Saxifrage
Saxifraga fortuneifam. Saxifragaceae
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Pl. 29F2 — Saxifraga fortunei
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IOverview
Overview
Saxifrage, known botanically as Saxifraga fortunei, is a perennial plant native to regions including China South-Central, Japan, Korea, the Kuril Islands, Manchuria, Primorye, and Sakhalin. This hardy species thrives in partial sun or shade, requiring moist conditions and adaptable soil types—ranging from light sandy to heavy clay soils. It is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where space is limited due to its compact height of 0.4 meters. Its native range spans across East Asia, contributing to the diverse flora of these regions.
Quick answers
What is Saxifrage?
Saxifrage, known botanically as Saxifraga fortunei, is a perennial plant native to regions including China South-Central, Japan, Korea, the Kuril Islands, Manchuria, Primorye, and Sakhalin.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Saxifrage thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows as a perennial reaching up to 0.4 meters in height. For propagation, divide the plant or use stem cuttings. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary uses.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Saxifrage for the first time
7steps
Start with Saxifrage as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Saxifrage plant or seeds, a container if planting indoors, and potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly into the garden after danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial sun or shade as needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil and ensure it remains consistently moist. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Saxifrage (Saxifraga fortunei) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation instructions here, but note that they can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Saxifragaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Saxifragaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 29f2e428-9b42-4f18-8cc1-7937981349a1
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