Saxifraga cortusifolia
Family: Saxifragaceae
What it is like
Saxifraga cortusifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Wet shaded places, especially on rocks and along streams in mountains, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a cool position in a moist humus-rich soil. Prefers an acid soil. Grows well in light woodland or in a shady position in the rock garden. This species is not very hardy in Britain according to one report, whilst another says that it is in climatic zone 7 and should therefore succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. However, the leaves and the flowers are liable to be frost-damaged by autumn frosts. A polymorphic species, it is closely related to S. stolonifera, differing in not having runners.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist, wet