White Mossy Saxifrage

White Mossy Saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii 'White') is a small evergreen mat, about 20cm high and 30cm wide, covered in spring with cup-shaped white flowers that have golden centres. It copes better than the other colours with prolonged high temperatures, which makes it a good pick for warmer districts.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white with golden centres. Cup-shaped white blooms open in abundance in spring and light up a shady corner.
• Better in the heat. It is more resilient to prolonged high temperatures, including long spells above 30C, than the other colours.
• An evergreen mat. Small evergreen leaves form a mounded mat that keeps the spot neat all year.
• Extremely cold hardy. Frost does not trouble it, so it suits cool districts and alpine style gardens as well.
• Welcomed by bees. The open flowers are visited by bees in spring.

Where it works best

Shady borders and white gardens. Plant 25cm apart under shrubs and among ferns, where white flowers glow in low light.

Rockeries and stone edges. Set between rocks and paving to soften hard edges. Golden centres add a point of warmth.

Pots and roof gardens. Compact enough for shallow containers, window boxes and exposed roof gardens. Keep the mix free draining and watered.

Growing White Mossy Saxifrage in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade, especially in hot, dry locations, though it will grow in full sun in cooler climates with sufficient water. It is extremely cold hardy, but hot, humid tropical climates do not suit it, so it is not a plant for far north Queensland. South east Queensland and southwards are fine.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with compost suits it. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperature even while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes and in dry spells. A slow release fertiliser in spring keeps the plant healthy.

Pruning. No routine pruning is needed. Remove spent flower heads and any dead patches after flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White 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 border edge, while the 140mm pots give a bigger start. Plant out promptly, mulch and keep the soil moist.

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
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• White flowering plants for Australian gardens

Common questions

Is white the best colour for a warm garden?

Of the mossy saxifrage colours it copes best with prolonged heat, but it still prefers part shade in hot, dry locations and does not suit humid tropical climates.

When does it flower?

In abundance in spring. For the rest of the year it is a tidy evergreen mat.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 25cm apart for a continuous mat of foliage and flowers.