Rock Everlasting
phagnalon saxatile
Also known as: ["Everlasting of the Rocks","Rock Phagnalon"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to rocky habitats, characterized by its woolly leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Phagnalon |
| Botanical Name: | Phagnalon saxatile |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny, well-drained slopes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in summer; avoid north-facing windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.
Soil
well-draining, rocky or sandy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use cactus mix as base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warmth.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temps; protect from sudden drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Let callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective cutting of stems to shape plant; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before active growth; remove dead/damaged stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; trim roots if crowded; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil; trim roots; ensure drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow drying.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or yellowing in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; ensure soil dries quickly; use frost cloth if needed.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or curl; growth may slow in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation; mist foliage lightly.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer; avoid winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPhagnalon saxatile is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPhagnalon saxatile is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPhagnalon saxatile is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phagnalon saxatile suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and is ideal for rock gardens.
Q: Does Phagnalon saxatile attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Phagnalon saxatile be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, especially in well-drained soils.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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