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Saxifraga stolonifera is a vigorous woodland perennial that spreads by long stolons. It has long been grown in a rather silvery form both in the more adventurous gardens
and, more usually, as a house plant. I have planted this one in the light shade of some mature trees and I hope it will wander around gently without requiring
much intervention. 'Kinki Purple' is a new introduction of the species by Crug Farm Plants. In their online catalogue they say: "A hardy evergreen perennial, with conspicuous rounded intricately veined purple-green leaves. Spreading by numerous long slender stolons hence the vernacular name of ‘Mother of a Thousand’. Forming a dense evergreen carpet of overlapping softly hairy foliage affording glimpses of the red-purple undersides. Flowering for us from June-September, on 30 cm pyramidical spikes of irregular white flowers with two long lower petals, while it will fill whatever space it is given, easily controlled as its spread is above ground. From one of our collections gathered in the high altitudinal mountains of the Kinki peninsula, central Honshu Japan in 1997. Easily grown in part to full shade and in a moist but drained soil." The Plant Delights catalogue says: "From high in the mountains of Japan's Kinki Peninsula comes this Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones collection BSWJ4972. In appearance, Saxifraga 'Kinki Purple' is similar to Saxifraga 'Maroon Beauty' with 3" rounded, purple-backed leaves overlaid with wine-red in spring. Each leaf is covered in long red hair that insects have to shave before eating. Each rosette sends out 1' long, bright red threads that drop to the ground like fireworks, sprouting new plants where they land. In 5 years, expect a 3' wide patch, topped in May and June with a marvelous show of 1' spikes composed of small, airy, white flowers. We have found Saxifraga stolonifera will tolerate dry soils, but a moist, well-drained site is preferred." |
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| 11th July 2014 | ||
