Red Mossy Saxifrage

Red Mossy Saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii 'Red') is a small evergreen mat, about 20cm high and 30cm wide, whose cup-shaped flowers open in the deepest red and fade gently to deep pink in spring. It brings bold colour to shady borders, rockeries and containers, and it is extremely cold hardy.

Why you'll love it

• A bold red. Flowers open in the deepest red and fade gently to deep pink, a strong colour for a plant this size.
• A tidy evergreen mat. Small evergreen leaves form a low, mounded carpet that stays attractive when the plant is out of flower.
• Happy in shade. It performs well in shade, especially in hot, dry locations.
• Cold hardy. Extremely cold hardy, it shrugs off frost in alpine style gardens and cool districts.
• Made for small spaces. It is compact enough for window boxes, shallow troughs, rockeries and roof gardens.

Where it works best

Shady borders. Plant 25cm apart under shrubs or along a path edge. Red flowers show up well in dim light.

Rockeries and stone walls. Set between rocks, where the low mat will soften the edges and the red flowers stand out against grey stone.

Pots and window boxes. A grouping of three in a trough gives a dramatic spring display. Use a free draining mix and keep it watered.

Growing Red Mossy Saxifrage in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or part shade, especially in hot, dry positions. In cooler climates it will grow in full sun with sufficient water. It is extremely cold hardy, but hot, humid tropical climates do not suit it, so skip it for far north Queensland. South east Queensland and cooler districts are fine.

Soil. Free draining soil with compost suits it. Mulch after planting to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly until established and in dry weather. A spring dose of slow release fertiliser will keep it healthy.

Pruning. No routine pruning is needed. Remove spent blooms and tidy any dead leaves after flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Mossy Saxifrage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a rockery or a long edge, while the 140mm pots give a bigger start. Plant out promptly, mulch and keep the soil moist while the mat forms.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse rockery plants
• Plants for partial shade
• More frost hardy plants
• The best groundcovers for shade

Common questions

Will the flowers stay red?

They open in deep red and fade gently to deep pink as they age, so a plant carries both tones through the spring display.

Can it take full sun?

In cooler climates, yes, with sufficient water. In hot, dry districts, shade or part shade is the better choice.

Does it suit a warm climate?

It is fine in south east Queensland and further south, but it does not like hot, humid tropical conditions.