation of Porophyllum and Ligulate Saxifrages

Submitted by Lori S. on Sat, 02/21/2015 - 17:29

Adrian Young, who is a noted authority on Saxifraga, as well as holding the position of Registrar for Saxifraga, International Cultivar Registration Authority, Waterperry Gardens, has given his authorization to post his article (below) on propagation of Porophyllum and Ligulate saxifrages. Enjoy!

(NB. This article may not be copied or reproduced in full or in part without the express permission of the author, Adrian Young.)

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Saxifraga germination

Submitted by Broekhuis on Sun, 02/15/2015 - 13:02

So what's the secret to germinating saxifragas? Over the years, I've probably made 20 attempts to germinate various species, many from the NARGS seedex, and with the exception of the oddball S. stolonifera, I've never had a lick of success. I've tried them with my standard treatment on filter paper (a few weeks at room temperature, 6-8 weeks in the fridge, and then back to room temperature under light), and I've also tried the sow-and-forget to pots set outside approach. All for nought. Is there a foolproof way of securing some seedlings?

Saxifraga 'Foster's Red' seedlings

Submitted by Peden on Tue, 11/20/2012 - 08:20

Several years ago, curious to see what would come of it, I nursed a potful of Saxifraga 'Foster's Red' seedlings into
adulthood. Of those that survived to bloom most were light yellow or white flowered; I'd say some 80%.Three or four were
"red". Two, perhaps three of these exist here still. I've encouraged the last and am taking notice of the next to last
listed here. Unlike Kabschias these are not insistent upon lime which may be why these "silvers" grow better in

Saxes in 2012

Submitted by WimB on Tue, 03/06/2012 - 10:54

Some Saxes are starting to flower here in Belgium now:

Saxifraga 'George Gershwin'
Saxifraga 'Kampa'
Saxifraga marginata f. milica
Saxifraga marginata
Saxifraga 'Marilyn Monroe'
Saxifraga scardica f. olymp
and Saxifraga sempervivum f. stenophylla