Hypnum Saxifrage

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

Hypnum saxifrage (Latin Saxifraga hypnoides) - beautiful decorative culture; a species of the genus Saxifrage of the Saxifrage family. In nature, it grows mainly in mountains, talus, rocky areas, rocks and on humid heights of some European countries, for example, France, Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland, etc. The species was described back in 1753 by the famous Swedish naturalist, physician and taxonomist Karl Linnaeus.

Brief description of culture

Hypnum saxifrage is represented by perennial plants up to 20 s in height with light green, incised, pubescent, rosette leaves and an erect peduncle up to 15 cm high, bearing loose inflorescences consisting of numerous white flowers. Hypnum saxifrage blooms in late May - early June.

This type of saxifrage is called bryophyte, it is undersized, but it looks more elegant and attractive than, for example, the type of turf saxifrage. In the process of growth, of course, subject to the conditions of cultivation and proper care, the hypnum saxifrage forms a beautiful and dense "pillow". It should be noted that the species under consideration grows rather quickly, creating a kind of lawns, however, under the snow, the rosettes are often underwire, but in the spring they recover rather quickly.

The subtleties of growing

In general, saxifrage is not very demanding on growing conditions. However, they feel better on light, moderately moist, permeable and fertile substrates. But the community with heavy, waterlogged, waterlogged, highly saline and dry soils will not tolerate even with good care. The location is preferably sunny or with diffused light. I must say that hypnum saxifrage is valued by Russian gardeners and flower growers for its high winter-hardy properties and decorativeness, however, these days it is not very popular.

Caring for hypnum saxifrage consists of the simplest procedures. And the most important and obligatory procedure, which is responsible for the condition and appearance of plants, can be safely recognized as watering. It should be regular and moderate, neither overdrying of the earthy coma, nor overmoistening should be allowed. Top dressing will also have a positive effect on plant health, two per season will be enough. One top dressing is recommended in the spring, the second after flowering. What else does a saxifrage need? Transplant, of course. So that the plants do not lose their former decorativeness, the bushes must be divided and transplanted every 4-5 years.

It has already been mentioned that the hypnum saxifrage has a high winter hardiness; it is advisable to protect it for the winter with a light shelter, for example, dry fallen leaves. The culture does not need preventive treatments against pests and diseases, since saxifrage practically does not get sick and is not attacked by pests. Although, if some growing conditions are not observed, fungal diseases are possible. Of the unpleasant features, rotting of the root system can be noted with excessive watering, and this always leads to death.

By the way, the hypnum saxifrage reproduces by the seed method and vegetatively (by dividing the bush). The seed method involves two methods - by sowing in open ground or through seedlings. The second method is considered more effective, in addition, it allows you to get good and high-quality seedlings. Seeds are sown in seedling boxes, which are first filled with a nutritious and light substrate. After sowing, the boxes are covered with glass or polyethylene. Before the emergence of seedlings, one should not forget about watering and airing. The grown seedlings dive into peat pots, and with the arrival of a warm spring, they are planted in the ground at a distance of 25 cm from each other.