Companion Planting with Saxifraga – Saxifrages
Saxifraga
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Creating a Charming Alpine Garden: What to Plant with Saxifraga (Saxifrages)
Introduction
Saxifraga, commonly known as Saxifrages, are a diverse genus of perennial plants that are often found in alpine and rocky habitats. These charming plants are known for their low-growing, mat-forming habit and delicate, star-shaped flowers. They make excellent additions to rock gardens, crevices, and containers, providing color and texture. Pairing Saxifraga with suitable companion plants can create a visually appealing and harmonious alpine garden. In this blog post, we will explore various plants that make excellent companions for Saxifrages, taking into account their growth habits, bloom times, and visual appeal.
Sempervivum (Houseleeks)
Sempervivum, commonly known as Houseleeks or Hens and Chicks, are a group of low-growing, rosette-forming succulents that thrive in well-drained, rocky soils. Their unique appearance and wide range of colors make them an excellent companion for Saxifrages in rock gardens. Some popular Sempervivum varieties include:
Sempervivum ‘Ruby Heart
Sempervivum ‘Oddity
Sempervivum arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek)
Dianthus (Pinks)
Dianthus, or Pinks, are a group of flowering plants that are well-suited to rock gardens and alpine habitats. Their grass-like foliage and fragrant, fringed flowers create a beautiful contrast to the delicate leaves and flowers of Saxifrages. Some popular Dianthus varieties for alpine gardens include:
Dianthus alpinus (Alpine Pink)
Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink)
Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink)
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
Sea Thrift is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial with grass-like foliage and round, pink or white flower heads. This salt-tolerant plant thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions, making it a suitable companion for Saxifrages in rock gardens. Its tidy growth habit and cheerful flowers provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
Creeping Phlox is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that produces a carpet of vibrant, star-shaped flowers in spring. This plant prefers well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for planting alongside Saxifrages to create a colorful, textured ground cover. Some popular Creeping Phlox cultivars include:
Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe
Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Blue
Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame
Thymus (Thyme)
Thyme is a versatile, aromatic herb that can also serve as an excellent companion plant for Saxifrages in rock gardens. Low-growing, creeping Thyme varieties can form dense mats, adding texture and visual interest to your garden. Their tiny, fragrant flowers attract pollinators and provide an added benefit. Some popular Thyme varieties for rock gardens include:
Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)
Thymus praecox ‘Albiflorus’ (White Creeping Thyme)
Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink Chintz Thyme)
Conclusion
When selecting companion plants for your Saxifrages, consider plants with similar growth habits, environmental requirements, and visual appeal. Sempervivum, Dianthus, Armeria maritima, Creeping Phlox,
Now you know What to plant with Saxifraga – Saxifrages
