Saxifraga arendsii Peter Pan

Saxifraga 'Peter Pan', a variety of Turkish carpet or Mossy saxifrage, is a true little gem for well-maintained rockeries or flowering pots in partial shade. This saxifrage forms a small evergreen cushion similar to moss. In spring, it is covered with a multitude of tiny blood-red flowers with a small yellow heart. This perennial plant loves crevices and spaces between slabs, as long as it finds moist soil.

'Peter Pan' belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. Its ancestors come from the mountains of the Northern Hemisphere. The growth rate of this small perennial is quite slow. Its adult size will not exceed 5cm (2in) in height, 15cm (6in) when in flower. 'Peter Pan' forms a small prostrate cushion-like clump. The foliage is composed of small rosettes of finely cut leaves, with a lovely mossy green colour. The flowering takes place in May-June, in the form of small single dark red cup-shaped flowers, which are delicately scented. They are carried by slender stems.

The 'Peter Pan' mossy saxifrage can be used to line paths and borders. It will thrive very well on embankments where grass is scarce. It can also replace the moss that invades a shaded end of a lawn. Simply dig out the moss and plant a carpet of saxifrages. For the same reason, this plant will serve as ground cover between shrubs and trees. A fantastic hiding place, it adapts without any difficulty to the poorest sandy soils or shady locations. It is highly valued in the most disadvantaged areas of the garden, such as northern or shaded exposures. It can also be used to camouflage a portion of soil where stones or construction waste have been buried.