Saxifraga federici-augusti is also known in cultivation as S. grisebachii. It is commonly referred to as the Engleria saxifrage. This species is native to Greece, Albania and south-central Macedonia, where it grows on limestone screes, cracks and crevices. Plants produce attractive, evergreen, silver-grey rosettes, 5-8 cm in diameter. From February to late June, nodding flowers are produced on recurved stems 15-25 cm tall. The leaves on the flower stems are reddish-pink and covered in silvery hairs. The reddish-pink flowers are narrow with extended stamens.
April to June in cultivation.
This saxifrage is a lime-lover and should be grown under neutral to alkaline soil conditions. It needs excellent drainage but at the same time, even moisture and some humus content. North to east-facing slopes are best as it does not appreciate hot afternoon sun. It is an excellent candidate for a trough, crevice garden or for cultivation under alpine house conditions. It is hardy to zone 4.
This saxifrage may be grown from seed or from rosette cuttings. Seeds need 4-6 weeks stratification and the fine seeds should be surface-sown, with a thin layer of grit placed over the seed. Rosettes may be taken in early-mid summer and rooted in sand in a shady frame.