Saxifrage Ascending

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Saxifrage ascending (Latin Saxifraga adscendens) - decorative biennial culture; a representative of the genus Saxifrage of the Saxifraga family. In nature, the species can be found in places with well-moistened soils of the northern part of North America and in Europe.

Characteristics of culture

Ascending saxifrage is represented by herbaceous plants, the height of which varies from 5 to 20-25 cm, forming graceful dense basal rosettes of leaves as it grows, subsequently forming a dense and very attractive carpet. Ascending saxifrage has a slightly thickened rhizome, obovate or spatulate, green, serrate leaves along the edge, equipped with short petioles and divided into several teeth (usually 3-5).

Stem leaves look a little different, they are whole-edged, spear-shaped, slightly pointed at the apex, arranged alternately. The flowers are small, collected in forked inflorescences, consist of ovoid sepals of white color, have obovate obovate leaves, slightly incised at the ends. Fruits are obovate capsules containing black small seeds.

The saxifrage blooms in the third decade of June - August, often before the first days of September. Long-lasting flowering. The species in question is photophilous, but has a negative attitude to direct sunlight, and needs shading at noon. They develop well in the backyards and along the openwork crowns of trees and large shrubs. Will be a wonderful decoration for any corner of the garden.

Growing from seeds and care

The seeds of the ascending saxifrage (like those of other species) are very small, but they are distinguished by high germination. When sown indoors, the seeds germinate within a week, sometimes a day earlier. Before sowing, it is recommended to subject the seeds to cold stratification; the percentage of germination largely depends on this procedure. Sowing seeds should be carried out at the beginning of April, until June (planting in the ground) they have time to get stronger and will be ready for transplanting into open ground.

By the way, seeds are stratified in a shallow container, half filled with moist and light soil. The seeds are not buried in the ground, they are simply scattered over the surface, then sent to the cold, for example, in the refrigerator, for 14-21 days. Immediately after stratification, the container is removed and placed on a well-lit and warm windowsill without drafts. A plastic wrap is pulled over the container, such a procedure will create greenhouse conditions in which the seeds will germinate faster.

The optimum temperature for germination is 20-22C, but not lower than 18C. Observing all conditions, including humidity and temperature, seedlings appear quite quickly. With the formation of strong leaves on the seedlings, they are dived in separate containers or in seedling boxes, but at a greater distance from each other. Many growers advise diving to form a second true leaf.

In open ground, grown saxifrage seedlings are planted in early summer, that is, in the first or second decade of June. The soil is prepared in advance, it is dug up, compost is applied and good drainage is arranged. After planting, young plants are watered abundantly. The distance between the saxifrage should be at least 10-15 cm. During their growth, they close together and form a beautiful and airy rug. It is not recommended to remove soil from the roots of seedlings when planting in the ground. Soils for saxifrage should be light, permeable and moist. In such an area, the plants will take root very quickly and begin to develop more actively.

Further care of the ascending saxifrage consists in systematic moderate watering, fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers in liquid form, as well as loosening and weeding. The main procedure is watering. It must be treated with all care, because saxifrage will not tolerate waterlogging or overdrying. Everything should be in moderation. Lack of moisture will affect the condition of the root system and foliage.