Saxifraga granulata
meadow saxifrage
Overview
Saxifraga granulata is a perennial of dry grassland that grows from a cluster of small underground bulbils, or granules, which give the species its name. In spring it forms a basal rosette of kidney-shaped leaves 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) wide, with rounded, lobed margins and a soft, slightly hairy surface. From April to June, slender, sticky-hairy stems rise 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) and carry a loose, branched cluster of white flowers. Each flower is 0.5-1.2 inches (12-30 mm) across, with five rounded petals faintly veined in green. After flowering the plant sets seed, then dies back to its bulbils and remains dormant through summer and autumn, reappearing the following spring. It grows in well-drained neutral to slightly acid grassland, on meadows, banks, and churchyards, often on sandy or loamy soils. Heavy fertilising, dense competition, and waterlogging all reduce it, and it cannot tolerate soils that stay wet in summer when the bulbils need to rest dry.
Native Range
Native across Europe, from Scandinavia and the British Isles south to the Mediterranean and east into western Asia. In Britain it grows in scattered lowland grassland, mainly in England.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildflower meadows, species-rich lawns, rock gardens, and dry grassy banks. It flowers with the first spring grasses before going dormant for summer. The white spring flowers support early pollinators in short turf.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from April to June, the loose clusters held above the leaf rosette. The white, five-petalled flowers are visited by bees, hoverflies, and other insects for pollen and nectar. Blooming lasts a few weeks before the plant sets seed and dies back.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Saxifraga granulata grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining neutral to slightly acid soil that dries out in summer. It needs a dry summer rest while dormant and rots in ground that stays wet once the leaves have died back. Propagation is by separating the bulbils in late summer or by seed sown when ripe. In cultivation it suits meadow turf, rock gardens, and the front of dry borders, blending with grasses that share its short spring season. The rosettes reappear in autumn or late winter and flower the following spring. Rich, moist, or heavily shaded ground shortens its life and reduces flowering.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Faded flower stems are removed once seed has set, or left to self-sow into open turf. The dying foliage is cleared as the plant enters its summer dormancy.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons