Saxifraga cotyledon

Pyramidal Saxifrage Saxifragaceae

A magnificent evergreen saxifrage forming substantial rosettes of broad, grey-green, lime-encrusted leaves, from which rise elegant, branching pyramidal panicles of numerous small white flowers. The flowering stems can reach 30–60cm, creating a striking display above the compact rosettes. The species is monocarpic, with the flowering rosette dying after flowering, but it usually produces offsets beforehand. 

Range: An Arctic-alpine species with a remarkably disjunct European distribution, occurring from Iceland and Scandinavia southwards through the Alps and westwards to the Pyrenees. Kew records it as native in Austria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, while the Alpine Garden Society notes its occurrence generally on acidic rocks. In the Pyrenees it is particularly associated with siliceous rock fissures from the montane to subalpine zones. 

Grow in full sun in very well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil, preferably in a raised alpine bed, trough or rock garden. Despite its lime-encrusted foliage, it is often associated with acidic siliceous rocks in the wild, so excellent drainage is more important than soil reaction. Protect from excessive winter wet.

Flowering: May–July
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Height: 30–60cm
Spread: 20–30cm