London Pride
saxifraga media
Also known as: ["Saxifraga × urbium","London Pride Saxifrage"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to Europe, known for its clusters of star-shaped flowers and rosettes of basal leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Saxifraga |
| Botanical Name: | Saxifraga media |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or shaded indoor containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with peat moss, perlite, and sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in summer to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; protect from direct sun; place in a spot with filtered light for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light levels seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure soil is well-aerated; avoid compacted soil; maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–70°F (15–21°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) preferred in winter.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with diluted balanced fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of plantlets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent disease.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as needed; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; helps refresh soil and prevent congestion.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSaxifraga media is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSaxifraga media is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSaxifraga media is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Saxifraga media be watered?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on weather conditions.
Q: Does Saxifraga media require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded rockeries.
Q: Is Saxifraga media invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive and spreads moderately through offsets.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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